MP4 vs WebM: Which Format Should You Use?

Choosing the right video format is crucial for web performance, compatibility, and quality. In this guide, we compare MP4 and WebM in multiple aspects to help you decide.

Comparison Table

Feature	MP4	WebM
Browser Support	All major browsers, including Safari	Modern browsers only: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
File Size	Usually larger	Typically smaller due to VP9 encoding
Video Quality	High, compatible with most devices	High, optimized for web streaming
Audio Support	MP3, AAC, AC3	Vorbis, Opus
Use Case	General video playback, wide compatibility	Web streaming, HTML5 video, efficient compression

When to Use MP4

MP4 is widely supported, making it ideal for maximum compatibility across browsers and devices, including older mobile phones and Safari. Use MP4 for general video delivery when cross-platform support is essential.

When to Use WebM

WebM offers efficient compression and smaller file sizes, making it perfect for modern web streaming. It works best for HTML5 video elements and is ideal for websites prioritizing fast loading times.

Technical Considerations

MP4 uses H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec.
WebM uses VP8 or VP9 for video and Vorbis or Opus for audio.
WebM can achieve smaller file sizes without significant quality loss.
Browser support limitations should be considered for WebM.