What is the HEVC (H.265) Video Codec, and What Are Its Benefits?

With the business world becoming increasingly digital, video content is more essential than ever. It is used for connecting with customers, training employees, and sharing critical information. However, as high-definition, 4K, and even 8K videos become the norm, the technology needed to deliver this content must continue to evolve.

Enter the HEVC codec (High-Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265. This advanced video compression standard dramatically reduces file sizes without sacrificing quality, enabling faster streaming, lower storage costs, and a seamless user experience across devices.

For businesses, content creators, and streaming platforms aiming to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond, adopting the H.265 codec is a smart move. With the ability to efficiently deliver high-resolution video, from 4K to 8K, HEVC video ensures that audiences receive the best possible viewing experience without the heavy bandwidth demands of older formats.

In this guide, we’ll break down what HEVC is, explain what a video codec does, and highlight the key benefits of the HEVC format. You’ll also learn how to implement HEVC effectively and when to choose HEVC vs H.265 for your video delivery strategy.

Table of Contents

• What is a Video Codec?
• Why is High-Efficiency Video Coding Important?
• Comparing H.265 to Other Codecs
• HEVC Support Across Devices and Platforms
• Hardware Acceleration and Encoding Requirements
• Encoding Techniques and Configurations for Best Performance
• Benefits of HEVC for Low-Latency Streaming
• Cost vs. Benefit Analysis of Implementing HEVC
• Use Cases for the HEVC Codec
• Considerations When Using the HEVC Codec
• Cross-Compatibility of HVEC with Dacast
• AI-Powered Streaming and HEVC
• Security and DRM Compatibility
• Emerging Trends and the Future of HEVC
• Codec Adoption Checklist for Broadcasters
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is a Video Codec?

A video codec compresses and decompresses digital video to make streaming faster and storage more efficient. Every time you stream a show, share a clip online, or join a video call, a codec is working behind the scenes to deliver smooth playback without crushing your bandwidth.

The HEVC codec (also called the H.265 codec) represents the latest standard in video compression. Compared to older formats like H.264 (AVC), HEVC uses coding tree units (CTUs), a more advanced method than macroblocks, to reduce file sizes while preserving high-quality HEVC images. The result? Faster delivery, lower data usage, and flawless 4K and 8K streaming.

For businesses aiming to maximize video performance, switching to the HEVC format isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a necessity for the future of content delivery.

Why is High-Efficiency Video Coding Important?

Today’s world demands faster, smarter, and greener ways to deliver video. Devices are more powerful, 5G and fiber networks are mainstream, and audiences expect 4K, if not 8K, quality as the new standard. At the same time, there is a growing awareness of the environmental cost of massive data consumption.

That’s why the HEVC codec is more important than ever. Designed for high-efficiency video compression, HEVC can cut file sizes by up to 50% compared to older standards like H.264, without sacrificing visual fidelity. It’s the engine behind professional-grade live streaming, broadcasting, remote conferencing, and 4K (and higher) content delivery, all while slashing data usage and storage demands.

But in 2025, it’s not just about quality. It’s about sustainability. By significantly reducing video bandwidth requirements, HEVC lowers the strain on networks and data centers, resulting in lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. As video traffic continues to dominate global internet usage, choosing the HEVC format is a strategic move toward more sustainable digital infrastructure.

Key Benefits of the HEVC (H.265) Codec

• Superior Compression Efficiency: Maintain or even enhance HEVC quality at half the bitrate compared to H.264, critical for 4K and 8K streaming.
• Bandwidth Reduction: HEVC video requires far less bandwidth, enabling smoother playback even on mobile networks and reducing data transmission energy.
• Lower Storage Costs: Smaller file sizes mean major savings on cloud storage and local server resources.
• Enhanced Visual Quality: Supports advanced features like 4K, 8K, HDR (High Dynamic Range), and wider color gamuts.
• Future-Proof Technology: Built to handle the increasing demands of higher resolutions, bigger screens, and more immersive content experiences.
• Environmental Impact: Efficient compression means lower network loads and reduced energy use across data centers, helping businesses meet sustainability goals.

