A Detailed Guide to The Best Video File Formats For Live Streaming in 2025

Live streaming in 2025 is more competitive than ever, and something as simple as your live video file format can make or break your event. The format you choose will not just decide whether your video plays, but it will directly impact the streaming performance, viewer experience, and ultimately, the return on investment you get from your broadcast. 

A poorly chosen format can mean buffering, compatibility issues, or a drop in audience engagement, which is definitely something you want. Meanwhile, choosing the right one will ensure you a smooth delivery and professional quality across devices.

At Dacast, we know that file format choice plays a huge role in delivering reliable, professional-grade streams. Our platform supports multiple video formats to give you all the flexibility you need without compromising on quality or reach.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common video file formats for live streaming, explain the difference between containers and codecs, and highlight which formats are best for encoding, adaptive streaming, and long-term success. By the end, you’ll know exactly which format to use so your live streams run seamlessly and deliver the best possible experience to your audience.

Table Of Contents:

• What Are Video File Formats
• Which Common Video File Formats Are Best For Live Streaming
• Choosing the Best Video Formats and Settings for Optimal Live Streaming
• Which Codecs To Use For Live Streaming
• How To Convert Video File Formats
• What The Future Holds for Video Streaming File Formats and Codecs
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What Are Video File Formats

Every time you take a video using your phone or web camera, you create a specific file that stores all that digital data. This is how your device organizes and compresses the recorded data. The format you choose for this will affect your videos’ quality, file size, and playback capabilities.

For example, when you watch a video on a streaming platform, the content is presented in a specific file format compatible with various devices and browsers. So, if you want to know how to choose a video format for live events, consider that the format you pick will determine the speed of your stream and the quality of the viewing experience for users.

What Are The Main Components of Video File Formats

A video file is built from two main parts: the container and the codec. So, let’s compare the video container vs codec definitions. The container acts like a wrapper, holding together audio, subtitles, and metadata into one playable package (examples include .MP4, .MKV, and .MOV). 

The codec is a short term for “compressor–decompressor,” and handles how the video and audio are compressed for storage and decompressed for playback. Codecs like H.264 remain industry standards because they balance quality with efficiency.

Newer codecs, however, are beginning to reshape live streaming in 2025. Formats like AV1 and VVC (Versatile Video Coding) are designed for ultra-high-definition video, so choose one of them if you’re looking for the best format for 4K live streaming. They offer better compression, which lowers bandwidth costs for broadcasters while maintaining top-tier video quality, which is especially attractive for OTT platforms.

Which Common Video File Formats Are Best For Live Streaming

If you’re a live streamer or broadcaster, the video file format you use is very important for the video quality of the stream. So, which video format is best for YouTube Live or Twitch? Well, every video format is different, and some provide better compression efficiency, file size, latency, and platform compatibility than others. Here is a comprehensive list of video file formats, including their strengths and weaknesses:

1. MP4 (H.264/AAC)

If you want to live stream on social media or dedicated video streaming platforms, the .mp4 format will give you good compression rates and broad device compatibility. Most major streaming services, such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live, support it. It also works across different devices, from Windows and Mac computers to tablets.

Strengths

• Widely supported across all streaming platforms.
• Excellent balance between video quality and file size.
• Suitable for both high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) streams.

Weaknesses

• If you compare MP4 vs MKV for streaming, compression may result in some loss of quality compared to higher-end formats.
• Limited support for advanced video features (e.g., HDR, multi-stream) compared to others like WebM.

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Frequently chosen by Dacast clients running hybrid corporate events, since it balances reliability and device compatibility for both in-person and remote attendees.

Low-Latency Streaming

Compatible with LL-HLS and CMAF workflows, making it a strong choice for real-time interactive events.

DRM Support

Among the streaming formats with DRM support, MP4 is fully compatible with Widevine, PlayReady, and FairPlay, making it the most DRM-friendly option for broadcasters.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

Natively supported across major players and CDNs, including Dacast’s HTML5 player.

2. MKV (Matroska)

The most common use for the .mkv format is in professional settings where video and audio quality are a higher priority than device compatibility. It’s considered one of the best formats for multi-platform live streaming in 2025. It has support on popular services like YouTube, but it’s not compatible by default with live streaming tools like OBS and similar. In turn, it is more compatible with layback software like VLC.

Strengths

• It supports high-quality video and audio without much compression loss.
• Can handle multiple audio, video, and subtitle streams in one file.

Weaknesses

• Streaming platforms (especially older systems or devices) do not universally support it.
• Larger file sizes compared to MP4 due to less aggressive compression.

