Question 1

How do I check the codec of a video file online?

Accepted Answer

Choose a local media file in the Online Codec Inspector. The tool reads the file in your browser and shows detected video, audio, and subtitle streams.

Question 2

Are files uploaded to the server?

Accepted Answer

No. Files are processed locally in the browser using FFmpeg WebAssembly and are not uploaded to the server.

Question 3

Which file types can the codec checker inspect?

Accepted Answer

It can inspect common media files such as MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, WebM, MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, AAC, OGG, and OPUS.

Question 4

What is the difference between a container and a codec?

Accepted Answer

A container such as MP4, MKV, MOV, or AVI holds media streams. A codec such as H.264, HEVC, AAC, MP3, Opus, VP9, or AV1 describes how the audio or video stream is encoded.