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WEBM File - What is a .webm file and how do I open it?
Learn about .WEBM files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a WEBM file? A WEBM file is a video saved in the WebM format, an open, royalty-free format designed for sharing video on the web. WebM uses a container structure similar to the Matroska ( .MKV ) video format, which stores both audio and video data. Video is compressed using a VP8 or VP9 codec, and audio is compressed with either the Vorbis or Opus audio codec.
More Information WEBM file open in VideoLAN VLC media player Several modern web browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, include built-in support for the WebM format. If your browser does not support WebM (e.g. Safari or Internet Explorer), you will need to install a WebM plug-in to play WebM media files. WebM is an open-source, royalty-free alternative to the patented H.264 and H.265 standards. Since it is 100% free, the technology is suitable for commercial and non-commercial applications. NOTE: Google acquired ON2, the original developer of VP8 technology, in 2010. The WebM Project represents Google in the Alliance for Open Media.
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.WEBM File Extension
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NEW: Open your .WEBM file online with File Helper . View Online
What is a WEBM file?
A WEBM file is a video saved in the WebM format, an open, royalty-free format designed for sharing video on the web. WebM uses a container structure similar to the Matroska ( .MKV ) video format, which stores both audio and video data. Video is compressed using a VP8 or VP9 codec, and audio is compressed with either the Vorbis or Opus audio codec.
More Information
WEBM file open in VideoLAN VLC media player
Several modern web browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, include built-in support for the WebM format. If your browser does not support WebM (e.g. Safari or Internet Explorer), you will need to install a WebM plug-in to play WebM media files.
WebM is an open-source, royalty-free alternative to the patented H.264 and H.265 standards. Since it is 100% free, the technology is suitable for commercial and non-commercial applications.
NOTE: Google acquired ON2, the original developer of VP8 technology, in 2010. The WebM Project represents Google in the Alliance for Open Media.
How to open a WEBM file
Since the WebM format was designed for the web, WEBM files are typically embedded in webpages (using an HTML5 <video> tag). In most cases, you can play a WebM audio or video file within a web browser using the on-screen controls. If you get an error saying your browser does not support the WebM format, you can download the free WebM plug-in, install it in your browser, and then reload the page.
If you encounter a WEBM file offline, you can play it with VideoLAN VLC media player (multiplatform), Microsoft Media Player (Windows), or Eltima Elmedia Player (Mac).
How to convert a WEBM file
VideoLAN VLC media player (multiplatform), HandBrake (multiplatform), and Miro Video Converter (Windows, Mac) can all convert WEBM files to other video formats. For example, VLC can convert WEBM videos to:
Programs that open WEBM files
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Program Name
Platform
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X
Windows
File Viewer Plus
—
Get it from Microsoft
Free +
Microsoft Media Player
Included with OS
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Miro Video Converter
Free
HandBrake
Free
Microsoft Windows Media Player with DirectShow Filter
Included with OS
Microsoft Edge
Free
Microsoft Internet Explorer with VP8 plug-in
—
Discontinued
Free
Mozilla Firefox
Free
Google Chrome
Free
Opera
Free
Mac
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Miro Video Converter
Free
HandBrake
Free
ShedWorx Smart Converter
Free Trial
Mozilla Firefox
Free
Google Chrome
Free
Opera
Free
Eltima Elmedia Player
Free +
Linux
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
FFmpeg
Free
HandBrake
Free
Mozilla Firefox
Free
Opera
Free
Web
FileHelper.com
Free
iOS
VideoLAN VLC for Mobile
Free
olimsoft OPlayer
Paid
PentaLoop PlayerXtreme Media Player
—
Discontinued
Free +
Android
File Viewer for Android
Free +
Videolabs VLC for Android
Free
Category: Video Files
Updated: April 8, 2022