Introduction
Twitter has recently implemented significant changes to its video formats and encoding technologies. In early , the platform began rolling out new video codecs, enhanced resolution options, and modified streaming protocols. These changes impact how videos are displayed on Twitter and, importantly for our users, how they can be downloaded. This comprehensive guide explains Twitter's new video format specifications, the reasons behind these changes, and what they mean for anyone downloading Twitter videos.
Twitter's New Video Format Specifications
As of , Twitter has implemented several major changes to its video technology stack:
New Codec Support
Twitter now supports AV1 and HEVC (H.265) codecs alongside the traditional H.264, offering better compression and quality.
Increased Resolution
Maximum video resolution has been increased to 4K (3840×2160) for Twitter Blue subscribers and verified accounts.
HDR Support
Twitter now supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for enhanced color depth and dynamic range on compatible devices.
Enhanced Audio
Audio encoding has been upgraded to support AAC-LC at higher bitrates and spatial audio for immersive content.
Technical Deep Dive: The New Codecs
Let's examine Twitter's new video codec implementation in detail:
| Codec | Prior Status | Current Status | Primary Benefits | Device Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.264/AVC | Primary codec | Backward compatibility | Universal support | All devices |
| H.265/HEVC | Not supported | Default for iOS, newer Android | 30-50% better compression | iOS 11+, Android 10+, modern browsers |
| AV1 | Not supported | Default for Chrome, Edge, Firefox | ~30% better than HEVC, royalty-free | Android 12+, newer desktops, limited mobile |
| VP9 | Limited support | Fallback for some browsers | Better than H.264, open-source | Most modern browsers, varied mobile support |
Adaptive Streaming with Multiple Codecs
Twitter now implements adaptive bitrate streaming with codec negotiation, meaning:
- Videos are encoded in multiple formats simultaneously
- Your device automatically receives the most efficient format it supports
- Twitter's servers select the optimal version based on device capabilities and connection quality
- Different users may see the same video in completely different formats
AV1 (AOMedia Video 1)
AV1 is an open, royalty-free video coding format designed for internet delivery. Developed by the Alliance for Open Media (including Google, Mozilla, and others), it provides approximately 30% better compression than HEVC at the same visual quality. Twitter now uses AV1 as the preferred codec for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox users when their hardware supports it.
HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding / H.265)
HEVC offers about 50% better compression than the previous-generation H.264 while maintaining the same visual quality. Twitter now serves HEVC content to compatible devices, particularly iOS devices (which have hardware-accelerated HEVC decoding) and newer Android phones. This results in sharper video quality with lower data usage.
Resolution and Quality Enhancements
Twitter has significantly expanded its resolution and quality options:
4K Video Support (3840×2160)
Twitter now supports up to 4K resolution for videos uploaded by Twitter Blue subscribers and verified accounts.
4K Implementation Details:
- Maximum bitrate: Up to 35 Mbps for AV1/HEVC, 45 Mbps for H.264
- Frame rate support: 24, 30, or 60 fps
- Aspect ratio: Supports both 16:9 and vertical 9:16 in 4K
- Availability: Currently limited to Twitter Blue subscribers and verified accounts for uploads
HDR Support
For the first time, Twitter now supports HDR video with both HDR10 and Dolby Vision profiles.
HDR Implementation:
- Color depth: 10-bit color versus traditional 8-bit
- Brightness range: Up to 4,000 nits peak brightness (versus 100 nits for SDR)
- Color gamut: Expanded to Rec. 2020 (wider than traditional Rec. 709)
- Device support: iOS 11+ devices with compatible displays, newer Android phones, HDR-compatible desktops
Enhanced Audio Quality
Twitter has updated its audio processing for better sound quality and immersive experiences.
Audio Improvements
The platform now supports higher quality AAC-LC audio at up to 256 kbps for standard audio, a significant improvement over the previous 128 kbps limit. Additionally, spatial audio (5.1 and 7.1 channels virtualized for headphones) is now supported for compatible content and devices, particularly benefiting iOS users with AirPods Pro/Max.
