AVI and WebM explained
AVI is a Microsoft container from 1992. It predates modern video compression and lacks features taken for granted today, such as proper support for variable frame rates and modern codec metadata.
WebM is an open, royalty-free container built for the web, holding VP8/VP9 or AV1 video with Vorbis or Opus audio. It exists specifically so browsers can ship video support without patent licensing.
- Where AVI files come from
- Old camcorders, legacy Windows software and archived downloads.
- Where WebM is used
- Web video, and exports from browser-based recording tools.