Skip to content

Video Metadata Viewer

View duration resolution and codec info of a video

Updated

What is the Video Metadata Viewer?

Inspect video files your browser can decode. The Video Metadata Viewer shows duration and resolution, identifies the container from the file type or extension, and may show track details when the browser exposes them. Codec information is inferred when it is not available from the browser, and bitrate is estimated from file size and duration rather than read from the video stream. Processing happens in your browser; supported formats and available details vary by browser and device.

How it works

The tool loads the selected file into a browser video element using a temporary object URL. The browser provides duration and dimensions when it can decode the file; access to audio and video track details varies between browsers. The tool infers the container from the MIME type or file extension and may infer a likely codec from those same clues, so codec labels are not a definitive stream inspection. Its bitrate figure is an estimate based on total file size divided by duration, not a measured video-stream bitrate. Results are formatted as JSON or readable cards, and the file is processed in the browser.

Examples

Inspect a 4K MP4

Drop a high-resolution MP4 to read its 3840x2160 resolution, H.264 codec inference, 30.2 Mbps bitrate, and 2 audio tracks.

sample_4k.mp4
 
{ duration: "02:14.320", resolution: "3840 × 2160", codec: "H.264 / AAC (MP4 inferred)", bitrate: "30.23 Mbps", ... }

Analyze a MOV file

Check a QuickTime MOV for ProRes codec hints, track selection, and estimated size-based bitrate.

interview.mov
 
{ duration: "08:45.100", resolution: "1920 × 1080", codec: "ProRes / H.264 (QuickTime)", ... }

Frequently asked questions

Does the Video Metadata Viewer upload my files?

No. Every operation happens locally inside your browser using the native FileReader, URL.createObjectURL, and HTMLVideoElement APIs. Your video never leaves your device.

Which video formats are supported?

The viewer can inspect files that the browser's media engine can decode. Common containers include MP4, MOV, WebM, and others, but support depends on the browser, operating system, and codecs installed. The file extension alone does not guarantee that a video will load.

What metadata does it show?

Duration, resolution, aspect ratio, container guess, codec inference, file size, MIME type, estimated bitrate, and last-modified time. Track counts and details are shown when the browser exposes them. The bitrate is estimated from total file size divided by duration, so it includes audio and container overhead and is not the video's measured bitrate.

Why does the codec show "inferred"?

Browsers do not always expose the exact codec string through JavaScript APIs. The tool reads the codecs= parameter from the MIME type when present, and falls back to common mappings based on container (e.g., MP4 → H.264/AAC). It is clearly labeled as inferred.

Can I export or copy the results?

Yes. The overview mode includes a "Copy JSON" button and "Download JSON" / "Download Report" buttons. The raw mode lets you copy the formatted JSON directly.

Is there a file size limit?

There is no fixed limit in the tool, but large files may use significant browser memory and take longer to load. Browser decoding support and device resources determine what can be inspected.

Related tools

More utilities you might find handy.

Media

Audio Metadata Viewer - ID3 Tag & Audio File Info Reader

View ID3 tags, cover art and technical info from MP3, FLAC, M4A, WAV, OGG and Opus files instantly in your browser
Media

Audio Trimmer

Trim and export a section of an audio file
Media

Audio Waveform Generator

Generate a visual waveform from an audio file