Which video file format is popular for sharing videos online?

The MP4 video file format is widely used for sharing videos online due to its balancing act between video quality and file size. It utilizes advanced compression techniques, such as H.264 for video and AAC for audio, allowing for high-quality playback while keeping the file size manageable, which is essential for streaming over the internet.

Additionally, MP4 supports a variety of multimedia features, including the ability to store video, audio, subtitles, and still images together in one file. This versatility makes it an ideal choice not only for personal use but also for professional platforms and social media, where quick uploads and compatibility with various devices are important.

In contrast, formats such as AVI are less efficient for web use because they can result in larger file sizes without significant benefits in quality. TIF is primarily an image format and is not suitable for video, which eliminates its relevance in this context. FLV, while once popular for web video, has become less favored with the rise of MP4 and the changing landscape of streaming technology.