Which codec is this video?
Drop a video to see its codec
MP4, MOV, MKV and most other video files, up to 100 MB
Works with MP4 MOV MKV AVI WebM
or paste a link (Ctrl+V) Paste a link
How it works
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Drop your file in the box above, or tap to choose one.
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We read the information saved inside it. This takes a few seconds.
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The answer appears right away, with a link you can share and the full details if you want them.
What a video codec is
A codec is the method used to squeeze video into a file. The same clip can be saved as H.264, HEVC, AV1 or ProRes, with very different file sizes and very different chances of playing everywhere.
When a video won't play, won't import into an editor, or a site rejects it, the codec is usually why. This tool tells you which one a file uses, with its resolution, frame rate and bitrate.
- H.264 / HEVC / AV1
- Resolution and fps
- Bitrate
- Container
Questions and answers
How can I tell if a video is H.264 or H.265?
Drop it into the box above. We read the codec from the file and show it in plain words (H.265 is shown as HEVC).
Why won't my HEVC video play on Windows?
Windows needs Microsoft's HEVC Video Extensions from the Store. Or convert a copy to H.264, which plays everywhere.
Which codec is best for sharing?
H.264 for maximum compatibility. HEVC or AV1 if you want smaller files and your audience has recent devices.
What is the difference between a codec and a container?
The container (MP4, MOV, MKV) is the box; the codec is how the video inside is compressed. An MP4 can hold H.264, HEVC or AV1.
Do iPhones record in HEVC?
By default, yes ("High Efficiency" in Camera settings). Choosing "Most Compatible" records H.264 instead.
What happens to my file?
Your file is sent over an encrypted connection, read on our servers and deleted automatically after about 24 hours. The answer is kept on a page with its own link, so you can share it. Tool result pages are never listed in search engines.