MKV vs MP4: Choosing the Best Video Format for Streaming

For developers integrating video functionality into applications or streaming platforms choosing the right video format is key to delivering a good user experience. As a developer or content creator, you need a format that balances quality, compatibility, and performance. At FastPix, we help our users make informed decisions for their streaming needs by providing flexible and powerful video solutions.

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Think about the videos you stream on Netflix or YouTube. Ever wondered why they play so smoothly and look great on your device? It’s usually because they use MP4. But where does MKV fit in? Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed choice.

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What is a video format?

A video format is a type of file format for storing and encoding video data in digital form. It contains a container for video, sound, subtitles, and metadata while the codec is used to compress and decompress the video. The selected format will determine things like file size, video quality, and compatibility with devices.

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Video codecs overview

Codecs are software used to compress and decompress video files. Major ones include:

• H.264: Provides a good blend of compression and quality, suitable for most use cases.
• H.265: Provides improved compression and efficiency but requires more processing power; offers better quality at smaller file sizes.
• VP9: An open-source alternative to HEVC, used for high-quality streaming on platforms like YouTube; effective for compressing high-resolution content.
• YUV 420 (8/10 bit): A common colour space for video decoding; supported in both MKV and MP4.

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Why MP4 is go-to format for streaming

MP4 is like the universal remote for video formats—it works almost everywhere. Streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube favor MP4 because it’s compatible with virtually every device and operating system. It’s optimized for fast loading times and minimal buffering, making it perfect for streaming. Imagine it as having a phone charger that fits every device.

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• Compatibility: MP4 is universally compatible, from smartphones and tablets to PCs and smart TVs. It’s supported by major streaming protocols like HLS and DASH (Shaka player, DASH player, Video.js player) making it more suitable for both local and web streaming.  
• Efficiency: MP4 balances video quality and file size efficiently. It’s compression algorithms ensure quick loading and smooth playback, minimizing buffering issues. For most streaming needs, MP4 is like the go-to solution that works seamlessly without any fuss.
• Developer-Friendly: MP4’s wide support means fewer headaches for developers. It’s easily integrated into most video players and libraries, simplifying your development process. It's like using a tool that’s compatible with every job, making your life a lot easier.

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MKV: A more premium choice for quality and flexibility

• In contrast, MKV (Matroska Video) is like having a premium home theatre system. It’s built for top-notch quality and versatility. If you’re archiving high-definition content or storing videos with multiple audio tracks and subtitles, MKV is your best bet. It supports lossless compression, meaning your video maintains its original quality, much like keeping a pristine collection of your favourite movies. MKV is more flexible than MP4, making it better suited for lossless audio, multiple audio tracks, subtitles and 3D video.
  
• High-quality preservation: MKV supports lossless compression, which means your video retains its original quality. This is ideal for high-definition content where every detail matters, like a collector’s edition of your favourite movie that you want to preserve in its finest form.
• Flexibility: MKV is versatile, handling various codecs and including multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapters. Imagine having a digital library where you can easily access every language track and subtitle—MKV makes this possible.
• Advanced features: MKV provides rich metadata and advanced navigation options, enhancing the user experience for complex media projects. It’s provides advanced features for managing your media.

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Licensing and cost considerations

MKV: MKV is an open-source format licensed under GNU L-GPL for personal use and available under a BSD license for commercial use. This means you can use it freely without worrying about royalties or DRM restrictions.  

MP4: MP4 is not inherently royalty-free; it’s just a format for storing content. The content within them can be, depending on licensing agreements and permissions.

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Quality and file size

Quality: The quality of both MKV and MP4 is influenced more by the codecs used within the container rather than the container format itself. Therefore, if the same codecs are used in both formats with similar settings, the quality will be comparable. However, MKV files are typically larger because they support additional features such as multiple audio tracks and subtitles, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they offer higher video quality than MP4.  

File size: The file size for both MKV and MP4 is influenced by the codecs and bitrate used. MKV files tend to be larger due to the inclusion of extra features, but with advanced codecs, they can be more space-efficient. If you find an MKV file that is smaller in size compared to an MP4 file, it may be due to more efficient codecs being used in the MKV format.

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Supported platforms

MKV: MKV is supported by a range of video players and editing software like VLC Player, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro. However, it is less universally supported compared to MP4. While MKV can handle multiple subtitles and audio tracks, its compatibility with various platforms is more limited.

MP4: MP4 is compatible with almost every media player, operating system, and device, including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and Windows devices. This broad compatibility makes it a preferred choice for streaming and sharing.

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Compatible audio and video codecs

MKV: MKV supports a wide range of audio and video codecs, including FLAC for lossless audio, which is ideal for high-quality audio content. It also supports advanced codecs like HEVC/H.265 for high-resolution video.

MP4: MP4 supports a narrower range of codecs. It does not support FLAC but offers alternatives like Apple Lossless (ALAC). MP4 can also be encoded with HEVC/H.265, supporting high resolutions such as 4K and 8K.

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Choosing the right format: Practical considerations

For streaming:

• MP4: Choose MP4 for a streaming service or application. Its compatibility with streaming protocols, efficient compression, and broad support makes it the best choice for delivering content to a wide audience. It’s like choosing a universal adapter that ensures everything fits and works perfectly.
• Implementation tip: Use MP4 with H.264 or H.265 codecs for the best quality and compression. Consider adaptive bitrate streaming to handle varying network conditions smoothly.

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For archiving:

• MKV: Opt for MKV for high-quality archiving where preserving every detail is essential. It’s ideal for projects that require multiple audio tracks, subtitles, or rich metadata. Think of it as the high-quality storage solution that keeps your content in perfect condition.
• Implementation Tip: Ensure your archiving solution supports MKV and its advanced features. You might need specialized media players or libraries capable of handling MKV files.

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Feature comparison: MKV vs. MP4

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Conclusion

For developers, selecting the right video format is essential for delivering a seamless and high-quality user experience. MP4 is the format of choice for streaming due to its efficiency and compatibility, while MKV excels in high-quality archiving and flexibility. Understanding these formats and their features will help you make the best decision for your project.

At FastPix, we’re here to let you focus on creating great video experiences for your viewers, while we take care of technical complexities in video with different codecs and formats. With features like multiple input formats, you can upload video content in various formats and codecs, such as H.264, VP8, MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, etc. This eliminates any need to convert. Therefore, speeding up the video generation workflow and reducing turnaround time. Developer and product builders can integrate video uploads into their applications without worrying about format compatibility. FastPix handles the conversion and processing of different formats, providing a consistent experience across all platforms.
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