Codec youtube

The reason you need a codec is simple — uncompressed audio and video files are massive! That makes it challenging to transport them, particularly over the internet. Without codecs, all digital media files would take dozens of times longer to download! Also, codecs optimize video files for playback. That means they will be much smoother and with higher frame rates. One vital thing we have to mention before moving to our picks for the best video codecs is the difference between a codec and a container format.

Container format is a package or a wrapper that contains all the necessary metadata of a digital file , including an audio codec , video codec, and closed captioning. Here are some of the most common container formats:. These containers can hold several types of codecs , so they are essentially just a storage unit and should not be confused with codecs. They will only open and allow the codecs to work their magic if the target device or program supports the stored codec.

The codec you should go for will primarily depend on your needs. However, some of the ones widely used in the online video industry are worth singling out. Here are some of the best video codecs out there currently:. However, H. Almost any device can play this codec, making it the most versatile and widely used one in the current global market. Supported Container Formats. The H. What audio formats and codecs are used for YouTube videos? Ask Question. Asked 5 years, 7 months ago.

Active 30 days ago. Viewed 33k times. Improve this question. Community Bot 1 3 3 bronze badges. Phlox Midas Phlox Midas 1 1 gold badge 2 2 silver badges 5 5 bronze badges. Do you mean playback resolution? I was looking this up a few weeks back when I was looking to get the best audio quality possible. I found an official page, but it just skimmed the surface. I did find out that if you have over views on a video, the audio quality increases from like kbps to Also, the audio quality does not change with screen playback resolution.

You also assume that P is going to be available and don't ask about the most important thing - Bitrate followed by Resolution. What IS important is Bitrate and Resolution if "quality" is your goal. You can't upscale or use lossless to cheat since YouTube runs a 'Compression Test' to determine how much they can crush your Video with minimal degradation - upload mush and it will be highly compressed mush, upload high Resolution and high Bitrate, then YouTube will back off on the crushing, and deliver a much better viewing experience.

Notice that different Resolutions and 'Quality Expectations'. For 4K Video with low expectations you can upload Videos that have a Bitrate of Mbps but if you're a "Producer" and quality is your goal you need both a higher Framerate and to use at least Mbps for the Camera Bitrate before you compress it very gently.

If you upscale a low Resolution Video and use an uncompressed Codec hoping to get the finest quality possible you'll be caught and reduced to mush. People often complain that YouTube ruins their Videos, the problem is that they didn't upload high enough quality in the first place to 'trip the switch' and cause YouTube's Compressor to tread gently upon your Upload.

Pixel-peeking perfect Videos are possible. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. How does YouTube encode my uploads and what codec should I use to upload? Ask Question. Asked 9 years, 2 months ago. Active 1 year, 3 months ago.

Viewed 50k times. Improve this question. Community Bot 1. Ben Brocka Ben Brocka 2 2 gold badges 8 8 silver badges 18 18 bronze badges. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Some general info about the formats used: YouTube uses 4 container formats and 4 different codecs.

In regard of your linked question maybe they should be merged? Audio: For the audio use PCM if you want to stay lossless with the audio as well but again this is really just a theoretical quality improvement. Improve this answer.

Just the best and most essential codecs. No unnecessary bloat. Allows you to play practically everything. Hardware accelerated decoding of common video formats on compatible systems. Examples of supported video file formats:.

Dark theme. Supports 3D video when using included MadVR and compatible graphics driver. High quality video upscaling when using included MadVR. Plays Bluray discs no menu support.