Compare
AVI vs MP4
AVI and MP4 are video containers. Playback depends on the video and audio codecs inside, not the extension alone.
Which format should you choose?
Check codecs and editor support for an existing AVI; for new broad delivery, choose an MP4 configuration the audience can play.
Good fit for AVI
Legacy video workflows
- Maintaining files required by an established AVI workflow
Good fit for MP4
Web video distribution
- Publishing a video encoded to the target browser's supported profile
Basic information
| Field | AVI | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .avi | .mp4 |
| MIME type | video/x-msvideo | video/mp4 |
| Common uses | Legacy video workflows | Web video distribution |
| How to open | Open in a compatible player and inspect the audio and video codecs if playback fails. | Open with a compatible player or browser; if it fails, inspect actual video and audio codecs. |
| Export or convert | For sharing, convert to a suitable MP4 or WebM profile and check picture, sound, subtitles, and sync. | For another container or codec, check whether re-encoding occurs; retain the editing master and verify resolution, frame rate, and audio. |
Choose by use case
Maintaining files required by an established AVI workflow
Legacy video workflows
AVIPublishing a video encoded to the target browser's supported profile
Web video distribution
MP4Key point 1
AVI and MP4 use different container specifications.
More on the differencesKey point 2
Internal codecs strongly affect compatibility.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Inspect source codecs and recipient requirements. If converting, test video, audio, subtitles, and synchronization in the exported file.
- AVI is often encountered in older workflows.
- MP4 offers common configurations for current delivery.
- Neither extension guarantees playback without checking codec support.
Frequently asked questions
Will renaming AVI to MP4 make it compatible?
No. Changing the extension does not change the container or codecs; use a proper conversion workflow.