What file format should I ask for when commissioning a video?

You have commissioned a video and it is nearly ready. Your animator asks what format you need it delivered in. Here is what to ask for.

Most clients do not know what file format to ask for, and most animators will deliver something sensible if not told otherwise. But knowing what to ask for means you get exactly what you need for every platform you plan to use it on.

The baseline: MP4 H.264

For almost every use case, an MP4 file encoded in H.264 at 1080p resolution (1920 by 1080 pixels) is the right starting point. This format is compatible with every major platform, produces a manageable file size, and maintains excellent quality for web and social use.

If you only ask for one file and you are not sure what else you need, ask for an MP4 at 1080p H.264. That will cover most situations.

Aspect ratios by platform

Different platforms favour different aspect ratios. If you plan to use the video on multiple platforms, ask your animator to export platform-specific versions.

1. 1

   16:9 (landscape): Standard widescreen. YouTube, website embedding, presentations.

2. 2

   1:1 (square): Instagram feed posts, LinkedIn. Performs well on mobile because it takes up more screen space.

3. 3

   9:16 (vertical): Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts. Optimised for phones held upright.

When to ask for a MOV file

A MOV file with an alpha channel is needed when you want a video with a transparent background, for example an animated logo that will be placed over other video footage. If you are a content creator or working in video production, ask for a MOV with alpha channel for any element that needs a transparent background.

Subtitle files

If your video will be used on social media or in contexts where it may be watched without sound, ask for a .srt file alongside the video. This is a subtitle file that can be uploaded separately to most platforms and means your captions are text-based and selectable rather than burned into the video.

A practical checklist to share with your animator

1. 1

   MP4 H. 264 1080p: primary web and social version

2. 2

   Square version (1:1) if using on Instagram or LinkedIn feed.

3. 3

   Vertical version (9:16) if using on Reels, TikTok, or Stories.

4. 4

   MOV with alpha channel if you need a transparent background version.

5. 5

   . srt subtitle file if captions are needed

Share this checklist at the brief stage rather than at delivery. Adding new export formats at the last minute can cause delays. Getting the spec right upfront means everything arrives in one delivery.

About the Author

Dan Deveney is a digital designer, educational specialist, and developer based near Dartmoor in Devon. Through Granite & Glitch, he works with small businesses, charities, and community groups to create accessible, high-performance digital projects, drawing on more than 15 years of experience across design, education, and development.