The bottom line is that the transition to HEVC or H.265 isn’t just a technical upgrade but a competitive and environmental imperative. Major players like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple already rely on 4K HEVC to deliver top-tier content efficiently. As 4K adoption surges globally and 8K looms on the horizon, using the power of the HEVC codec ensures businesses stay ahead, with higher-quality video, lower operational costs, and a greener digital footprint.

Comparing H.265 to Other Codecs

The evolution of video compression codecs has seen a significant leap from H.264 to H.265, and now to the next-generation codec, H.266. Each new codec builds on its predecessor to address growing demands for higher-quality video, more efficient data usage, and improved streaming capabilities. Here, we compare H.264, H.265, and H.266 in terms of compression efficiency, licensing, use cases, and hardware support.

Before we go into more detail, here is a codec comparison table to help you understand the differences between them:

H.264 vs H.265 

The H.264 codec (also known as AVC) has been the standard for video compression for years, offering reasonable compression rates and broad compatibility across devices and platforms. However, as the demand for higher-resolution video, such as 4K HEVC and 8K video, grows, HEVC (H.265) emerges as a better option. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Compression Efficiency: The HEVC codec offers up to 50% better compression than H.264, meaning it can maintain the same video quality at a significantly lower bitrate. This is especially valuable for high-definition content like 4K or 8K, where bandwidth demands are high.
• Licensing: H.264 is more established, with widespread support and a simpler licensing model. In contrast, HEVC has a more complex and costly licensing structure, which can be a barrier for some businesses, especially for large-scale adoption.
• Use Cases: H.264 is still widely used for streaming, social media, and mobile applications where compatibility is critical. H.265, on the other hand, is ideal for high-quality streaming, professional video production, and the future of ultra-high-definition content (4K and 8K).
• Hardware Support: H.264 has broad hardware support across devices, from older smartphones to computers and TVs. While support for HEVC is increasing, especially on newer devices, it still lags behind in terms of compatibility.

H.265 vs H.266 

As the successor to HEVC, H.266 (also known as VVC) promises even better efficiency and enhanced features for the next generation of video content. Let’s break down the comparison between H.265 and H.266:

• Compression Efficiency: H.266 is designed to be 50% more efficient than H.265, meaning it can compress video files even further while maintaining the same quality. This is critical for 4K, 8K, and immersive video formats, especially as demand for video content continues to skyrocket.
• Licensing: Similar to HEVC, VVC also has complex licensing agreements, though it is expected to be more standardized. The impact of licensing costs could be significant, but the efficiency gains may justify this in specific professional or high-demand applications.
• Use Cases: H.266 is aimed at ultra-high-definition video (8K and beyond), live streaming, virtual reality (VR), and AR applications, which require even higher compression rates and more advanced capabilities than H.265 can offer.
• Hardware Support: At this stage, H.266 is still in its infancy, and hardware support is minimal compared to H.265. However, as adoption grows, it’s expected to gain broader support in next-generation devices.

HEVC vs AV1

AV1 is a newer, royalty-free codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), which includes major tech companies like Google, Amazon, Netflix, and Microsoft. It promises better compression efficiency than HEVC and is specifically designed to handle 4K, 8K, and HDR content at lower bitrates. Here’s how HEVC compares to AV1:

• Compression Efficiency: AV1 delivers superior compression efficiency compared to HEVC. It can reduce file sizes by an additional 20-30% while maintaining the same quality. This makes AV1 an excellent choice for ultra-high-definition content.
• Licensing: AV1 is completely royalty-free, which makes it a more attractive option for companies seeking to avoid the high licensing fees associated with HEVC.
• Use Cases: HEVC is widely used in streaming services like Netflix and Amazon for 4K and 8K video delivery, but AV1 is increasingly gaining traction due to its better compression, especially for streaming platforms aiming to minimize bandwidth usage. AV1 is expected to become the go-to codec for web streaming, online content delivery, and even real-time video conferencing.
• Hardware Support: AV1 is still in the process of being adopted in hardware. However, many newer devices, including recent CPUs and GPUs, are adding AV1 hardware decoding support, positioning the codec for wider deployment in the near future.

HEVC vs VP9

VP9 is an open-source video codec developed by Google, which also serves as a royalty-free alternative to HEVC. While VP9 is comparable to HEVC in terms of compression efficiency, it is more commonly used by platforms like YouTube for streaming 4K video content.

