What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution? Get the Best Compression for Youtube and the Web. by Chelsey Grasso
Produced by
1
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
1 Sharing Your Video Masterpiece with the World.................3 2 Why Formats Are Important........................................................5 3 Getting Down to Business: The Types of Formats............... 7 4 Common Mistakes in Choosing a Format..............................11 5 Tips for Selecting the Best Format in Any Situation......... 13 6 Video Formatting: Wrapping It Up......................................... 15
2
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
Sharing Your Video Masterpiece with the World
So you’ve just finished completing the world’s next blockbuster?! Okay, so it’s only 5 minutes long and shot on your brother’s handheld, consumer video camera. But still, you want to get your video on the web, and you want to get it on the web fast. After all, computers have become a staple in just about every industry, not to mention the main source of media entertainment for most of America, and you know that getting your work onto the internet means opening up its audience possibilities to the billions -- literally.
3
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
The most important preparation to make when getting ready to send your video off is figuring out how to format it for the web. What’s video formatting? Well, I’m glad you asked, as the rest of this article should aid in having video formats explained for the beginning to intermediate user, as well as cover what the different video formats are, and what the best video format for web distribution may be. Whether it’s a question of finding the best compression for YouTube or choosing a video format that allows your users to interact with the video, there is a video format out there for your exact purposes. (Now you just need to figure out which one!)
4
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
Why Formats Are Important
First things first, let’s get the basics straightened out. 1. What exactly is video formatting? Video formatting ultimately comes down to being a process of compression. Compression, of course, is the action of bringing down a video’s file size while still keeping intact all of the elements of the actual video. To do this, simply put, different compression efforts remove various different bits of data from the original file while still maintaining the video’s images and sounds.
5
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
2. Why is video formatting important? This is a great question, as many people don’t actually realize the importance of finding the best video format for web distribution and how it can affect their viewers. Videos have a gigantic range when it comes to file size, but unfortunately, the web can’t support horrendously large files, at least not for the purposes and prices that most video up-loaders are looking for. This is when video formatting becomes essential knowledge, as it will be the only way the video creator will be able to get his work down to a small enough file size to share it online. 3. How do you choose which format to use? Unfortunately, there is no end-all solution when it comes to choosing the best video format for web distribution. Your choice is going to end up depending on quite a few factors, such as what website you’re trying to upload your work onto. For example, the best video format for YouTube isn’t necessarily going to be the most optimal Vimeo video format, and vice versa. Additionally, choosing the best video format for web distribution can rely heavily on who your audience is, why you are posting your video, and what website platforms you are hoping to use. The rest of this article will have the different video formats explained, as well as cover what some of the main advantages and disadvantages are for each type of video formatting.
6
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
The Types of Formats
The .MOV File The .MOV file is one of the most popular video formats, probably because it has been around the longest. The .MOV file was created by Apple and can be played on any Mac computer. But don’t be dismayed PC users! It is also known as the QuickTime Format and can be played on any computer that has the free download of QuickTime Media Player installed on it, including PCs. (In fact, QuickTime Media Player installs itself with iTunes, which is a staple on most any personal computer).
7
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
The .MOV format is also one of the easiest formats to edit after the fact, such as if you need to break-up your video for YouTube’s fifteen minute length maximum or if you want to add credits. .MOV files also have a reputation for offering great compression abilities, so if you have a huge file, compressing to a .MOV file format may be a good option. And finally, since .MOV files have been around for so long, they tend to be compatible with most other medias and websites (It can be easily embedded on webpages), as well as being a great option when choosing a YouTube or Vimeo video format. As far as negatives go, the .MOV file really doesn’t have that many. One feature that it does lack, however, is the option of view interactivity; but, as you will soon learn, no video format offers this option except for the .SWF file (Flash format).
The .AVI File The .AVI format is a top choice if you are looking to do a lot of file compressing. This is because compressing to an .AVI file offers a large choice of codecs. (Quick tip: a codec is the actual computer program/software that shrinks your file size. Ex: .MP4s can use a H.264 codec to compress). Because .AVI files offer such a large variety of available codecs, a very high rate of compression can be achieved, but it will take some experimenting on your part, as the results can largely vary depending on which codec you choose. The .AVI format can also be played in most mainstream media players, including Windows Media Player, which is a staple on almost any PC. However, the .AVI format does run into some problems, or rather, inconveniences along with all of its possibilities. An .AVI file is not always compatible with non-Windows machines (sorry Mac users), and no matter what type of computer, the codec used to compress the file must be installed on the machine trying to play the video. Additionally, an .AVI file offers no user interactivity.
8
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
The .FLV File If there is one video format that is truly set apart from the rest, it would have to be the .FLV file, also known as the Flash Format. Flash is interesting, because it shows no favoritism between Mac and PC computers. Quite differently, it only requires Flash’s video component to play on any computer (and this can easily be downloaded from Flash’s website, free of charge). Additionally, Flash can easily embed itself in any webpage, making it a top-choice for displaying videos for a lot of companies that manage their own websites and do not want to have their videos hosted on outside sites like YouTube or Vimeo. And finally, the .FLV format really offers something unique to the world of online video distribution by allowing user interactivity within the videos (ex: “click to continue” text boxes, etc.). Now for the cons. While Flash Format offers usability to any operating system, they are nearly impossible to actually download from the web. (I suppose, depending on how you look at it, this can be a pro or a con). Additionally, .FLV files are incompatible with any other media player besides Adobe Flash Player, making them somewhat limited in their use.
