api.video lets you quickly and securely deliver on-demand and live-stream videos directly from your website, software, or app. 

api.video

Glossary-Video-compression.svg

## What is video compression?
The process of video compression relates to encoding a video so that it becomes smaller in file size. Compression allows videos to be transferred across the Internet or between devices more quickly. It is considered the lifeblood of over-the-top services like Netflix and YouTube, which rely on compression in order to stream video.

Video compression occurs by removing repetitive frames or unnecessary data from the original video file. However, when compression is used on its own, it doesn’t usually produce the highest quality of video, which is why video compression is generally used hand-in-hand with video encoding.

## What are the different video compression formats?
After a video file has been encoded and compressed, it will typically be placed (or saved) into “containers” — more commonly known as “video formats”. You can tell what container a video file is in by looking at its file extension. Here are the most commonly used video formats:
* MP4
* MOV
* AVI
* WMV
* FLV
* WEBM
* AVCHD
* MKV
* MPEG-2

Glossary-Video-encoding.svg

## What is video encoding? 
The term encoding is used to describe the process of converting content into a different form. (Like a spy will encode his message so that it cannot be read should it fall into the wrong hands.)

In the context of video - encoding *technically* only happens when the video is being recorded, and taken from the camera's raw format and saved into a codec.  Any further manipulations of the video file (say changing the format, or changing compression values) is [transcoding](https://api.video/what-is/transcoding/). But, in practice, these two terms are used interchangeably to describe the process of converting a video file from one format to another.

small_nouncompress-image181349.png

thumbnail_nouncompress-image181349.png

video-encoding-icon.png

## Why encode a video?
Video files are inherently large, so using a [codec](https://api.video/what-is/codec/) to compress the video ensures that the file will be much smaller.  As codecs get better at compression, we are able to transmit higher quality video for the same amount of data. For that reason, there is a lot of research into new codecs.  

There are other considerations to undertake when choosing how to encode your video. The [H264](https://api.video/what-is/h-264/), while older and not the best compression, does support the highest browser support - making it a common encoding choice.  Newer codecs like [H265](https://api.video/what-is/h-265/), VP9, and AVIF have better compression, but suffer slightly in the realm of browser support for playback.

## Encoding settings
When using a tool like FFMPEG, you can set the video quality. This determines how much compression there will be/how good the video will look.  Higher compression leads to smaller files, but also higher [loss](https://api.video/what-is/lossy-compression/). FFMPEG uses the Constant Rate Factor for encoding quality (values of 0 are lossless, 51 is high compression.) The default value for CRF is 23, and generally creates a video that offers a high compression/quality ratio:

```
ffmpeg -i input -c:v libx264 -crf 23 output.mp4
```

## Encoding at api.video

Every video uploaded to api.video is encoded/transcoded into an H264 MP4 and an HLS video stream with up to 6 different sizes (240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, 2160p).  This ensures that video playback can occur on any device (the MP4), and along with our video player (or any other video player that supports HLS), your video can stream to the web quickly and efficiently.

## Instant Video Encoding

We run all our own infrastructure in order to squeeze the best performance out of each stage of the video pipeline. Our [encoding times](https://api.video/blog/product-updates/api-video-encoding-times-2h-2021-edition/) are the fastest in the industry, so you'll never be waiting around for your videos to encode.

Glossary-Video-frame-rate.svg

## What is a video frame rate?
The term “frame rate” is typically defined as the frequency at which a sequence of still images is recorded by a camera or shown on a display. Frame rates are usually expressed in “[frames per second](https://api.video/what-is/framerate-frames-per-second-fps/)” or “fps” because it relates to the number of frames that are recorded or appear within a second of time.

When it comes to watching a video, our eyes perceive it as one continuous recording. In reality, a video is actually a series of multiple still images, also known as “frames”, that a camera records in succession. Once played back, videos give the impression of continuous motion due to the rapid playback speed.

## Typical video frame rates
In general, camera video frame rates tend to be either 24fps, 30fps, 60fps or 120fps.
As the years have gone by and video technology have progressed, most modern-day cameras will produce video at a variety of frame rates. Since the human eye has the image latency of around 1/25th of a second, the standard video frame rate for movies and TV shows tend to be 24fps — both for recording and broadcasting.

However, most sports are recorded at 30fps as it provides a smoother viewing experience with less motion blur, although high-speed sports such as baseball or NASCAR tend to use 60fps. Anything beyond 60fps is great for capturing smoother slow-motion video.