• Compression Efficiency: VP9 delivers similar compression efficiency to HEVC, but HEVC still holds a slight advantage, especially for higher resolutions like 8K. However, VP9 can achieve comparable results in the 4K range and is still a strong alternative for web-based streaming.
• Licensing: VP9 is entirely royalty-free, which makes it an appealing option for tech companies and platforms looking to avoid the licensing fees associated with HEVC.
• Use Cases: VP9 is widely used for streaming services like YouTube and is well-suited for streaming 4K content across lower bandwidths. On the other hand, HEVC is the preferred choice for more demanding use cases, such as live broadcasting, professional video production, and 4K/8K OTT streaming.
• Hardware Support: VP9 is widely supported in modern devices, particularly in web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. However, HEVC still enjoys broader hardware support across a wide range of devices and platforms, especially for premium content like 4K Blu-rays.

Real-world Benchmarks and Metrics

The performance of video codecs can vary significantly depending on the specific hardware, content type, and application. Below is a comparison based on several key performance metrics.

These benchmarks offer a detailed comparison of how HEVC, H.264, AV1, and VVC perform in practical metrics. HEVC offers the best trade-off between compression efficiency and performance for high-quality streaming, especially for 4K content. However, AV1 and VVC are rapidly gaining ground in terms of compression efficiency, especially for 4K and 8K video, while VVC is specifically designed for ultra-high-definition formats like 8K and immersive video.

Bitrate Savings

In tests, HEVC achieved a 50% bitrate reduction compared to H.264 at the same PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and VMAF (Video Multi-method Assessment Fusion) scores. This is particularly beneficial for 4K and 8K content, where bandwidth savings can significantly reduce streaming costs and improve user experience.

On the other hand, AV1 delivers a 20-30% bitrate reduction over HEVC at similar quality levels, making it the most efficient codec in terms of compression. This makes AV1 an ideal choice for web streaming, especially for high-quality 4K and 8K video delivery.

VVC is known to offer up to 50% bitrate savings over HEVC. It provides superior performance for ultra-high-definition content (8K and beyond) and is the most efficient codec for next-generation video delivery, particularly in demanding applications such as VR, AR, and immersive video formats.

Encoding Time

H.265 encoding time is generally 2x slower than H.264 due to its more complex compression algorithms. Without hardware acceleration, this performance hit is noticeable. However, with dedicated hardware, such as NVIDIA NVENC or Intel Quick Sync, encoding time can be significantly reduced.

AV1 encoding is notably slower than HEVC and H.264 due to its even more advanced algorithms. AV1 encoding can be up to 3-5x slower than H.264, though performance has improved with hardware acceleration (available in newer processors like Intel’s 12th-gen CPUs and newer GPUs from AMD and NVIDIA).

H.266 encoding times are generally 3 to 4x slower than HEVC because of the extremely complex compression methods it uses. Like AV1, VVC benefits from hardware acceleration but is not yet as widely supported.

Playback CPU Load

During playback, HEVC requires more CPU resources than H.264, but it is still manageable on modern devices. For example, a 4K HEVC stream may consume 2-3x more CPU power than an H.264 1080p stream, especially on mobile devices or older hardware.

AV1 playback is the most CPU-intensive, as it requires higher decoding power due to its advanced compression. On average, AV1 decoding consumes three to four times the CPU resources of HEVC for the same resolution (e.g., 4K content), making it challenging for devices without hardware acceleration to handle smoothly.

VVC is the most demanding codec for playback, requiring four to five times more CPU resources than H. 265. Since VVC is designed for high resolutions (8K and beyond), the hardware requirements are substantial. Hardware decoding support is still limited but growing.

Power Consumption on Mobile Devices

On mobile devices, HEVC playback can be quite efficient when hardware decoding is used. However, it still requires more power than H.264, especially for higher resolutions like 4K. On average, HEVC may consume 1.5 to 2 times more power than H.264 on mobile devices.

AV1 consumes significantly more power than HEVC on mobile devices. Without hardware support, AV1 can increase power consumption by up to 3 to 4 times for 4K content. However, with the increasing support for AV1 hardware acceleration, power consumption is expected to be closer to HEVC levels on newer devices.

