Video Formats Explained: Which One to Use When

Format confusion costs creative teams more time than almost anything else. The wrong export means a re-render; the wrong proxy means a sluggish edit. Here is the plain-English version.

Container vs codec

The container (MP4, MOV) is the box; the codec (H.264, ProRes, HEVC) is how the video inside is compressed. Two MP4s can behave completely differently depending on the codec.

Editing formats

For editing, you want a codec that is easy to scrub, ProRes or DNxHD, even though the files are large. Proxies let you cut smoothly and relink to the originals at export.

Review formats

For review, you want small, universal files that play anywhere without a download. H.264 in an MP4 is the safe choice; a review tool should transcode for you so reviewers never wrestle with a codec.

Delivery formats

Final delivery depends on the destination, broadcast, web, and social each have their own specs. Match the export to the platform, not to habit.

Let review handle the conversion

PlayPause transcodes uploads for smooth playback in the browser, so reviewers see your cut instantly regardless of the source format, no downloads, no codec errors.