Glossary-Video-platform.svg

## What is a video platform?
A complete, end-to-end video platform allows you to: upload video, store it, play video back, live stream and track usage analytics. There are different ways to provide this service, with different types of video platforms providing only some of these elements. A video platform can be something flexible that you can program through the use of an API, or it can be a studio solution, where everything is already set up for you a specific way. 

## Types of video platforms
Some of the most popular video platforms offer limited capabilities to their users. For example, Netflix and Hulu are examples of online video platforms. You can't upload video or live stream, but you can watch video on demand. Contrast this with a video platform like YouTube, where you can upload videos, live stream, and watch other uploaded content, including movies and TV shows. 

Other kinds of video platforms are more flexible - allowing you to use an API to develop whatever you want. api.video, for example, provides everything you need to transcode, upload, stream video on demand, live stream, display content in a company created player, and track analytics. Other video companies may offer similar flexibility, but only for one or a few of these features. 

## Anatomy of a video platform
All online video platforms have two elements - OTT (over-the-top) and OVP (online video player). OTT is the concept of delivering video through the internet, without requiring a traditional mode of distribution like cable, or broadcasting radio waves.

Some popular examples are Instagram and TikTok videos, Amazon Prime Video, Facebook and Pinterest video, and similar. OVP is the infrastructure that delivers the OTT video. This can be set up all kinds of ways, from private, video-focused CDNs (content delivery networks) to general media delivery infrastructure that places like Akamai offer. 

## Online video platforms, cloud video platforms and api.video
api.video is an online (cloud) video platform that lets you develop your own OTT service. Complicated things that are part of the OVP, like how to set up the infrastructure, how to handle latency, the best way to store and back up your content, the most efficient way to transcode and live stream content, all of these things are handled for you.

This allows you to focus on other aspects of your development such as the content you will present, how it will be provided to your users, and what kinds of algorithms you want to create to suggest content to your users and keep them engaged. Plus anything else you might want to focus on. 

## What is a video player?
A video player is hardware or software that allows for the playback of video.

In the past, most video players were hardware based, like the BetaMax pictured above, but today, most video players are software based, running on phones, browsers, or computers to play back video content. There are applications that can be installed to playback videos like Windows Media Player, VLC, Quicktime, etc.  In this definition, we will focus primarily on players that are web based - meaning that they are played in the browser (or are embedded in an application by way of JavaScript and the browser).

## What is a browser video player?
Browsers that support HTML5 have an embedded video player.  The [video tag](https://api.video/blog/video-trends/the-code-behind-the-magic-the-video-tag/) was introduced in 2008 as a part of the HTML5 specification. This standardization of video on the web has helped the explosion of video content online.  All the playback and event attributes were made the same, allowing for easy playback of content - no matter which browser was being used.

Of course, each browser has slightly different video [codec](https://api.video/what-is/codec/) support, which slightly complicates things.  h.264 video is supported by 98% of browsers.  VP8/VP9 webm video is supported  by 78% of browsers, and the numbers get worse after that.  To make matters worse, only the Safari browser supports HLS video streaming.

Video streaming playback has become the de-facto way to deliver content - using adaptive bitrate to make the video delivery responsive for all screen sizes, requiring the addition of a Javascript based player to enable this playback.

## JavaScript Video players
There are a number of JavaScript video players that can be embedded into your webpage for video playback. These players extend the HTML5 video engine to playback streaming video - HLS or MPEG-DASH. Some of these players are free and open source, and others are premium applications.  

At api.video, we supply a [customizable HTML5 video player](https://api.video/product/player/) based on video.js with each video.  It can be further controlled with our [player SDK](https://docs.api.video/sdks/player/apivideo-player-sdk).

Glossary-video-alteration.svg

## What is Video Alteration?

Video Alteration refers to the process of modifying existing video content using AI and advanced digital techniques. This technology encompasses a wide range of manipulations, from subtle enhancements to dramatic transformations of video footage. It combines elements of [Computer Vision](https://api.video/what-is/computer-vision/), [Generative AI](https://api.video/what-is/generative-ai/), and traditional video editing to change, improve, or completely reimagine video content.

