The file extension is not the whole story
A file named .mp4 or .mov can contain video compressed with different codecs. Browsers support some of them and not others, so two files with the same extension may behave differently.
Common causes
- The video codec is not supported by the browser or the device (for example, some HEVC/H.265 or professional codecs).
- The file is damaged or incomplete, for example after an interrupted download.
- The file is not a video at all, and only has a video name.
- The browser has a codec but the device cannot decode it at that resolution.
What Clipvexa tells you
Clipvexa reads the actual content of the file. It can tell an empty, unrecognizable or damaged file from one that is a real video your browser cannot play, and it explains which case it is. When the video can be opened, you can convert it to an H.264 + AAC MP4, which plays almost everywhere.
What to try
- Try another browser or a recent version of yours.
- Convert the video to MP4 with Clipvexa if your browser can open it.
- Download the file again if it may be incomplete.
- If it still fails, open it with a desktop player that supports more codecs, such as VLC, and export it from there.
Frequently asked questions
Is my file corrupted if it will not play?
Not necessarily. Often the browser just cannot decode its codec. Clipvexa distinguishes damaged files from unsupported codecs where it can.
Can Clipvexa convert any video?
No. It needs your browser to decode the source video. It tells you when it cannot.