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Used by broadcasters archiving concerts and festivals, where they need multiple audio tracks and subtitle options preserved.

Low-Latency Streaming

Not widely supported for low-latency delivery, so often requires re-packaging into MP4 for LL-HLS.

DRM Support

Limited support compared to MP4, which makes it less common for protected commercial streams.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

Not ideal, as most broadcasters transcode MKV into MP4/WebM before enabling ABR workflows.

3. MOV (QuickTime)

This format is ideal for high-quality streams in professional environments, especially for users who primarily use Apple devices. It has ample support on macOS and iOS devices, but streaming platforms are less likely to support MOV for live streaming (compared to MP4 or FLV). You’ll need additional conversion tools if you want to view .mov videos on Windows or Linux.

Strengths

• It provides high-quality video and audio, ideal for professional-level streaming and editing.
• Supported by Apple devices natively.

Weaknesses

• Large file sizes due to minimal compression.
• Limited compatibility with some non-Apple platforms or devices.

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Popular among creative agencies working on Apple hardware, especially for high-end webinars and product launches.

Low-Latency Streaming

Generally not used for low-latency live delivery as it requires conversion to MP4/CMAF.

DRM Support

Strong within the Apple ecosystem (FairPlay), weaker cross-platform.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

Needs transcoding into MP4/WebM for ABR workflows.

4. FLV (Flash Video)

The most common use of .flv format is to live stream on older platforms or in niche environments that require backward compatibility. If you want to use it on a newer platform, you must install specialized software or a plug-in.

Strengths

• It’s old and was widely used for live streaming in the past.
• The file size is low due to aggressive compression, which makes it efficient for streaming.

Weaknesses

• It’s outdated technology because most modern browsers or devices no longer support it.
• Poor video quality compared to newer formats like MP4 or WebM.
• It requires Flash Player, which is being phased out.

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Still used in some training environments where older LMS (learning management systems) only accept Flash-based files.

Low-Latency Streaming

Obsolete for modern low-latency workflows.

DRM Support

Unsupported in 2025; Flash-era DRM is deprecated.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

Not ABR compatible, so it should be avoided for modern streaming.

5. WebM

The best use of the .webm format is for web-based live streaming, especially on platforms that support HTML5 video. It’s the ideal video format for live streaming for users focusing on open-source options. You can use WebM on most modern streaming platforms, like Dacast. It also has native support in modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox, but not universally across all devices.

Strengths

• Excellent video quality with low file sizes due to advanced compression (VP8/VP9 and Opus).
• Open-source and royalty-free format.
• Ideal for web streaming, especially for HTML5 video players.

Weaknesses

• It’s not as widely supported on older systems or browsers, particularly Internet Explorer or older versions of Safari.
• Less hardware encoding support compared to MP4.

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Adopted by independent game streamers and tech companies favoring open-source solutions. Dacast’s HTML5 player fully supports WebM playback.

Low-Latency Streaming

Compatible with low-latency workflows, especially when paired with WebRTC.

DRM Support

Improving, but not as universally supported as MP4. Widevine is the most common DRM option.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

Supported in modern HTML5 players, including Dacast’s, for dynamic ABR streaming.

6. AVI (Audio Video Interleave)

If you do video editing or video archiving where file size is not a concern, you’ll probably want to use this format. AVI files are typically too large for real-time delivery, so they are not really useful for live streaming, which is why they have limited compatibility with streaming and broadcasting platforms.

Strengths

• High video quality with minimal compression.
• It supports a wide range of codecs and can provide exceptional video quality.

Weaknesses

• Compresses video into large file sizes, which may be difficult for live streaming.
• Outdated in terms of compatibility with modern streaming software and devices.

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Typically reserved for post-production teams that need the highest quality source files before converting for streaming delivery.

Low-Latency Streaming

Not suitable, so AVI files must be converted for real-time use.

DRM Support

No modern DRM integrations.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

Unsupported, so broadcasters must transcode AVI before ABR workflows.

7. HEVC/H.265 (in MP4 Container)

If you need UHD (4K) quality at manageable bitrates, HEVC/H.265 inside MP4 is a strong choice for modern devices, smart TVs, and premium OTT workflows.

Strengths

• Higher compression efficiency than H.264 (similar quality at ~30–50% lower bitrate).
• Strong option for 4K/HDR live and VOD delivery.
• Broad hardware decode on newer mobile devices, TVs, and set-top boxes.

Weaknesses

• Licensing/royalties and encoder costs can be a consideration.
• Browser support varies; older/legacy browsers may require H.264 fallback.
• Live encoding is more compute-intensive than H.264.

