WebM vs MP4: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
WebM is an open format built for browsers; MP4 is the format everything plays. With VP9 or AV1, WebM is often smaller at the same quality, but iPhones, TVs and editors handle MP4 far better.
WebM vs MP4 Side by Side
| WebM | MP4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | WebM: WebM | MP4: MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| File extension | WebM: .webm | MP4: .mp4 |
| How it stores data | WebM: Container for VP8, VP9 or AV1 video with Opus or Vorbis audio | MP4: Container, usually H.264 or H.265 video with AAC audio |
| File size | WebM: depends on what is inside | MP4: depends on what is inside |
| Created by | WebM: Google, 2010 | MP4: Moving Picture Experts Group (ISO/IEC), 2001 |
| Best for | WebM: video embedded in web pages, screen recordings | MP4: sharing, uploading and playing video on any device |
| Watch out | WebM: iPhones, many TVs and most editing software do not open it | MP4: it holds fewer codec and subtitle types than MKV |
| Opens with | WebM: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, VLC | MP4: every phone, browser, TV and media player |
Choose WebM When
- Video embedded in web pages
- Projects that need a royalty-free format
Choose MP4 When
- Phones, TVs and social networks
- Editing
- Sending video to other people
Convert Between WebM and MP4
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, WebM or MP4?
WebM is an open format built for browsers; MP4 is the format everything plays. With VP9 or AV1, WebM is often smaller at the same quality, but iPhones, TVs and editors handle MP4 far better.
When should I use WebM?
Video embedded in web pages. Projects that need a royalty-free format.
When should I use MP4?
Phones, TVs and social networks. Editing. Sending video to other people.
What is WebM?
WebM is a royalty-free video format made for the web: browsers play it natively and screen recorders often save in it. It compresses well with VP9 or AV1.
What is MP4?
MP4 is the default video format of phones, cameras, browsers and social networks. It wraps compressed video and audio — usually H.264 and AAC — in a container almost every device can play.
Can I convert between WebM and MP4?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert WebM to MP4, or Convert MP4 to WebM with the converter linked on this page.