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How video codecs work
Video codecs explained — H.264, H.265, VP9, encoding vs decoding, and what PasteGrab downloads from public hosts.
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Video codecs explained — H.264, H.265, VP9, encoding vs decoding, and what PasteGrab downloads from public hosts.
Overview
A video codec (coder-decoder) compresses raw frames into a bitstream and decompresses it for playback. H.264 (AVC) dominates social video; H.265 (HEVC) and VP9 improve efficiency at the cost of compatibility.
Codecs live inside containers (MP4, WebM, MKV). Changing container without re-encoding is remuxing; changing codec requires transcoding.
PasteGrab delivers encoded streams from hosts — understanding codecs helps you interpret quality in your editor's clip properties.
H.264
Most common social codec
H.265
Smaller files
VP9
WebM streams
How it works
Editing, archival, audio reference, or quick share — each goal favors different formats and quality levels.
Social clips often work in MP4; audio-only workflows favor MP3. See our format comparison guides for tradeoffs.
Select Best quality for masters, 720p for smaller files, or MP3 when you only need audio — before you preview the link.
Check resolution, bitrate, and audio tracks in your player or NLE before committing to a workflow.
Benefits
Platforms encode on upload; your phone decodes for playback. Editors decode for timeline preview and re-encode on export.
H.264 — universal. H.265 — smaller files, licensing friction. VP9/AV1 — web and streaming efficiency.
Transcoding H.264 → H.265 does not add original detail. Start from the best source download.
Features
Widely compatible video container — default for edits and playback.
Audio-only output when video is unnecessary.
Highest streams yt-dlp finds on the public page.
Output
PasteGrab lets you choose a preset before previewing a public link. The table below maps common goals to presets.
For deeper format comparisons, explore our related learn articles linked at the bottom of this page.
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| MP4 | Widely compatible video container — default for edits and playback. |
| MP3 | Audio-only output when video is unnecessary. |
| Best quality | Highest streams yt-dlp finds on the public page. |
| 720p | Balanced resolution preset when file size matters. |
| Smallest file | Compact output for references and slow connections. |
Devices
These concepts apply across TikTok, Instagram, Vimeo, Reddit, and other supported public hosts.
Mobile and desktop browsers use the same paste-preview-download workflow.
MP4 and Best quality for NLE imports on Mac and Windows.
720p or Smallest file for on-the-go review.
Consistent presets help agencies standardize deliverables.
Support
The source host may cap resolution. Try Best quality and verify the original public page.
Re-preview with the correct preset selected before queuing the job.
Some hosts split audio/video streams. Try Best quality or see our missing-audio troubleshooting guide.
FAQ
Guides
Long-tail guides with step-by-step instructions for this platform and workflow.
Tools
Free link-based tools that complement downloader workflows.
Related
If your next link is not from How video codecs work, try these supported platforms.
Learn
Educational guides on formats, quality, codecs, and audio for download workflows.