H.266 is even more power-hungry, consuming 4 to 5 times more power than HEVC on mobile devices. Like AV1, hardware support is still catching up, but VVC is designed for use with very high-resolution, high-bitrate content, such as 8K, which contributes to its higher power usage.

HEVC Support Across Devices and Platforms

The H.265 codec delivers significantly better video quality at lower bitrates compared to its predecessor, H.264. This means sharper 4K and even 8K video streams without bloating file sizes or overloading bandwidth. The HEVC format has become a cornerstone for efficient streaming, mobile playback, and content archiving.

OS and Browser Compatibility

While HEVC quality continues to improve across platforms, native support still varies:

• macOS (Monterey and later) and Windows 11 offer native HEVC support
• Safari (macOS/iOS) provides seamless HEVC playback
• Chrome and Firefox still favor royalty-free codecs like AV1 and VP9, with HEVC support limited to systems with proper hardware decoders and codec extensions
• Linux distributions support HEVC playback via third-party codec packs or player applications like VLC or MPV

Hardware Device Support

The HEVC codec is now widely supported on most modern hardware:

• Apple devices (iPhone 7 and newer, iPad Pro, M-series Macs) feature hardware-accelerated HEVC decoding and encoding
• Android smartphones (Snapdragon 845 and newer) include full HEVC playback support, though encoding varies by device
• Smart TVs and media boxes (LG, Samsung, Sony, Roku Ultra, Apple TV 4K) natively support HEVC, especially for 4K HEVC streaming

Streaming Platforms

Most leading streaming services use the H.265 format to optimize quality and efficiency:

• Netflix uses HEVC for 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision content across supported devices
• Apple TV+ streams in HEVC and offers some of the highest visual fidelity due to hardware optimization
• YouTube allows HEVC uploads, but playback defaults to VP9 or AV1 unless devices explicitly support HEVC decoding
• Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max deliver HEVC or 4K content where supported

Potential Compatibility Issues

Despite broad adoption, HEVC video may not play properly on:

• Older devices that lack hardware decoding
• Open-source or royalty-free ecosystems that prioritize AV1 or VP9 to avoid licensing fees
• Web platforms (especially Chrome-based), unless hardware acceleration is present

Understanding the HEVC vs H.264 debate is essential. They’re the same standard, just different names. But how they’re implemented varies by platform and hardware.

Hardware Acceleration and Encoding Requirements

Most modern CPUs (Intel Gen 11+, AMD Ryzen 5000+, Apple Silicon) and GPUs (NVIDIA RTX 20 series+, AMD RDNA2+) support HEVC hardware acceleration. This dramatically reduces:

• Power consumption on mobile
• CPU load during playback
• Encoding time when paired with GPU-accelerated software
  

Thanks to hardware offloading, even 1080p HEVC or 4K HEVC playback on smartphones is smooth and battery-efficient.

Encoding Techniques and Configurations for Best Performance

HEVC remains a top choice for delivering high-quality video at significantly reduced bitrates, especially in high-resolution applications like 4K HEVC streaming. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to understand the different encoding techniques and how to configure them based on your content and target platforms.

Two of the most common encoding methods are Variable Bitrate (VBR) and Constant Bitrate (CBR):

• VBR dynamically adjusts the bitrate depending on the complexity of each frame or scene. Complex visuals, like action sequences, receive more bits, while simpler frames consume less bandwidth. This method is ideal for streaming and adaptive bitrate delivery (ABR), offering a better balance between HEVC quality and network efficiency.
• CBR uses a fixed bitrate throughout the video stream, simplifying delivery for bandwidth-restricted or legacy systems. While more predictable in terms of data usage, CBR may sacrifice quality in high-motion or visually complex scenes.

VBR remains the preferred choice for most OTT platforms, especially when using content delivery networks (CDNs) or adaptive bitrate ladders. HEVC’s intelligent motion prediction and larger coding units enhance the effectiveness of VBR even further, enabling sharper video at lower average bitrates.

