How can I determine which format I should use in converting video to post on a website?

The best file format depends on the website and the end user. Please look at the list below for common file formats and information on them. Websites such as YouTube also list acceptable formats. It is always advisable to see what the site you are using recommends.

• .mp4 is good quality with a small file size. It is the preferred format for YouTube.
• .wmv is good quality with a large file size, so it requires more space on a computer. It does not play natively on Mac machines without outside help.
• .mov is high quality with a large file size. It plays well on a Mac machine, but it does not play on Windows without outside help.
• .flv is a small file size, but it needs extra steps to bring up the quality. It does not play natively on most Windows or Mac machines.
• .avi is good quality with a small to large file size. It does not play natively on Macs without help.

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