Blog
MP4 vs MP3 vs WebM: which download format should you pick?
Start with the job, not the acronym
Formats are outputs for a task: playback, editing, audio extraction, or small attachments. PasteGrab exposes presets up front so you choose before the server contacts the host.
Best quality, MP4, MP3, 720p, and Smallest file cover most real workflows. yt-dlp may surface additional streams after preview on some pages.
When MP4 is the right default
MP4 (H.264/AAC where available) is the lingua franca of social and corporate video. Pick it for Slack shares, PowerPoint embeds, and mobile playback.
If you are unsure, MP4 is safer than exotic containers your editor might not import cleanly.
When MP3 beats video
Interviews, voice memos, music references, and podcast clips often need audio only. MP3 keeps storage low and imports quickly into DAWs or transcription tools.
Choose MP3 before previewing so the job queues audio extraction directly.
WebM and advanced containers
Some hosts expose WebM or separate video/audio streams. PasteGrab's Best quality preset merges what yt-dlp recommends for a balanced file.
If you need a specific stream for post-production, preview first and review optional formats when they appear.
Quality vs file size
720p is a sweet spot for review copies on laptops. Smallest file helps email attachments and field teams on slow networks.
Archivists saving masters should prefer Best quality even if jobs take longer.
Team conventions that scale
Agencies often standardize: MP4 for client review, MP3 for radio cuts, Best quality for final archives. Document the convention in your creative ops wiki.
PasteGrab history (when signed in) helps you trace which preset was used for a given link.
FAQ