Smart Encoding Configurations

To optimize the HEVC video format for playback across modern devices:

• Use VBR with two-pass encoding for pre-recorded content where quality is a top priority
• For live or low-latency scenarios, configure CBR or capped VBR to manage bandwidth spikes
• Choose appropriate resolution and frame rates (e.g., 1080p at 30fps or 4K at 60fps), based on the target screen size and device capabilities
• Leverage hardware encoders (Intel Quick Sync, Apple VideoToolbox, NVIDIA NVENC) to significantly reduce encoding time and power consumption

Benefits of HEVC for Low-Latency Streaming

With the rise of real-time 4K HEVC video conferencing and cloud gaming, the H.265 format provides a significant advantage:

• Improved compression: HEVC offers up to 50% bitrate savings compared to H.264 at equivalent quality, based on VMAF and PSNR benchmarks.
• Lower latency: Smaller encoded files mean faster transmission, critical for live broadcasts, gaming, and interactive content.
• Optimized bandwidth: With the ability to deliver HEVC or 4K video under constrained network conditions, the codec ensures smooth playback without excessive buffering.

Content distributors can use the HVEC codec to reduce delivery costs, improve user experience, and reach more users even on limited network connections.

Cost vs. Benefit Analysis of Implementing HEVC

Implementing HEVC into your video delivery pipeline requires thoughtful consideration of licensing, infrastructure, and long-term ROI. While the HEVC codec delivers superior compression and quality, especially for 4K and UHD content, it comes with complexities that must be evaluated alongside the free alternatives like AV1 and the legacy H.264.

Upfront Costs

Switching to HEVC may require upgrades to encoding infrastructure, particularly for on-premises or hybrid cloud workflows. These updates typically involve hardware acceleration support (e.g., GPU-based encoders), new software licensing, and integration testing across CDNs.

Licensing Complexity

Unlike H.264 (covered primarily by MPEG LA), HEVC licensing is divided across three major patent pools—MPEG LA, HEVC Advance, and Velos Media—each with distinct royalty terms. This can complicate cost forecasting, particularly for large-scale streaming services.

By contrast, AV1, backed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), is royalty-free, making it attractive for companies prioritizing licensing simplicity and future scalability.

Long-Term Savings

Despite higher licensing costs, HEVC offers substantial savings in bandwidth and storage due to its advanced compression efficiency, which can reduce the bitrate by up to 50% compared to H.264. For enterprises delivering high-resolution video at scale, this can translate to millions saved annually on CDN costs.

Licensing Cost Breakdown: HEVC vs AV1 vs H.264 

Use Cases for the HEVC Codec

The HEVC codec has become foundational across a wide range of industries due to its ability to deliver exceptional video quality at lower bitrates. It provides the compression efficiency and performance modern platforms demand.

With 4K and 8K resolutions turning into standard, and latency becoming a critical factor, HEVC ensures top-tier experiences with reduced file sizes. This enables efficient distribution without sacrificing visual fidelity.

1. OTT Streaming 

Over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video are under constant pressure to deliver high-resolution content, including 4K and HDR, while keeping bandwidth costs in check. The HEVC codec addresses this challenge by reducing average bitrates by approximately 50% compared to H.264, allowing for smoother streaming even on constrained networks. 

HEVC supports adaptive bitrate streaming, which dynamically adjusts video quality based on available bandwidth, avoiding visible resolution drops or buffering. These capabilities make HEVC essential for delivering UHD content with enhancements such as Dolby Vision or HDR10. 

HEVC ensures consistent streaming quality across diverse devices and fluctuating networks, especially critical as 8K and HDR content becomes more prevalent.

2. Live Events and Hybrid Conferences

Live event broadcasting, including hybrid conferences, keynote streams, and global panels, requires ultra-low latency and high-resolution video delivery with minimal bandwidth usage. HEVC enables sub-second latency in optimized streaming workflows, which is vital for interactive elements like live Q&A and real-time audience engagement. 

Major broadcasters, such as the BBC, Sky Sports, and ESPN, already use HEVC for UHD sports broadcasts due to its ability to minimize transmission delays. Additionally, hybrid events that leverage RTMP, SRT, or WebRTC can benefit from HEVC’s efficient compression, which reduces packet sizes and ensures smooth playback across various endpoints. 

Strategically, HEVC enables event producers to deliver real-time, high-quality streams globally while reducing infrastructure costs, especially in multi-CDN and mobile-centric environments.

