Video format
The OGV format
OGV is open-source Theora video in an Ogg container. Ogg video pairs the Xiph.Org Foundation’s Theora codec, finished in 2008, with Vorbis audio; it was the open web’s first video format.
When to use OGV
Use OGV when a platform accepts only free formats, such as Wikimedia Commons.
It is best for open-source projects and Wikimedia Commons uploads, and it opens on Firefox, Chrome, VLC and Wikipedia; not Safari, iPhones or editors.
How to open it: Firefox, Chrome and VLC play OGV files.
| Full name | Ogg Video |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .ogv |
| MIME type | video/ogg |
| Introduced | 2008 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Usually contains | Theora video with Vorbis audio |
| Support | Patchy support |
| Typical size | Larger than MP4 for similar quality |
Good at
- Completely royalty-free
- Accepted by Wikimedia Commons
Not so good at
- Theora compresses far worse than modern codecs
- Apple devices can’t play it
The common mistake
Theora needs a much higher bitrate than H.264 for the same picture, so an OGV of the same size looks noticeably worse.
Questions
What is an OGV file?
OGV (Ogg Video) is open-source Theora video in an Ogg container. Ogg video pairs the Xiph.Org Foundation’s Theora codec, finished in 2008, with Vorbis audio; it was the open web’s first video format.
How do I open an OGV file?
Firefox, Chrome and VLC play OGV files.
How do I convert OGV to another format?
Pick the target on this page, or open the Video Converter, drop the OGV file and choose a format. It converts in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.