MP4 and AVI explained
MP4 is a container, not a codec. It usually holds H.264 video and AAC audio, and that specific combination is the closest thing the internet has to a universal video format.
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.
- Where MP4 files come from
- Phone cameras, screen recorders, and every video streaming platform.
- Where AVI is used
- Old camcorders, legacy Windows software and archived downloads.