Over 30 billion visits are made to YouTube each month, according to data gathered by Similarweb. We all know that videos on YouTube get billions of views each day.
We all want to harness the power of all those people seeing our videos. But there are dozens of ways to get your YouTube video wrong and not get the results that you want.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when uploading a video to YouTube is choosing the wrong video file format. YouTube supports several different video formats for uploading. If you are using the wrong one, your video might not play correctly.
Everything you need to know about YouTube Video Formats
MP4
MP4 is the best video format for YouTube. It is a format that allows for streaming and is compatible with various devices, browsers, and operating systems. MP4 also compresses video files, making them smaller and easier to upload than other formats.
A content creator can convert to mp4 using editing software to give viewers the best possible experience. The compression also allows for optimal streaming with minimal buffering and maintains excellent picture quality. MP4 files can support subtitles and graphics overlays.
AVI
AVI stands for Audio Video Interleave and is a popular file format for movies, video, and audio, developed by Microsoft. AVI is an appropriate format for YouTube videos due to its high quality and compatibility with many multimedia players.
AVI videos are compressed and can often be viewed with little compromise in quality. Not only is it lossless, but videos encoded in AVI tend to remain small compared to other formats. However, AVI is not supported on some mobile devices, certain browsers, and streaming services.
MOV
MOV files are proprietary file formats from Apple but can be used on PCs and other devices as well. They are popular when uploading videos to YouTube due to their high quality, flexibility, and usability on almost any platform. Most cameras and video editing software can output MOV files, which makes them versatile.
Since MOV files can hold both high and low-quality videos, they are a great choice for all types of YouTube videos. MOV files are also known for having great video and audio quality, so even longer videos will look and sound great when uploaded to YouTube.
WMV
WMV, which stands for Windows Media Video, offers a smaller file size without sacrificing video quality. This makes it easier to upload and share videos on the platform, allowing viewers to begin streaming them. WMV files are also compatible with the widest range of devices, which is why so many people prefer to use them on YouTube.
Unlike other formats, WMV allows for multiple audio and video tracks in the same video file. This makes it great for video projects with multiple segments. WMV files come with DRM protection, making sure the video content is not stolen or redistributed without permission.
Select the Best Video Format
The best video format for YouTube will depend on the content, purpose, and audience. It comes down to personal preference. What’s best for some may not be the best for others.
Experiment with both formats and decide which works best for your needs. If you are ready to produce videos for YouTube, consider what is best for your content and audience. Start now to reach your goals!
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