HEVC for Hybrid Events

With hybrid conferences becoming the norm, organizers need to serve both in-person and remote audiences with synchronized, high-quality video. It enables low-latency, high-resolution streams ideal for real-time interaction and audience engagement.

At the same time, it reduces strain on virtual platforms by minimizing bandwidth load, improving stability across Zoom integrations, Livestreams, or custom RTMP platforms. Our recommendation is to use hardware-based encoders (e.g., AWS Elemental, Haivision, or OBS + NVENC) to fully leverage HEVC during hybrid productions.

HEVC in Sports Streaming

Live sports demand the perfect balance of clarity, speed, and global accessibility. HEVC is here to deliver crisp detail at fast motion (ideal for fast-moving sports like soccer, tennis, or F1). It reduces buffering and improves viewer retention with real-time encoding and sub-1s latency (when paired with SRT or RIST protocols). H.265 also enables multi-camera angles and real-time highlight clipping without bandwidth bottlenecks.

We recommend pairing HEVC with low-latency HLS (LL-HLS) or DASH with CMAF. This will help you deliver true real-time performance for OTT sports platforms.

3. Mobile Video Delivery 

With the global expansion of 5G, mobile users expect 4K video-on-the-go without buffering or data overages. HEVC reduces data consumption by up to 40–50%, preserving quality over mobile networks.

At the same time, 5G networks benefit from HEVC’s smaller GOPs and faster decoding. This makes it ideal for low-latency and live mobile streams. It’s worth mentioning that most modern Android and iOS devices (A11 chip or newer on iPhones) support hardware decoding of 4K HEVC.

This makes HEVC crucial for scaling mobile streaming, especially for regions where 5G infrastructure is robust but data costs remain a concern.

HEVC for Mobile Video Delivery

Mobile-first platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts benefit from HEVC’s balance of quality and efficiency. Users can upload 4K HEVC video even on limited data plans. The playback is noticeably smooth on iOS and Android thanks to broad hardware acceleration. It’s also known to optimize short-form high-res content, improving load times and engagement.

Here’s a tip: Encode in HEVC Main or Main10 profile, with VBR for optimized mobile streaming

4. Video Conferencing and Enterprise Comms

Enterprise platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex rely on stable, high-quality video delivery across a wide range of connection speeds and device configurations. The HEVC codec significantly enhances this experience by enabling efficient encoding of multiple video tiles during group meetings, preserving visual clarity while reducing CPU load on both ends. 

Its advanced bitrate management ensures consistent quality even in low-bandwidth scenarios, making it particularly valuable for users in international or rural areas. As support for HEVC grows within WebRTC frameworks and SIP-based communication systems, enterprises benefit from improved security and performance in large-scale deployments. 

Strategically, HEVC offers scalable HD video conferencing optimized for bandwidth-sensitive environments, making it an ideal solution for hybrid workforces, global teams, and modern telepresence systems.

5. Virtual and Augmented Reality Streaming

HEVC plays a key role in VR and AR, where low latency and visual precision are essential. It delivers smoother frame rates and higher fidelity textures in 360° and stereoscopic video environments.

Its advanced compression efficiency significantly reduces bandwidth demands without compromising visual quality, making it especially suitable for data-heavy applications. HEVC is widely supported across major VR headsets, including Meta Quest, HTC Vive, and Apple Vision Pro, all of which leverage GPU-assisted decoding for efficient playback.

Strategically, HEVC is crucial for VR content producers to keep file sizes manageable while ensuring seamless, high-resolution playback across headsets.

Considerations When Using the HEVC Codec

While the benefits of the HEVC codec are substantial, adopting it does require careful planning and the right infrastructure. Like any advanced technology, HEVC implementation involves specific considerations, especially when aiming for full-scale integration across platforms and workflows.

Resource Requirements

One of the primary considerations with HEVC is its demand on computing resources. The codec’s advanced compression algorithms enable significantly smaller file sizes without sacrificing video quality. However, this efficiency comes at the cost of increased processing power. Encoding and decoding HEVC video can be resource-intensive, particularly for high-resolution formats like 4K or 8K.