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Used by broadcasters delivering UHD sports, concerts, and large conference keynotes where bandwidth savings matter without sacrificing quality.

Low-Latency Streaming

Works well with LL-HLS and CMAF chunked workflows for near-real-time delivery.

DRM Support

Well-aligned with FairPlay (Apple) and PlayReady (many TVs/STBs). Widevine availability varies by device/browser, so keep an H.264 fallback for reach.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

Fully compatible with HLS/DASH ABR ladders, and commonly paired with H.264 renditions for maximum device coverage.

8. AV1 (in MP4 or WebM Containers)

AV1 is a royalty-free, next-gen codec delivering excellent compression for scale. It’s ideal for cost-efficient 4K/8K and global audiences.

Strengths

• Best-in-class compression efficiency among widely available codecs.
• Royalty-free and attractive for high-volume OTT distribution and UGC at scale.
• Growing hardware decode on 2023+ devices, GPUs, and TVs.

Weaknesses

• Live encoding remains CPU/GPU-heavy compared to H.264/HEVC.
• Device/browser support is still uneven on older hardware and some ecosystems.
• Operationally benefits from multi-codec ladders (AV1 + H.264 fallback).

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Adopted for cost-optimized 4K live events and global campaigns. It’s also used in trials/pilots to future-proof libraries for 8K and beyond.

Low-Latency Streaming

Supported in LL-HLS/CMAF and DASH where devices allow. It also offers strong real-time potential via WebRTC (browser-dependent).

DRM Support

The Widevine support is maturing in DASH workflows. The FairPlay/PlayReady coverage varies, so plan fallbacks to ensure protected playback across ecosystems.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

ABR-ready in modern HTML5 players. The best practice is AV1 top renditions + H.264/HEVC lower renditions for reach.

9. VVC / H.266 (Typically MP4 Container)

VVC targets the next leap – 8K, HDR, 360/VR, and offers major bitrate reductions over HEVC for premium experiences.

Strengths

• ~30–50% better compression than HEVC at equivalent quality.
• Designed for 8K, high-frame-rate sports, and immersive media.
• Long-term bandwidth savings for premium OTT.

Weaknesses

• Early-stage ecosystem: limited device/browser decode and encoder maturity.
• Licensing landscape evolving.
• High live encoding complexity and cost today.

Common Broadcasting Use Cases

Trials/pilots for top-tier sports, cinematic live events, and archival masters intended for future distribution.

Low-Latency Streaming

In principle, compatible with LL-HLS/CMAF/DASH, but practical low-latency support is limited until device adoption grows.

DRM Support

The ecosystem is still forming. Expect alignment with major DRMs as adoption expands and use multi-codec ladders in the interim.

Adaptive Bitrate Readiness

Standards support exists, but real-world ABR use is nascent. Pair with H.264/HEVC renditions for reliability.

Here is a quick table overview of streaming video formats comparison when it comes to compatibility:

Choosing the Best Video Formats and Settings for Optimal Live Streaming

When selecting a video file format, the best option depends on your streaming scenario, target devices, and desired quality, while it also involves choosing the best recording format, the right codecs, encoding settings, and adaptive streaming protocols.

Dacast supports a wide range of formats and provides tools to optimize streams for any audience. Using the right combination of format, codec, and protocol will guarantee you smooth playback, low latency, and high-quality video, even for premium or monetized content.

Recommended Formats for Different Dacast Streaming Scenarios

Different types of live streams have unique needs. Here’s a practical decision matrix to help you select the best format, codec, and encoder settings for your content:

Why these choices matter:

• The VVC video codec in 2025 is emerging as the standard for high-resolution OTT content alongside AV1, because it maintains quality while cutting bandwidth costs.
  
• HEVC/H.265 is ideal for fast-moving content like sports, minimizing motion artifacts without large file sizes.
  
• WebM/VP9 shines in browser-based delivery, where open-source solutions and choosing the best format for HTML5 streaming are priorities.

Latency Benchmarks by Format/Codec 

• MP4/H.264 with HLS: 5–8 seconds
  
• MP4/H.265 with CMAF: 3–5 seconds (ideal for interactive streams and live sports)
  
• WebM/VP9: 6–10 seconds depending on browser/device
  
• AV1/MP4 or WebM: 4–7 seconds on modern AV1-enabled devices

Network conditions, CDN choice, and device optimization can shift these numbers slightly. Using Dacast’s low-latency HLS/CMAF workflows ensures your stream stays as close to these benchmarks as possible.

Live Encoding and Adaptive Streaming Best Practices

Fluctuating internet speeds can affect visual quality even with the right format. Adaptive streaming protocols like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and DASH automatically adjust video quality based on viewer bandwidth and reduce buffering to keep your streams smooth.

