Home / Guides / MP4, MOV and WebM: which video format should you use?
MP4, MOV and WebM: which video format should you use?
Video files come in a handful of common formats, and the name at the end of the file tells you which. MP4 is the one that works almost everywhere. MOV comes from Apple, and WebM is made for the web. This guide explains in plain words what each format is, what a container and a codec are, which devices and apps play which formats, when it is worth converting, and which format to choose when you save, edit or share video. It also explains why the files you save from social platforms are almost always MP4.
Last updated: October 29, 2026
Container and codec
A video file has two parts. The container is the box that holds the video, the sound and extra information. The codec is the way the picture and sound are compressed inside it. MP4, MOV and WebM are containers. H.264, HEVC and VP9 are codecs. Two MP4 files can use different codecs, which is why a file may play on one device and not on another.
MP4
MP4 is the most widely supported format. Phones, computers, televisions, game consoles and nearly every editor can play it. Most social platforms serve video as MP4 with the H.264 codec, because it works for almost everyone. If you want one format to keep, choose MP4.
MOV
MOV is Apple's container. iPhones often record in it, and Mac editing apps use it. It is high quality and fine for editing, but some Windows and Android players are fussy. If you share a MOV with someone who cannot open it, converting to MP4 usually solves it.
WebM
WebM is a format built for the web, often with the VP9 or AV1 codec. It makes small files and plays in modern browsers, but some phone apps and older devices do not support it. It is not a good choice for sharing, though it is fine for web pages.
Audio formats
MP3 plays everywhere. M4A, which uses AAC, usually sounds a little better at the same size and works on Apple and Android devices. Neither is changed by a downloader. You get what the platform serves.
Which one should you keep?
Keep MP4 for sharing and everyday viewing. Keep the original MOV if you plan to edit on a Mac. Convert only when you must, because each conversion can lower quality. A free tool such as VLC or HandBrake can convert files when needed.
Questions people ask
Does converting lower quality? It can, because the video is compressed again. Convert only when you need to.
Why does my MOV not play on Windows? Some players lack the codec. VLC plays almost everything, or you can convert to MP4.
Which format do social platforms accept? Most accept MP4 and MOV. MP4 with H.264 is the safest choice.
Is WebM better? It makes small files, but fewer apps support it, so MP4 is the better choice for sharing.