To use the full potential of HEVC, businesses may need to upgrade their hardware, including cameras, editing systems, and streaming infrastructure. High-performance CPUs and GPUs, along with software that fully supports the HEVC format, are often necessary for smooth operation. Although these upgrades can represent a significant upfront investment, they pay off in the long term by enabling efficient content delivery and future-proofing workflows as video resolutions continue to rise.

Encoding Complexity

HEVC introduces greater complexity to the encoding process compared to older codecs like H.264. Its sophisticated compression techniques can lead to longer encoding times and a higher risk of compatibility or performance issues. This is especially true when legacy systems or underpowered hardware are involved.

To mitigate these challenges, businesses should ensure their video pipelines, both hardware and software, are fully compatible with HEVC. Investing in professional-grade encoding tools and keeping your systems up to date will minimize complications and streamline video production and distribution.

Compatibility Issues

Although the HEVC codec was first standardized in 2013, it has seen growing adoption due to its efficiency in compressing high-resolution video. Still, despite its increasing importance in modern workflows, HEVC adoption remains hampered in some areas by ongoing compatibility challenges.

One core reason lies in the complexity of HEVC’s compression algorithms. These algorithms significantly reduce file sizes without compromising quality. However, they require more powerful hardware and updated software for smooth encoding and decoding. Devices and applications that lack proper support may struggle to handle HEVC content, particularly in real-time scenarios such as streaming or conferencing.

However, major advancements in chipsets, operating systems, and browser frameworks have led to a steady rise in HEVC-ready platforms. Today, most flagship smartphones, smart TVs, and professional-grade video tools support HEVC either through software, hardware acceleration, or both.

To reduce compatibility issues, businesses and content creators should prioritize using equipment and platforms that explicitly support the HEVC codec. Many modern video cameras, smartphones, editing suites, and streaming platforms indicate HEVC readiness as a standard feature. Confirming support, especially for hardware-accelerated decoding, can dramatically enhance playback performance, reduce latency, and ensure broader audience reach.

Here is an overview of the browser compatibility:

Cross-Compatibility of HVEC with Dacast

Dacast is a leading video streaming platform that offers partial but growing support for H.265 workflows, aligning with the industry’s demand for higher efficiency and quality in video delivery. While Dacast does not yet fully transcode HEVC into HLS variants across all use cases, it does allow for HEVC-based live stream ingestion in specific configurations. Content providers using compatible encoders can push HEVC video streams to Dacast via RTMP or SRT protocols, provided the stream meets Dacast’s technical requirements.

For live broadcasting, Dacast typically transcodes incoming video to HLS with H.264 as the core format for wide compatibility across devices. However, advanced users with enterprise plans may be able to leverage custom workflows that maintain HEVC encoding for high-efficiency delivery to supported endpoints. This is particularly useful when working with multi-CDN strategies where edge delivery optimization is essential.

HEVC playback within Dacast is compatible with modern HTML5 players, provided the end user’s device and browser support hardware or software decoding of HEVC. This ensures smooth playback of 4K and high-bitrate content where supported. 

On mobile, Dacast’s SDKs for iOS and Android can facilitate HEVC delivery, depending on device-level codec support and player configuration. Apple’s native support for HEVC on iOS (A9 chip and later) ensures seamless playback, while Android performance depends on the manufacturer and OS version.

HEVC integration in Dacast allows content creators to reduce bandwidth usage, enhance video quality, and optimize global delivery through multi-CDN routing. With the continuous support for HEVC, Dacast is positioned to offer flexible, scalable streaming solutions that align with modern codec efficiency and high-resolution video demands.

AI-Powered Streaming and HEVC

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly integrated into modern video streaming workflows to enhance efficiency and quality, especially when paired with the HEVC codec. AI-based encoding optimization tools now adjust bitrate ladders, GOP structures, and QP values in real-time based on scene complexity and motion, resulting in perceptual improvements at lower bitrates. This is particularly impactful for live and adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming, where network conditions and viewer device capabilities vary widely.

In cloud-based transcoding environments, AI models help determine the optimal encoding presets for HEVC, which reduces encoding time and improves visual consistency across output renditions. These tools also assist in upscaling, artifact removal, and noise reduction, further complementing the compression advantages of HEVC without introducing latency. As a result, streaming platforms using AI-powered HEVC encoding can deliver better quality at lower costs, especially in bandwidth-constrained environments.