Dacast Recommendations for Optimal Live Encoding

• Video Codec: H.264 (default), H.265 for 4K/8K
  
• Frame Rate: 25–30 fps
  
• Keyframe Interval: 2–3 seconds for live events
  
• Scanning: Progressive
  
• Bitrate: CBR for reliability; VBR optional for OTT monetization
  
• Audio Codec: AAC
  
• Audio Bitrate: 128 kbps
  
• Audio Channels: Stereo (2)
  
• Sample Rate: 48 kHz
  
• Adaptive Bitrate: Enable HLS/CMAF for smooth ABR streaming across all devices
  

Security & Monetization Best Practices

• Use MP4/HLS with AES encryption for paid or confidential content.
  
• Enable DRM (Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay) for OTT revenue protection.
  
• Limit embed domains in Dacast to prevent unauthorized playback.

Why Dacast Supports More Formats and How That Benefits You

While most online video platforms (OVPs) limit file format support, Dacast offers one of the broadest selections available, including MP4, MOV, FLV, WMV, AVI, MKV, WebM, OGV, MXF, ASF, VOB, and MTS. This flexibility gives creators, broadcasters, and organizations more freedom, whether you’re streaming high-energy sports, hybrid events, archival footage, or premium OTT content.

Here are the Dacast-supported formats compared to other platforms:

Choosing the Right Format

• MP4: Best all-around choice for most platforms and devices.
  
• WebM: Ideal for open-source web streaming or HTML5-focused projects.
  
• MOV: Preferred for Apple-centric workflows and professional production.
  
• AVI / MXF / MTS: High-quality archival or post-production sources, later transcoded for streaming.

Make sure to check out Dacast’s definitive guide to video encoding for detailed insights and setup guidance.

Best Practices for 2025 – The Top 5 You Need to Know

With so many video files and even more streaming platforms available, how do you know which format will serve you best? Try to put the user experience first and optimize from there. Here are a few tips you can follow:

• Optimize with AI-driven Compression: Modern tools help cut file size without sacrificing quality, which is ideal for streaming more while using less bandwidth.
• Adopt Sustainable Video Encoding Formats: Reduce your streaming carbon footprint by choosing efficient codecs like AV1 or H.265, especially for long-duration or repeated broadcasts.
• Ensure True Multi-device Playback: Always test your streams across browsers, iOS/Android, and Smart TVs to catch any compatibility issues early.
• Secure Streaming With Tokenized URLs: Protect your content by combining AES encryption with expiring, customizable URLs to prevent unauthorized access.
• Test Using Network Bonding: For remote locations or unreliable internet, bonding connections (e.g., cell + Wi-Fi) ensures consistent and resilient streaming performance.

Which Codecs To Use For Live Streaming

Another factor streamers need to think about is the codecs they’re using. The compression rate affects the definition as well as potential compatibility with different viewing devices. Using the optimal codecs will provide minimal streaming latency and almost no buffering.

For example, to achieve the optimal video quality on Dacast, the recommended video codec is H.264. Some other often-used codecs are:

• H.264: It’s the codec of choice for many streaming platforms because of the balance of compression efficiency and hardware support it provides.
• H.265/HEVC: This codec has better compression efficiency, letting you stream better-quality video at lower bandwidths.
• VP8: This codec isn’t as efficient when it comes to compression, but it’s open-source and offers low latency during live streams.
• VP9: A step up from VP8 with better compression rates, making it ideal for high-definition video streaming.
• AV1: This open-source and royalty-free codec has better compression efficiency than H.265 and VP9. It can deliver high-quality video at lower bitrates.

*Compression efficiency figures compare relative bitrate savings vs. H.264 at equivalent quality.

Dacast Roadmap

While H.264 remains the default recommendation for live streaming today, Dacast is actively monitoring AV1 adoption and preparing integration for VVC in the near future. This ensures that as devices and browsers expand support, broadcasters on Dacast can seamlessly transition to more efficient codecs without sacrificing compatibility.

How To Convert Video File Formats

Sometimes, the video file format you have available isn’t compatible with your device or streaming platform. You still want to make that video available to your audience, so what do you do? Use a video converter to change the original file format into a more compatible one.

The specifics of the conversion depend on the video format you have and the format you want to have, but most conversion software will have options to choose from. There are two ways to do this:

1. Use a Dedicated Video Conversion Software: This software is highly customizable and has extra features like video editing. Popular options are HandBrake, FFmpeg, and Movavi Video.
2. Use an Online Video Converter: This is a quick way to convert smaller video files. They can be limited in terms of file size and conversion rate. Popular options are Zamzar, Convert.io, and Online-Convert.