How These Changes Affect Video Downloads
Twitter's video format changes have several important implications for downloading videos:
Download Implications
More Quality Options
Downloads now offer more resolution choices, with 4K available for eligible videos alongside traditional options
Codec Compatibility Challenges
AV1 and HEVC files may not play correctly on older devices without proper codec support
Larger File Sizes Available
High-resolution, HDR videos can result in substantially larger downloads despite better compression
Format Conversion Needs
Some users may need to convert downloaded videos to more widely compatible formats
File Size Comparison
A 60-second video at different quality levels shows considerable size variation:
| Resolution | H.264 Size | HEVC Size | AV1 Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 480p (SD) | ~15 MB | ~8 MB | ~6 MB |
| 720p (HD) | ~30 MB | ~15 MB | ~12 MB |
| 1080p (Full HD) | ~60 MB | ~30 MB | ~25 MB |
| 2160p (4K) | ~200 MB | ~100 MB | ~80 MB |
| 4K HDR | N/A | ~125 MB | ~100 MB |
Note: Actual file sizes vary based on video content, motion complexity, and bitrate settings.
Compatibility Challenges with New Formats
The new video formats may present compatibility issues depending on your device and software:
AV1 Compatibility
Widely Supported On:
- Chrome browser (desktop) version 90+
- Firefox browser version 92+
- Edge browser version 90+
- Android 12+ devices with compatible hardware
- Some smart TVs (2021 and newer models)
Limited or No Support On:
- Most iOS devices (partial support in iOS 16+)
- Older Android phones
- Safari browser (any version)
- Many media players (VLC added support in version 3.0+)
HEVC/H.265 Compatibility
Widely Supported On:
- iOS devices (iOS 11+)
- macOS High Sierra and newer
- Windows 10/11 (with HEVC extension installed)
- Android 10+ on mid-range and flagship devices
- Most smart TVs from 2018 onward
Limited or No Support On:
- Older Windows PCs without HEVC extension
- Chrome browser (desktop) without hardware acceleration
- Budget Android devices
- Older media players
How MediaFetcher Has Adapted to the New Formats
We've updated our systems to fully support Twitter's new video formats:
MediaFetcher's Format Support:
- Multi-Codec Detection - Our system now identifies and extracts all available codec versions of each video
- 4K Resolution Support - Full support for downloading videos at their maximum resolution, including 4K
- HDR Preservation - HDR metadata is maintained when downloading HDR videos
- Format Conversion - Built-in conversion options for users who need different formats for compatibility
- Codec Information - Clear labeling of video codec and format information before download
- Optimized Quality Selection - Intelligent default selections based on your device compatibility
- Enhanced Audio Extraction - Support for the new audio formats including spatial audio
Best Practices for Downloading New Format Videos
Consider these guidelines when downloading Twitter videos with the new formats:
Check Device Compatibility First
Before downloading, consider what devices you'll use to play the video and choose formats accordingly.
Compatibility Guidelines:
- For maximum compatibility: Choose H.264/MP4, which works on virtually all devices
- For iOS devices: HEVC/H.265 offers the best quality-to-size ratio
- For newer Android and PCs: AV1 provides the best efficiency if supported
- For smart TVs: Check the manufacturer's codec support information
Consider Using Format Conversion
If you're unsure about compatibility, MediaFetcher's format conversion can help ensure playback on your devices.
Recommended Conversion Settings:
For Universal Compatibility:
- Convert to: MP4 (H.264)
- Resolution: Same as source (or 1080p for larger files)
- Audio: AAC stereo
For iOS Devices:
- Convert to: MP4 (HEVC)
- Resolution: Same as source
- Audio: AAC stereo
For Archival Purposes:
- Convert to: MKV (AV1 or HEVC)
- Resolution: Highest available
- Audio: Original formatStorage Considerations for 4K and HDR
Higher-quality formats require significantly more storage space, so plan accordingly.
Storage Requirements
Twitter's 4K videos can be 4-16 times larger than their HD counterparts, depending on length and content complexity. If you're downloading multiple 4K videos, especially HDR content, ensure you have adequate storage available. A collection of 20 one-minute 4K videos could easily consume 2-4 GB of space.
