Video format
The WEBM format
WEBM is the web’s open video format, holding VP8, VP9 or AV1 video with Opus or Vorbis audio. Google launched WebM in 2010 as an open, royalty-free video format for the web.
When to use WEBM
Use WEBM for video on your own website, especially short loops and clips with transparency.
It is best for video embedded in web pages, and browser screen recordings, and it opens on Chrome, Firefox, Edge and recent Safari, but not the iPhone Photos app, many editors or social uploads.
How to open it: Drag it into Chrome, Firefox or Edge, or open it in VLC.
| Full name | WebM |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .webm |
| MIME type | video/webm |
| Introduced | 2010 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Usually contains | VP9 or AV1 video with Opus audio |
| Support | Current browsers and apps |
| Typical size | Usually a little smaller than MP4 at the same quality |
Good at
- Efficient VP9 and AV1 compression
- Open and royalty-free
- Supports transparent video
Not so good at
- iPhone apps, TVs and many editors refuse it
- WhatsApp and most upload forms won’t take it
The common mistake
Browser screen recorders save WEBM, and the recording then fails to upload or attach almost everywhere else.
Convert WEBM to another video format
Save the sound of a WEBM as
Compare WEBM with
Questions
What is a WEBM file?
WEBM (WebM) is the web’s open video format, holding VP8, VP9 or AV1 video with Opus or Vorbis audio. Google launched WebM in 2010 as an open, royalty-free video format for the web.
How do I open a WEBM file?
Drag it into Chrome, Firefox or Edge, or open it in VLC.
How do I convert WEBM to another format?
Pick the target on this page, or open the Video Converter, drop the WEBM file and choose a format. It converts in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.