H.264, HEVC or AV1: choosing a video codec

Choose a codec for the devices that will play your video. Compare compatibility, encoding time and a short sample before committing to a full export.

Understand the trade-off

MP4 is a container; H.264, HEVC and AV1 are codecs. Changing the file extension alone does not convert the encoded video. H.264 with AAC in MP4 is a useful compatibility starting point, but the receiving app still needs to support it.

HEVC and AV1 can be useful alternatives. Their availability and encoding speed depend on the browser, operating system and hardware. The editor only offers combinations it can use; compare an actual export rather than assuming a fixed percentage saving.

A useful starting point

Start with H.264 + AAC in MP4 when compatibility matters.
Try HEVC or AV1 only when the target player supports them.
Changing a codec or cropping requires a new encode.
Keep the original file and compare a short sample.

Use the editor

Drop a video onto the home page; processing happens in your browser.
Use the thumbnail timeline to set the clip boundaries. Zoom to the clip for precise adjustments.
Choose an aspect ratio, then move or resize the crop frame.
Select the output format. Open Advanced export settings only if you need quality, resolution, frame rate or bitrate controls.
Export, then play the saved file before sharing it.

Test a short sample

Test a short section that includes movement, text and audio before exporting the full video. Trim and crop edits re-encode the selected video; Auto can preserve compatible unedited streams. Keep the source file so you can try again.

Check the result

Inspect the beginning and end, the subject’s framing, audio sync and small text. Check file size and dimensions, then preview the destination platform’s upload: it may resize or recompress the result.