Webvideos

Webvideos are video content transmitted over the Internet and consumed within web browsers or dedicated applications. They are hosted on platforms or embedded on third‑party sites and are delivered using a variety of file formats and streaming methods, allowing playback on desktop and mobile devices. Typical video codecs include H.264/AVC and HEVC for MP4 containers, as well as WebM and Ogg. Delivery methods include progressive download, streaming, and adaptive streaming technologies such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and MPEG-DASH, often via content delivery networks to reduce latency and bandwidth requirements.

The web video ecosystem emerged in the 1990s with early streaming tools and progressed with faster networks. YouTube's launch in 2005 popularized user-generated video and platform-centered ecosystems. The use of Adobe Flash for embedded players declined in the 2010s as HTML5 video became standard, improving compatibility and security. Today, major platforms include YouTube, Vimeo, and social networks, plus professional hosting and enterprise video platforms.

Content ranges from user-generated to professional productions, marketing, and education. Features such as embedding, playlists, comments, likes, and analytics drive distribution. Accessibility features include captions and transcripts to support diverse audiences. Monetization occurs via advertisements, subscriptions, and licensing.

Impact and challenges: Webvideos have transformed media consumption, enabling on-demand access and global reach, but raise issues around bandwidth demand, copyright and licensing, privacy, misinformation, and moderation. Standards bodies and industry groups work to optimize codecs, streaming protocols, and accessibility guidelines.