Pro Workflow Tip

If you’re preparing content for streaming on Dacast, you can integrate FFmpeg conversion into your pre-upload pipeline. This ensures all videos are automatically converted into the correct format and encoding settings before they ever hit your Dacast account, saving time and avoiding compatibility issues.

What The Future Holds for Video Streaming File Formats and Codecs

As video quality continues to improve and audiences demand sharper, more immersive content, video codecs and file formats are evolving very fast. From AV1 and VVC to AI-driven streaming optimizations, the next generation of technologies promises higher efficiency, lower latency, and a smaller environmental footprint. This will help broadcasters deliver the best possible viewing experience.

Next-Generation Codecs: AV1, VVC, and LCEVC

The shift toward AV1 is gaining momentum, with platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Facebook adopting it for its superior compression and maintained video quality. Hardware support is growing, and adoption rates are expected to accelerate in the coming years.

VVC (Versatile Video Coding) and LCEVC are designed for ultra-high-resolution content, including 8K video, VR, and AR. VVC can cut data usage nearly in half compared to HEVC, which is ideal for bandwidth-heavy streams.

Smarter Streaming Workflows

Innovation isn’t limited to codecs. Edge encoding delivers content closer to viewers by reducing latency, while AI-driven bitrate prediction dynamically adjusts video quality for the best experience across all network conditions. These advancements help prevent buffering and ensure smooth playback, even for high-demand content.

Sustainability and Dacast’s Perspective

Efficient codecs and smarter delivery methods also reduce energy use across content delivery networks, helping broadcasters lower their carbon footprint.

From Dacast’s perspective, supporting emerging formats is key to delivering high-quality, efficient, and scalable video. The platform is actively preparing to integrate AV1 and VVC as adoption increases and give broadcasters access to next-gen streaming technology while maintaining compatibility and performance.

FAQ

What file format is compatible with most platforms and devices?

One of the most compatible video file formats across any platform or device is the MP4. It provides great quality and can compress videos into very manageable file sizes. It supports most common codecs, including H.264, which is what the major streaming and broadcasting platforms like Dacast use as well.

Is there a difference between MP3 and MP4?

There’s a major difference between these two formats. While MP3 is only for audio, MP4 can store audio, video, and other data. In that regard, MP4 is more versatile and suited for live streaming.

Can a video format function without codecs?

The main job of the codec is to encode and decode the audio and video data in the file. Without it, you can compress, store, transmit, or playback the data in the file effectively. A video file needs both a container and the appropriate codecs to function correctly.

How do codecs affect live streaming?

The codec is the main component that determines the video quality, file size, and streaming efficiency. Efficient codecs like H.264 or H.265 reduce bandwidth requirements while maintaining good video quality. They provide a smooth stream with minimal latency. Choosing the right codec affects playback performance and compatibility with streaming platforms.

What’s the best format for low-latency live streaming?

Compare your workflow with MP4 and H.264 vs H.265 for streaming, and combine it with CMAF or LL-HLS protocols for the most reliable choice. These formats and codecs reduce buffering and delay, making them ideal for interactive events, sports, or auctions. For optimal results, enable adaptive bitrate streaming to ensure viewers with varying internet speeds have smooth playback. 

Which format works best for streaming in China with Dacast?

When streaming in China, compatibility and reliability are key. MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio is recommended because it is widely supported and works well with the CDNs Dacast partners with for Chinese audiences. Using segmented video formats like HLS or CMAF for adaptive streaming also helps reduce buffering and latency across various networks. 

How does Dacast handle 4K and HDR streaming?

Dacast fully supports 4K and HDR live streams using efficient codecs like H.265/HEVC, AV1, or H.264 for broader compatibility. For HDR content, make sure your video files include the appropriate metadata and color profile. Combining these with adaptive bitrate streaming formats ensures viewers can enjoy high-resolution streams without interruptions, even on slower connections. 

Conclusion

Live streaming and broadcasting may look effortless, but behind the scenes, choosing the right video file format and codec can make a huge difference in quality, latency, and viewer experience. This guide has provided a practical framework to help you decide which formats and settings are best for your streaming scenario, whether it’s live sports, webinars, corporate events, or OTT monetization.

Armed with this knowledge, you can optimize your streams for any device, network condition, or platform, ensuring your audience enjoys smooth, high-quality playback every time.

Why not try Dacast for yourself? We offer a 14-day free trial so you can fully trial the software. Start growing your reach today.

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