Video Metadata Viewer
View codec, resolution, duration and metadata
100% free. Runs entirely in your browser - your files and data never leave your device and nothing is uploaded to any server.
Drop a video file or click to upload
MP4, WebM, MKV, AVI, MOV - any video format
About this tool
Read and displays a video file's technical metadata - codec, resolution, duration, frame rate, bitrate, and more - without altering the file. Useful for quickly checking a video's technical specs before uploading it somewhere with specific format requirements, or diagnosing why a video won't play correctly.
How to use this tool
- Upload video fileLoad media asset you need to inspect technically.
- Read metadata summaryReview codec, duration, dimensions, fps, and bitrate fields.
- Compare with platform specsCheck compatibility against upload/playback requirements.
- Plan fixes if neededDecide whether to transcode, trim, or re-export asset.
Why a video will not play on a TV or old device
The container (MP4, MKV, MOV) is only the wrapper; what matters is the codec inside. H.264 video with AAC audio in an MP4 plays almost everywhere. HEVC (H.265), VP9 and AV1 are more efficient but not supported by many older TVs, browsers and editing apps.
Check the codec, resolution and frame rate here, then convert to H.264 MP4 if the device cannot play the original.
Key features
- Provides technical clarity before publishing videos.
- Helps diagnose playback/upload rejection issues quickly.
- Non-destructive inspection of original files.
- Useful for editors, marketers, and dev teams.
Common uses
- Checking codec compatibility before client delivery.
- Investigating why platform rejects uploads.
- Auditing media library consistency.
- Preparing transcode plans for legacy assets.
Tips for better results
- Check frame rate and aspect ratio with target platform rules.
- Confirm audio codec when sync/playback issues occur.
- Track bitrate for size/quality balancing decisions.
- Use metadata snapshots in issue reports.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming MP4 extension guarantees codec compatibility.
- Ignoring variable frame-rate quirks in editing workflows.
- Relying on file size alone instead of bitrate analysis.
- Skipping metadata checks before batch uploads.
Frequently asked questions
Typically video codec, resolution, duration, frame rate, bitrate, and audio codec/channel information - covering the key technical details that affect compatibility and quality.
Some platforms or devices only support specific codecs - checking a video's codec helps you determine whether it needs converting before it will play correctly on your target platform.
No - this tool only reads and displays existing metadata; the video file itself is completely unchanged.
Usually because of the codec: H.265/HEVC and AV1 are not supported everywhere, while H.264 in MP4 plays on almost anything. Check the codec here before converting.
Phones often record with a frame rate that changes during the clip to save power. Some editors handle it badly and the audio drifts out of sync, which is worth checking here first.
Around 8-12 Mbps is typical for high-quality 1080p uploads; streaming services often use less. A very high bitrate makes large files without visible benefit.