Which video format is right for you?

Wondering what all the numbers and letters mean when it comes to video formats? Not sure which one to download for your specific use, like social media or a campaign promo? You’re at the right place, then. In this blog post, we will walk you through the most frequent video specifications and their compatibilities.

What’s a video format?

Video format is a term that is used very broadly. It can include various specifications that address the video quality, resolution, size, etc. Let’s take the format apart and get a bit nerdy about the right terms and their meaning so you understand them and know which ones you should pay attention to.

File type

The file type is identified by the extension at the end of the file’s name—for example, videoname.mp4.

MP4

This is the most common video file type. It is widely supported and works across different tools and devices. MP4 files are lightweight and, therefore, more compressed. They are great for social media use and other cases where large screenings are unnecessary.

MOV

Typically, MOV format is less compressed than MP4, so it requires more processing power to be handled, but the trade-off is that the videos tend to be higher quality. Professional users such as video editors prefer it because quality can be maintained when editing and adjusting the image.

It is natively supported by Apple Quicktime player on all Mac devices. If you install Quicktime on a PC, it works there too.

Orientation and aspect ratio

Video orientation simply defines which side of the video frame is wider. While the horizontal (landscape) one is wider, the vertical (portrait) one is taller. The aspect ratio describes the proportions of the video dimensions. The most commonly known is 16:9. It indicates that for every 16 pixels in width, there are 9 pixels in height. So any 16:9 video can be 1920×1080 px, 960×540 px, 2400×1350 px, etc. The aspect ratio can also be used to identify the orientation. So 16:9 is used for landscape, 9:16 for portrait, and 1:1 for the square video frame.

Resolution

It’s all about pixels

Resolution is defining the physical dimensions of a video. Similar to images, it describes the width and height of the video, measured in pixels. One of the most common resolutions you’ll come across is 1920×1080**.** This video is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels tall. It’s also known as Full HD, or 1080p for short. (p stands for progressive scan frame interpolation). Similarly, 1280×720 px is known as 720p.

4K

Another common resolution you are probably familiar with is 4k. As expected, 4k stands for 4 thousand, because there are close to 4000 pixels in one of the video dimensions.

If we want to get really technical, there are two types of 4k; one is “true” 4k DCI, and then there is its more common counterpart, 4K UHD. 4k DCI is 4096x2160px, which makes it the “real one,” as it is actually 4000 pixels.

4k UHD is 3840×2160 px, so it is just below 4000 pixels, which makes it a sort of “fake” 4k, but it is more common as it fits the aforementioned 16:9 aspect ratio.

The most famous resolutions are:

720p – 1280×720 px, Standard Definition

When sharing videos on social media or conducting mobile video calls, 720p is a practical choice. It maintains a good balance between quality and data efficiency, catering to a diverse audience with varying internet speeds.

1080p HD – 1920×1080 px, High Definition

For YouTube creators or online educators. This resolution strikes a good balance, offering clear visuals suitable for various devices, ensuring a quality viewing experience for your audience.

4K UHD – 3840×2160 px, Ultra High Definition

For movies and clips that will be streamed on TVs. Many Netflix original series and movies are available in 4K UHD for subscribers with compatible devices, offering a cinematic experience at home. Companies showcasing high-end products, like the latest smartphones or cameras, might use 4K UHD for detailed presentations.

4K DCI – 4096×2160 px,

Movies released in theatres often use 4K DCI for a cinematic experience on large screens.

Video editing professionals working on high-budget projects may prefer 4K DCI for the slightly wider format that it offers.

What do the acronyms mean?

You can see different letter markings regarding videos or screen resolution descriptions. Let’s go through the most common ones:

HD – High Definition

HD refers to High Definition, a video resolution standard that provides a higher clarity and detail than standard definition (SD). As mentioned before, the most common HD resolution is 1920×1080 pixels, also known as 1080p. This standard significantly improves the visual experience by delivering sharper images and more vibrant colors.

UHD – Ultra High Definition

UHD, or Ultra High Definition, represents a higher resolution than HD. The most common UHD resolution is 3840×2160 pixels (4K). UHD offers four times the number of pixels as HD, resulting in a more detailed and immersive viewing experience. It’s widely used in modern televisions, monitors, and content production to enhance visual quality.

DCI – Digital Cinema Initiatives

DCI is a standard for digital cinema projection, primarily used in movie theaters. While HD and UHD are geared toward consumer displays, DCI specifies resolutions and technical standards for digital cinema projectors. The two main DCI resolutions are 2K (2048×1080 pixels) and 4K (4096×2160 pixels). DCI standards ensure high quality and consistency in the digital projection of films, meeting the demands of modern cinematic experiences.

Frame rate

Frame rate measures how many frames are shown in the video per second. (Shortcut: fps- frames per second). Simply put, the higher the frame rate, the smoother the playback, which in particular applies to clips with a lot of action. That’s why higher frame rates are often used in sports, for example.

Standard frame rates are (most common in bold) :

When a video file has a high frame rate (50fps or above), we can slow this down to create a slow-motion effect whilst maintaining a smooth motion.

If you’re using videos for social media or other “more relaxed” uses, the frame rate is something you don’t have to worry about. This spec is mostly relevant for the true video geeks.

Hope you found this helpful and will know what to look for when picking the right video format for your use. Check out our blog post about using the filters to find the right videos, or start browsing Freepik videos right away.