WebM and GIF explained
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.
GIF is a 1987 format limited to a 256-colour palette per frame, with support for simple animation and one fully transparent colour. Its longevity is cultural rather than technical — nothing about it is efficient by modern standards.
- Where WebM files come from
- Web video, and exports from browser-based recording tools.
- Where GIF is used
- Reaction images, simple UI animations, and screen recordings shared in chat.