WebM (file format)
WebM is a modern media file format designed for the web. Its flexibility and open-source nature have made it a popular choice for delivering high-quality video content online.
What is WebM?
WebM is an audiovisual media file format. It was first released in 2010 by Google as part of their effort to provide an open and royalty-free media file format for the web. The format is based on a subset of the Matroska media container format and uses VP8 or VP9 for video and Vorbis or Opus for audio.
WebM files consist of video streams compressed with the VP8 or VP9 video codecs and audio streams compressed with the Vorbis or Opus audio codecs. The WebM format is designed to support all types of video resolutions, from low-resolution content for mobile devices to high-definition video for larger screens.
The benefits of using WebM
WebM offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for video streaming and playback on the web. One of the main benefits is its high compression efficiency. This means that WebM files can provide high-quality video at a lower file size compared to other formats, which is crucial for streaming video content online.
Another significant advantage of WebM is its open-source nature. Unlike other proprietary formats, WebM is free to use and modify, making it an accessible option for developers and businesses. This has led to wide adoption of the format across various platforms and browsers.
Compatibility with web browsers
WebM is supported by most modern web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Microsoft Edge. This broad compatibility ensures that video content encoded in WebM can be played back on a wide range of devices without the need for additional software or plugins.
However, it's worth noting that not all browsers support WebM natively. For example, Apple's Safari browser does not support WebM out of the box, although it can play WebM files with the help of additional software.
How to create and use WebM files
Creating WebM files is a straightforward process that can be done using various software tools. One of the most popular tools for this purpose is FFmpeg, a free and open-source software that can convert videos to different formats, including WebM.
Once you have your video file, you can use FFmpeg to convert it to WebM by running a simple command in the terminal. The exact command will depend on your specific requirements, such as the desired video quality and file size.
Embedding WebM videos in WebM pages
Embedding a WebM video in a web page is as simple as using the HTML5 video tag. This tag allows you to specify multiple source files, which the browser will select from based on its capabilities and preferences.
For example, you might provide both a WebM and an MP4 version of your video. Browsers that support WebM will use that version for playback, while others will fall back to the MP4 version. This ensures that your video content can be viewed by as many users as possible, regardless of their browser or device.
Converting files to WebM
Restream’s online WebM converter is a free and fast way to turn your videos into WebM files hassle-free. After uploading the video or image you want converted into a WebM file, you can start the process and download the file immediately after the conversion process is finished.