What is VP9?

VP9 is an open-source, royalty-free video codec developed by Google. It provides higher compression efficiency than H.264 (AVC) and is commonly used for YouTube, web streaming, and 4K video delivery. VP9 is designed to reduce bandwidth usage while maintaining high video quality, making it ideal for online platforms.

VP9 uses advanced compression techniques to reduce file sizes while preserving video clarity. It includes:

• Better motion prediction – Reduces redundancy in video frames for higher efficiency.
• Variable block sizes – Allows more flexibility in encoding different parts of an image.
• Optimised for web streaming – Delivers high-quality video at lower bitrates.

50% better compression than H.264 – Reduces file sizes while maintaining quality.

Open-source and royalty-free – No licensing fees, making it cost-effective.

Supports 4K and HDR – Ideal for ultra-high-definition streaming.

Optimised for web browsers – Works seamlessly in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Lower bandwidth usage – Enables smoother playback on slower internet connections.

VP9 is widely used in:

YouTube – Google’s primary video codec for HD and 4K content.

Web-based streaming services – Netflix and other platforms support VP9 in some cases.

Video conferencing – Used in WebRTC for efficient live streaming.

Embedded systems – Integrated into smart TVs, Android devices, and web browsers.

VP9 and H.265 offer similar compression efficiency, but VP9 is royalty-free, making it more attractive for platforms that want to avoid licensing fees. However, H.265 has broader hardware support, especially in smart TVs and professional broadcasting.

Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge

Android smartphones and tablets

YouTube and Google services

Smart TVs and media players (with VP9 decoding support)

However, Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Safari browser) do not fully support VP9, as Apple prioritises H.265 (HEVC).

VP9 remains a strong option for web-based streaming, but AV1 (the next-generation, royalty-free codec) is expected to replace it over time due to even better compression efficiency. Major tech companies, including Google, Netflix, and Microsoft, are shifting towards AV1 for future video streaming.