Media Info Online: Check Any File’s Codec, Bitrate & Format
Media info online for any video, audio or image file: the real format read from the file’s bytes, every track with its codec, profile, bitrate, frame rate and resolution, plus rotation, HDR, language and metadata. It also tells you whether your browser can decode each track, which explains most “codec not supported” errors. Files are inspected on your device, never uploaded.
- Runs on your device
- WebCodecs · GPU
- FFmpeg
- Works offline
Updated
Drop your files here
How to check a video’s codec and bitrate
Step 1: Drop one or more video, audio or image files on the box above.
Step 2: Press Analyse. Most files are read instantly; for AVI, WMV, FLV and similar formats you can allow a one-time FFmpeg download for full details.
Step 3: Read the report: file, container, then each track. Warnings, such as a wrong extension or a stored GPS location, are listed at the end.
Step 4: Copy the report or download it as text and JSON.
Good to know
Formats
Batch-friendly: add many files and they are processed one after another — if one fails, the rest still finish.
How it runs
- Hardware video engine
- Video is decoded and encoded by your device’s media hardware through WebCodecs — usually several times faster than real time.
- FFmpeg (when needed)
- Older formats and a few filters use FFmpeg compiled to WebAssembly. It downloads once (about 31 MB) the first time it is needed and is cached for offline use.
What codec is my video? Common codecs and what they mean
The codec decides where a file plays. The report shows each track’s codec name and its codec string, and a Decodable here line that tests your own browser, so you know whether to convert.
| Codec in the report | Codec string starts with | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| H.264 / AVC | avc1 | Plays almost everywhere; the safe choice |
| H.265 / HEVC | hvc1 or hev1 | iPhone and modern cameras; some PCs and browsers cannot play it |
| AV1 | av01 | Newer, efficient; older devices may not decode it |
| VP9 | vp09 | Web video, usually in WebM |
| MPEG-4 Part 2, WMV, MPEG-2 | — | Older formats; browsers need a conversion |
| AAC | mp4a.40.2 (AAC-LC) | Standard audio for MP4; plays everywhere |
| AC-3, E-AC-3, DTS | — | Film and TV surround audio; browsers often play the picture without sound |
What the media info report shows
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| File | Size in bytes, the real format from the file’s first bytes, and whether the extension matches |
| Container | Format, MIME type, duration, overall bitrate, start time |
| Every track | Codec, codec string, profile and level, bitrate, language, title, default or forced flag, decodable in this browser |
| Video tracks | Resolution, rotation, aspect and pixel aspect ratio, frame rate (variable range if VFR), bit depth, chroma, colour primaries and transfer, HDR10 or HLG |
| Audio tracks | Sample rate, channels and layout (stereo, 5.1, 7.1) |
| Metadata | Title, artist, date, encoder, recording device, location, cover art |
| Images | Resolution, megapixels, transparency, animation frames and loop, camera and lens EXIF, GPS |
How to check video bitrate
The Overall bitrate in the container section is file size × 8 ÷ duration, so it includes audio. Each track shows its own bitrate: from the file’s metadata when it is stored, or measured from a sample of packets and marked with ≈. To see what bitrate a smaller copy would need, plan it with the video bitrate calculator.
Fake extensions and other warnings
A file named .mp4 can really be an MKV or WebM inside; some apps then refuse it. Media info reads the first bytes, reports the real format and warns when the extension disagrees. It also flags tracks your browser cannot decode and files that store a GPS location, which you may want to remove before sharing.
Media info online vs the MediaInfo app
MediaInfo is a well-known desktop program that you install. This page answers the everyday questions, such as codec, bitrate, HDR or language, without an install and without uploading the file, which upload-based metadata sites require. For photos only, the EXIF viewer shows every camera tag.
Tips & troubleshooting
A player says “codec not supported”? Check which track is flagged, then convert only that: video to H.264, or the audio to AAC.
Report says the extension is wrong? Rename the file to the real extension, or convert it with MKV to MP4 if it is really an MKV.
File will not open at all and no tracks are found? It may be truncated; try repair video.
Media Info (File Inspector) FAQ
How do I check the codec of a video file?
Drop the file here and press Analyse. Each track lists its codec (for example H.264 / AVC or H.265 / HEVC), the codec string with profile and level, and whether your browser can decode it.
Why is a video codec not supported?
The player lacks a decoder for one track. HEVC video on some Windows PCs, and AC-3, E-AC-3 or DTS audio in browsers, are the usual cases. The report marks such tracks, and converting just that track fixes playback.
What is a video codec?
A codec is the method used to compress the picture or sound, such as H.264, HEVC or AV1 for video and AAC or Opus for audio. The container (MP4, MKV, MOV) is the box that holds the compressed tracks.
Can it read AVI, WMV and FLV files?
Yes. Your browser cannot read those containers directly, so ProMedia asks before downloading the FFmpeg engine once, then lists every track. Without it you still get the basic details.
Is your file uploaded anywhere?
No. Your file is processed by your own browser on your own device. There is no server that receives files, so nothing is uploaded, stored or shared. You can even switch to airplane mode once the page has loaded.