## Key Components of Video Alteration Systems
Video Alteration systems typically involve several key components working in harmony. At the core is video analysis, which aims to understand the content, structure, and motion present in the original video. This understanding then informs the object detection and tracking capabilities, allowing the system to identify and follow specific elements within the footage.

The content generation component is responsible for creating new visual elements that can be inserted into or used to replace parts of the original video. Seamlessly integrating these altered elements with the original footage is a critical challenge, requiring sophisticated blending techniques. Maintaining temporal consistency is also crucial, ensuring that changes remain coherent and natural across multiple frames.

These interconnected components form the foundation of video alteration systems, enabling a wide range of applications from visual effects and video editing to content manipulation and virtual environment creation. As the technology continues to advance, the capabilities and complexity of these systems will likely expand, offering new possibilities for creative expression and video production.

## Techniques Used in Video Alteration
Several AI and digital techniques are crucial for Video Alteration:
- Deep Learning Models: For tasks like object recognition, segmentation, and generation.
- Motion Estimation and Compensation: To maintain consistency of alterations across frames.
- Image Inpainting: Filling in areas where content has been removed or modified.
- Style Transfer: Applying visual styles from one video or image to another.
- Face Swapping and Reenactment: Replacing or animating faces in video footage.

## Applications of Video Alteration
Video Alteration technology has numerous applications:
- Film and TV Production: Enhancing visual effects, changing backgrounds, or altering actor performances.
- Content Localization: Adapting videos for different cultures or languages by altering visual elements.
- Historical Recreation: Colorizing and restoring old footage or creating historically accurate scenes.
- Virtual Try-On: Allowing users to see how products would look on them in video format.
- Privacy Protection: Blurring or replacing sensitive information in video content.
- Educational Content: Modifying videos to better illustrate concepts or adapt to different learning styles.

## Challenges and Considerations
Video Alteration technology faces several challenges:
- Realism and Seamlessness: Ensuring altered elements blend naturally with the original footage.
- Ethical Concerns: Addressing issues related to deepfakes and the potential for misinformation.
- Copyright and Ownership: Navigating legal issues around altering and repurposing video content.
- Computational Demands: Managing the intensive processing required for high-quality video alterations.
- Preserving Original Intent: Balancing alterations with the original creator's artistic vision.

## The Future of Video Alteration
We can expect several exciting developments for video alteration, such as: Real-Time Alteration, Enhanced Personalization, AI-Driven Creative Editing, Improved Detection of Altered Videos and Integration with Virtual and Augmented Reality.

As Video Alteration technology evolves, it promises to revolutionize content creation and consumption, offering new possibilities for creativity and personalization. However, it also raises important ethical questions about the authenticity of visual media and the responsible use of such powerful manipulation tools. Balancing the creative potential with the need for transparency and ethical guidelines will be crucial as this technology becomes more prevalent.

## What is a 360-degree Video?
360-degree video, also known as immersive video or spherical video, is a revolutionary format that captures a complete 360-degree view of a scene, allowing viewers to freely explore the environment by panning, tilting, or zooming the camera. This innovative technology has transformed the way we experience and consume video content, opening up new possibilities for storytelling, entertainment, and education. 

## Understanding 360-degree Video
Capturing 360-degree video requires specialized camera rigs or omnidirectional cameras that can simultaneously record the entire panoramic view surrounding the camera. These devices use multiple lenses or sensors to capture a continuous and seamless 360-degree image, which is then stitched together and processed to create a spherical video file.

When viewed on a compatible device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or virtual reality (VR) headset, 360-degree video allows users to control the viewing perspective. By moving or tilting their device, users can explore the scene from different angles, discovering new details and perspectives that were previously hidden.

## Benefits and Applications of 360-degree Video
The immersive nature of 360-degree video has led to its rapid adoption across various industries and applications:
1. **Entertainment**: 360-degree video has revolutionized the world of gaming, film, and virtual events, providing users with a truly immersive experience.
2. **Education and Training**: 360-degree video can transport learners to remote locations, historical sites, or specialized environments, enhancing educational experiences and facilitating hands-on training.
3. **Tourism and Real Estate**: 360-degree video allows potential customers to virtually explore destinations, hotels, and properties, making it a valuable tool for the travel and real estate industries.
4. **Social Media and Marketing**: Brands and content creators are leveraging 360-degree video to engage audiences, showcase products, and provide unique, memorable experiences.

