YouTube primarily utilizes a variety of video formats, with MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) being the most commonly used and recommended. This container format can encapsulate video encoded with codecs such as H.264 (AVC) and H.265 (HEVC), and audio encoded with codecs such as AAC. The selection of MP4 allows for efficient compression, good quality, and broad compatibility across various devices and platforms.
Employing a standardized video format is crucial for ensuring consistent playback across YouTube’s global user base. It streamlines the encoding and processing pipeline for the platform, contributing to efficient storage and delivery. Historically, YouTube has adapted its supported formats to leverage advancements in video compression technology, constantly seeking to balance quality with bandwidth usage and user experience.