The .MPEG4 File (The .MP4 File) The .MPEG-4 file, also known as the .MP4 is a great option when it comes to using video sharing websites, such as in instances when you are looking for the best compression for YouTube or Vimeo. Though YouTube uses a Flash-based player, the site actually recommends the .MPEG4 file as the best video format for YouTube. This is because the .MPEG4 format offers good image quality at high compression rates, lowering the data size, but keeping the video aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the Vimeo video format suggestion from its own site is the .MPEG4 as well, truly making it a favorite for online web distribution. The .MPEG4 also gets some bonus points for being the file format that iTunes uses to distribute their songs and music videos. .MPEG4 files can be supported on both Mac and PC machines, as long as the proper video players are installed.
9
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
The disadvantages of .MPEG4? Well, there really aren’t that many. However, one inconvenience: like a few of the other video formats, .MPEG4 files require that the codec used to compress the file be installed on the viewing machine for the video to play. Additionally, the .MPEG4 file offers no user-interactivity.
The .WMV File The .WMV file, known as the Windows Media Format, is a good option for, well, you guessed it, the Windows platform user. It can be played on some Mac machines if a free, extra component is installed, but, it really isn’t that great an option for most Mac owners. One advantage of formatting your video as a .WMV file is that it can easily be embedded in a webpage, and, it faces far fewer compatibility problems than the .AVI file type (the other file-type to share Windows Media Player as its home base for playback). Unfortunately, .WMV files cannot always be played on Mac computers, even if the free, extra component is installed. And again, no user-interactivity is allowed with this file type.
10
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
Common Mistakes in Choosing a Format
The most common mistakes to arise when searching for the best video format for web distribution are easy ones to avoid, but it doesn’t stop them from happening on a dayto-day basis with most beginner up-loaders. Firstly, be aware that just because you own a PC, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the rest of your viewing audience will too. In fact, many college kids and younger members of society opt for Mac computers, and it’s important to remember that this is probably your largest online audience. So to make sure that your video will be viewable to all of the web’s users, aim to compress your video in a format that is easily compatible with both Macs and PCs, such as the .FLV file type.
11
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
Another common mistake that falls along these same lines has to do with codec choice. Though choosing a great codec may mean excellent compression, remember that not everyone understands codec use. Also remember that they’ll have to download the same codec used to compress the video in order for it to play (after all, did you even really know what a codec was until about 10 minutes ago?). The solution to this particular problem comes down to weighing your options and choosing the lesser evil. If you have a video that you want kept at its highest quality, and know that most-likely only tech-savvy entertainment moguls will be watching it, then go ahead, use an unfamiliar codec to compress. However, if your video is aimed more at the general public for download, then it may be better to sacrifice the top-notch codec for one that most computer owners are likely to already have installed on their machines. (As a benefit to this second choice, most newbies to the video field probably won’t even realize or mind the difference in quality, since it will be minimal).
12
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
Tips for Selecting the Best Format in Any Situation
If you’re scanning this article to find out the best video formats for online videosharing sites, such as Vimeo or YouTube, then this is the section to look at. Okay, the big question, what is the best video format for YouTube? Their site recommends using .MPEG4 files, and this is a smart option because .MPEG4 files are great at compressing large amounts of data, and we all know that YouTube has an upload file-size limit of 2GB per video, which for some videos, just won’t make the cut without a lot of compressing (especially if you’re working in HD).
13
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
However, two other great formats that YouTube does not mention on its site, but that may offer the best compression for YouTube along with the .MPEG4, are the .MOV format and the .WMV format (the prior will be common to Mac users, and the latter to PC users). YouTube will accept both additional file types, and they are both popular choices among the public when it comes to familiarity and easy compression. As for Vimeo, while their site also recommends the .MPEG4 format for upload, they also accept both .MOV files and .WMV files as well. (And for the free Vimeo account, you will only have 500MB file-size limit for each video, so finding the right compression will be key!). Additionally, if you are using any other video-sharing website, and you are not sure what format would be best, then always check the site’s FAQ or information section to see if they recommend any particular format. When it comes to choosing a video format that can be easily embedded in a webpage, your best option is probably going to be a .FLV file (Flash Format), as your users will only have to make sure they have the Flash plug-in installed on their computers. If Flash is a little too complicated for you, stick with either the .MOV format or the .WMV format, as they also easily embed themselves in webpages. However, be aware that PC users may have trouble playing-back .MOV files and Mac users may have trouble with .WMV files, if they don’t know exactly what they’re doing.
14
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
Video Formatting: Wrapping It Up
All in all, choosing a video format is not always an easy decision. Every format offers its own advantages and disadvantages, and up-loaders also need to take into account that the best compression for YouTube or top Vimeo video format may not be the same as for your company’s homepage, or the best compression option for online video downloads.
15
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
When you are about to upload your video onto the web, be sure to take into account who, what, where, when and why. Who is your audience? What is your video about (business, entertainment, etc.)? Where are you trying to upload it (which site)? When do you want your viewer to watch it (streaming, download, etc.)? And finally, Why are you uploading it (for hits, for a job, for fun)? If you answer this set of questions before uploading your video, you should have a better idea of what video format is best for your situation. Now that you have had video formats explained, you should hopefully have some clarity when it comes to choosing the right one. And remember, the correct video format could end up getting you thousands of more views (even if it is just a question of choosing the best video format for YouTube), so it is worth taking the time and putting in the thought.
Chelsey Grasso is a writer, filmmaker, and photographer with a passion for the arts and all things media.
16
What’s the Best Video Format for Online Distribution?
Visit Videomaker.com to learn more about creating and publishing great video!
Looking for more information on making great video? Check out these helpful resources. Videomaker Store: http://www.videomaker.com/training/ Videomaker Workshops: http://www.videomaker.com/events/workshop/ Videomaker Webinars: http://www.videomaker.com/events/webinar/ Videomaker Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Videomaker/39881894777 Videomaker Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/videomaker Videomaker YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/videomaker
17