## Technological Advancements and Challenges
The rapid evolution of 360-degree video technology has been driven by improvements in camera hardware, video encoding, and content delivery. Advancements in stitching algorithms, high-resolution sensors, and stabilization techniques have all contributed to enhancing the quality and seamlessness of 360-degree video.

However, the adoption of 360-degree video also faces certain challenges, such as the need for specialized hardware (e.g., VR headsets) for optimal viewing, the higher storage and bandwidth requirements, and the learning curve for both content creators and viewers.

## The Future of 360-degree Video
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of 360-degree video. Integrations with augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies, advancements in live-streaming capabilities, and improvements in overall video quality and accessibility will likely drive the widespread adoption of this immersive format.  

&nbsp;  

At api.video, we recognize the growing importance of 360-degree video and its ability to captivate and engage audiences. Our platform is designed to seamlessly handle 360-degree video content, providing the tools and infrastructure necessary to upload, process, and deliver these immersive experiences to your viewers. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or educator, api.video empowers you to share your stories and ideas in a truly captivating and interactive way. [Sign up now](https://dashboard.api.video/register)!

Glossary-360-degree-video.svg

Glossary-Trimming.svg

## What is video trimming? 
Video trimming is where you take the beginning or end off a video clip. This can be useful for ensuring your video starts quickly, gets your point across, and grabs your audience's attention. Sometimes trimming is also referred to as removing the top or tail of a video.

## What's the difference between splitting and trimming? 
When you split a video, you're breaking the video into smaller chunks you also plan to use. If you trim a video you're removing frames you don't want to use in your clip from the beginning and end of your content. 

Today, many tools allow people to quickly trim their videos, there are downloadable mobile apps that focus on letting you edit using your phone. Many popular social media platforms like Instagram also provide the ability to shorten clips so you can edit and post without leaving the platform.

## What's the difference between cropping and trimming? 
If you crop a video, you're removing pixels from the content to make the frame smaller. Trimming doesn't affect what's kept per frame, instead it completely removes frames. 

## Trimming and api.video 
api.video offers the ability to trim videos using our API. You can trim content, clip it, copy clips, and more!

## What is transmuxing?
Transmuxing is the process of changing the container and delivery format for video and audio without encoding or transcoding the original content. The benefit of doing this is it's less time consuming and requires less processing power. So long as your video and audio codecs are compatible with the container you want to change to, you can use transmuxing to put the same content into different containers for delivery to different sources that may require that particular container in order to work correctly. 

## What's the difference between a video container and a video codec?
Containers/formats and codecs are easy to confuse, and what makes it more complicated is they're often used interchangeably. A container is what contains all the packages of video, audio and meta data that are created by the codec. You can read more detail about this in [Every Video Format, Codec, and Container Explained](https://api.video/blog/product-updates/every-video-format-codec-and-container-explained/). The video format (part of the container) is described by the file extension and it describes the rules for how the container, compressed content, and codecs will be stored and handled.

## What are the most popular video containers/video formats?
Containers can often accommodate multiple types of video codecs, but it's important to determine which containers and codecs are compatible and which aren't. Some of the most popular video containers are: 
* MP4
* AVI
* MOV
* FLV
* WMV  

&nbsp;  

Hands down the most popular video format is [MP4](https://api.video/what-is/mp4/), which is short for MPEG 4. This format supports video, audio and data like subtitles, captions and images. This format is sometimes confused with M4A, which is short for the audio-only format MPEG 4 Audio. 

## What are the most popular video codecs?
There are lots of video codecs out there, optimized for specific use cases for anything from editing and doing special effects to storing or streaming. Currently the most popular [codecs](https://api.video/what-is/codec/) out there are: 
* H.264
* H.265
* VP9  

&nbsp;  

Currently, H.264 is the most widely used codec, but that will likely change. H.265 offers superior compression to H.264 with higher quality playback. You must pay to use it, so it's not as popular as it could be. VP9 and AV1 are free codecs with similar performance to H.265, but nothing has yet become the dominant replacement for H.264. We'll just have to wait and see what happens!

Video on demand

Live streaming

Analytics

Video infrastructure

Video player

AI features

See all features

Online learning & Corporate training

Social & Entertainment

Marketplace & E-commerce

Communication & UGC

Generative AI

Quickstart guides

Documentation

Ecosystem catalog

Clients & SDKs

Community

Blog

Demos

Customer success stories

Help center

Video compression

What is video compression?

What are the different video compression formats?