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Which video file format is right for me?

Austin avatar
Written by Austin
Updated this week

Highest quality

  • Choose MOV.

  • Best for professional editing, broadcast, or projects requiring color grading or VFX.

  • MOV files keep more image data, but they are large and can slow down your computer, especially with 4K footage.

  • Many editing programs support proxy editing (low-resolution previews), so you can edit smoothly while keeping full-quality MOV files for final export — if you have the storage space.

Smaller file size

  • Choose MP4.

  • Excellent visual quality at a fraction of the size.

  • Easier to store, share, and edit on most computers without bogging down performance.

  • A great option for school projects, presentations, and quick edits.

Social media

  • Most platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) expect a 1080p MP4 file as the final upload.

  • Even if you start editing in higher resolution, your final export for social media will almost always be an MP4 at 1080p.

Quick tip

  • Use MOV if you need maximum editing flexibility and have the hard drive space.

  • Use MP4 if you want a smoother editing experience and your final goal is sharing online.

Editing in 4K - what to know

  • Big files, big stress: 4K MOV files can slow down even powerful machines.

  • Proxy editing helps: Many editors (Premiere Pro, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve) let you create low-res proxy files so you can edit smoothly while keeping full-quality 4K MOV files for the final export.

  • Goal matters: If you only need social media content, editing the smaller MP4 files directly can give you a much faster, proxy-free workflow. Since most traffic views on mobile, a high-res 4K master isn’t always necessary.

  • Best of both worlds: Use MOV if you’re delivering high-res or broadcast, and MP4 if your end goal is social and speed.

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