.WEBM File Extension

WebM Video

Developer Google
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What is a WEBM file?

A WEBM file is a video saved in the WebM format, an open, royalty-free format designed for sharing video on the web. WebM uses a container structure similar to the Matroska (.MKV) video format, which stores both audio and video data. Video is compressed using a VP8 or VP9 codec, and audio is compressed with either the Vorbis or Opus audio codec.

More Information

Screenshot of a .webm file in VideoLAN VLC media player
WEBM file open in VideoLAN VLC media player

Several modern web browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, include built-in support for the WebM format. If your browser does not support WebM (e.g. Safari or Internet Explorer), you will need to install a WebM plug-in to play WebM media files.

WebM is an open-source, royalty-free alternative to the patented H.264 and H.265 standards. Since it is 100% free, the technology is suitable for commercial and non-commercial applications.

NOTE: Google acquired ON2, the original developer of VP8 technology, in 2010. The WebM Project represents Google in the Alliance for Open Media.

How to open a WEBM file

Since the WebM format was designed for the web, WEBM files are typically embedded in webpages (using an HTML5 <video> tag). In most cases, you can play a WebM audio or video file within a web browser using the on-screen controls. If you get an error saying your browser does not support the WebM format, you can download the free WebM plug-in, install it in your browser, and then reload the page.

If you encounter a WEBM file offline, you can play it with VideoLAN VLC media player (multiplatform), Microsoft Media Player (Windows), or Eltima Elmedia Player (Mac).

How to convert a WEBM file

VideoLAN VLC media player (multiplatform), HandBrake (multiplatform), and Miro Video Converter (Windows, Mac) can all convert WEBM files to other video formats. For example, VLC can convert WEBM videos to:

  • .MP4 - MPEG-4 Video
  • .TS - Video Transport Stream
  • .ASF - Advanced Systems Format
Open and view .WEBM files with File Viewer Plus.Free Download

Programs that open WEBM files

Verified by FileInfo.com

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the WebM Video file format and Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

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