Security and DRM Compatibility

HEVC integrates seamlessly into secure streaming ecosystems and is fully compatible with major DRM technologies such as Google Widevine, Microsoft PlayReady, and Apple FairPlay. These DRM systems support the encrypted playback of HEVC-encoded content across a wide range of platforms, including web browsers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and set-top boxes.

Because HEVC is widely used in UHD and HDR workflows, scenarios where premium content is most at risk, its compatibility with robust DRM protocols is essential. Secure HEVC delivery is typically facilitated through encrypted HLS or MPEG-DASH formats, ensuring compliance with content protection standards required by studios, broadcasters, and subscription-based services. This makes HEVC a viable and future-proof choice for secure high-resolution video streaming.

Emerging Trends and the Future of HEVC

As of 2025, H.265 remains a dominant codec for high-efficiency video delivery across broadcast, OTT, and mobile platforms. Its maturity, broad hardware support, and proven ability to deliver 4K and HDR content with significantly reduced bandwidth make it a practical and scalable solution. This is particularly true in bandwidth-sensitive environments such as mobile video, hybrid events, and global OTT services.

Looking ahead, the codec landscape is shifting with the accelerated adoption of AV1 and the slow but steady emergence of VVC (H.266). AV1, developed by the Alliance for Open Media, offers similar or better compression than HEVC with no licensing fees. It makes it attractive for open platforms like YouTube and social media, as well as emerging markets with lower device turnover. However, hardware support for AV1, while improving, is still not as universal as HEVC, particularly for real-time use cases.

VVC, the successor to HEVC, promises up to 50% better compression over H.265 at the same quality. It is designed for next-generation applications including 8K, VR, AR, and 360° video. However, as of 2025, adoption is limited due to complex licensing, high computational requirements, and a lack of mature encoder/decoder implementations in consumer hardware.

For broadcasters and content providers, the strategic recommendation is that HEVC remains the most pragmatic choice for delivering UHD content at scale in 2025. It offers a strong balance between quality, bandwidth efficiency, and device compatibility. 

AV1 should be monitored and considered for VOD and ad-supported delivery where royalty-free distribution is critical. On the other hand, VVC should be seen as a long-term investment, ideal for R&D and forward-looking deployments targeting 8K or immersive media.

Codec Adoption Checklist for Broadcasters

FAQs

Is HEVC better than AV1?

HEVC offers wider hardware support and lower latency, while AV1 provides better compression efficiency and is royalty-free. Each is better suited for different use cases.

Is HEVC royalty-free?

No, HEVC is not royalty-free. It requires licensing from patent pools such as MPEG LA, Access Advance, and Velos Media.

Can HEVC be used for low-latency streaming?

Yes, HEVC supports low-latency streaming when paired with optimized workflows using protocols like SRT, WebRTC, or low-latency HLS/DASH.

What is the best codec for mobile or global delivery?

HEVC (H.265) is currently the best codec for mobile and global delivery due to its wide device support, efficient compression, and strong performance over 4G/5G networks.

Conclusion

Video consumption continues to surge globally, with live streaming, OTT broadcasting, and on-demand content now core parts of everyday viewing, especially over the internet. As video standards evolve and mobile devices become more powerful, audiences expect ultra-high-definition streaming, seamless playback, and consistent quality across platforms.

To meet these expectations, businesses should strongly consider adopting the HEVC (H.265) codec. It delivers superior compression efficiency and enables the delivery of 4K and 8K videos without excessive bandwidth usage. As technology rapidly advances, the need for scalable, high-performance codecs like HEVC becomes even more critical. Early adoption ensures your content is future-proof and optimized for a growing range of devices and viewing environments.

Professional platforms like Dacast simplify this transition by handling the technical complexities of codec implementation. Dacast offers an all-in-one streaming solution, supporting OTT delivery, video monetization, HTML5 compatibility, and multi-device playback, without requiring deep technical overhead from your team. With full HEVC support, cross-browser and cross-platform functionality, and enterprise-grade performance, Dacast is trusted by organizations worldwide to deliver high-quality video content.

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