Quick answer: H.264, also known as AVC, is the most widely supported video codec, playable on almost every phone, computer, browser and TV.
H.264 (Advanced Video Coding (AVC)) explained
H.264, also known as AVC, is a video codec first published in 2003. It became the default for online video, Blu-ray discs and most cameras, and an MP4 file with H.264 video and AAC audio is the closest thing to a universal video format.
Newer codecs such as HEVC and AV1 compress better, so H.264 files are usually larger for the same quality. What H.264 offers is certainty: the person you send it to will almost always be able to play it.
When you do not know what device the recipient uses, H.264 in an MP4 is the safe choice. Keep the original too if they may need the best quality for editing.
Safe settings for a video anyone can play
- Container: MP4
- Video codec: H.264
- Audio codec: AAC
- Resolution: the same as the original, or 1080p if the file needs to be smaller
- Frame rate: the same as the original, so motion stays smooth
Most video converters offer this combination as a ready-made preset, often called something like MP4 (H.264) or Web. If the original is already H.264 in an MP4, there is nothing to convert: send it as it is.
Worked example: H.264 file sizes
File size is bitrate multiplied by length. For a 10-minute (600-second) 1080p video:
| Bitrate | Arithmetic | Approximate size |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Mbps | 600 × 5 = 3,000 Mb, ÷ 8 | 375 MB |
| 10 Mbps | 600 × 10 = 6,000 Mb, ÷ 8 | 750 MB |
| 20 Mbps | 600 × 20 = 12,000 Mb, ÷ 8 | 1,500 MB (1.5 GB) |
Audio adds a little on top. Even the smallest of these is far too big for email, so a download link is the easiest way to send it.
When H.264 is not the best choice
- Editing: editors often prefer the camera original or an editing codec such as ProRes.
- 4K and HDR: HEVC or AV1 store these more efficiently, and HDR is usually recorded in HEVC.
- Archiving: keep the original file, whatever its codec, rather than a converted copy.
Frequently asked questions
Is H.264 the same as MP4?
No. H.264 is the codec that compresses the video. MP4 is the container file that holds the video, audio and other data.
Should I use H.264 or HEVC?
H.264 for the widest compatibility, HEVC for smaller files when you know the recipient can play it.
Can H.264 be used for 4K video?
Yes. H.264 can store 4K, but files are larger than HEVC at the same quality, and some older devices only play H.264 up to 1080p.
Why is my converted H.264 file bigger than the original?
If the original was HEVC, H.264 needs more data to reach similar quality, so a larger file is normal.
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