At a glance
| Also called | AV1 |
|---|---|
| Found inside | .mp4, .mkv, .webm |
Why it doesn’t play
AV1 plays only sometimes: Windows needs paid or extra extensions for some codecs, and browsers skip many of them. That is why one AV1 file plays and the next shows a black screen or no sound.
Where it plays
| PlayAnyVideo (web, Windows, Android) | Plays |
|---|---|
| Chrome / Edge on their own | Sometimes / paid extension |
| Windows Movies & TV / Media Player | Sometimes / paid extension |
Play it free with PlayAnyVideo
- 1
Open the PlayAnyVideo player in your browser — nothing to install — and drop the file in. Files never leave your device.
- 2
If the browser can’t decode it, the built-in universal engine (open-source, LGPL) takes over automatically.
- 3
For the heaviest files (4K/8K HEVC, DTS, TrueHD) install the free Windows app: it converts on the fly with your graphics card and plays everything.
- 4
On Android, choose “Open with → PlayAnyVideo” from your file manager or messenger.
FAQ
Is it really free?
Yes. PlayAnyVideo has no ads, no paid codecs and no locked features.
Is my AV1 file uploaded anywhere?
No. Playback happens on your own device; local files are never sent to a server.
Do I need a codec pack?
No. Codec packs can break other players and often bundle adware. PlayAnyVideo brings its own decoders.
Related guides
- CodecsHow to play HEVC (H.265) files without buying a codec
- CodecsHow to play AC-3 (Dolby Digital) files without buying a codec
- CodecsHow to play DTS files without buying a codec
- CodecsHow to play E-AC-3 (Dolby Digital Plus) files without buying a codec
- File formatsHow to play MKV (.mkv) files
- Devices & appsKakaoTalk videos won’t play? Here’s why — and the free fix