Balance Quality and File Size
Choose the appropriate quality level based on your actual needs rather than always selecting the highest available.
Quality Selection Guide:
- Mobile viewing: 720p is usually sufficient (HEVC or AV1 if supported)
- Computer/TV viewing: 1080p provides excellent quality for most content
- Large screen projection: 4K is beneficial if the source quality is good
- Professional editing: Highest resolution and bitrate available
- Archiving important content: Highest quality with future-proof codecs (AV1 preferred)
Why Twitter Updated Its Video Technology
Understanding the motivation behind Twitter's changes helps contextualize the update:
Mobile Bandwidth Optimization
The new codecs provide better video quality while using less mobile data, improving the experience for users on cellular networks.
Content Creator Retention
Higher quality video options help Twitter compete with other platforms like YouTube and TikTok for video content creators.
Infrastructure Efficiency
More efficient codecs reduce Twitter's bandwidth and storage costs despite offering higher quality options.
Advertising Appeal
Enhanced video quality makes Twitter more attractive for premium video advertisers who want their content to look its best.
Future Video Format Developments
Based on Twitter's current trajectory and industry trends, we can anticipate several future developments:
Wider AV1 Adoption
As device support improves, expect Twitter to make AV1 the default codec for more devices, potentially phasing out H.264 for higher resolutions entirely by -.
8K Video Testing
Twitter is likely to begin testing 8K video support (7680×4320) for specific types of premium content, though this will initially be very limited in availability.
Advanced Audio Features
Expect further improvements in audio quality, potentially including object-based audio formats for even more immersive experiences.
Variable Frame Rate Support
Future updates may include support for variable frame rate (VFR) video, allowing content to dynamically adjust frame rates based on motion complexity.
MediaFetcher will continue to adapt to these changes as they emerge, ensuring you always have access to Twitter videos in their best available quality.
Conclusion
Twitter's video format update represents a significant evolution in the platform's media capabilities. The introduction of AV1 and HEVC codecs, 4K resolution support, HDR implementation, and enhanced audio features collectively provide a substantially improved video experience for users.
These changes have important implications for downloading Twitter videos, including more quality options, potential compatibility challenges with newer formats, and considerations for storage and playback. MediaFetcher has fully adapted to these changes, offering comprehensive support for all new formats while providing the tools to ensure compatibility with your devices.
As video technology continues to evolve, we'll maintain our commitment to providing the most efficient, high-quality Twitter video downloading experience possible.
Download Twitter Videos in New High-Quality Formats
Experience Twitter's enhanced video quality with MediaFetcher's full support for 4K, HDR, and the latest video codecs.
Try MediaFetcher NowFrequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a Twitter video is available in 4K?
When using MediaFetcher, the available resolution options will be displayed after processing the URL. If 4K (2160p) appears in the quality options, the video is available in 4K. Twitter itself doesn't explicitly label 4K videos in the interface, but videos from verified accounts and Twitter Blue subscribers uploaded after are likely to offer 4K if the original was high resolution.
Will downloaded AV1 or HEVC videos play on my device?
Compatibility depends on your device and software. Most iOS devices (iPhone/iPad) from the last 4-5 years support HEVC but have limited AV1 support. Modern Android devices (particularly those running Android 10+) support HEVC, while newer models (Android 12+) may support AV1. If you're unsure, use MediaFetcher's format conversion to convert to H.264/MP4, which has near-universal compatibility.
Are HDR Twitter videos worth downloading?
HDR videos offer noticeably improved color and contrast, but only when viewed on HDR-compatible displays. If you have a modern smartphone, HDR television, or computer monitor that supports HDR, these videos can look significantly better than standard videos. However, if your display doesn't support HDR, the videos may appear washed out or with incorrect colors.
Why are some Twitter videos still limited to 720p?
Video resolution on Twitter depends on several factors: the original uploaded quality, the uploader's account type (verified/Blue subscribers can upload higher quality), and how recently the video was uploaded. Videos posted before Twitter's format update and those from standard accounts may still be limited to 720p resolution. Additionally, some content creators may choose to upload at lower resolutions to reduce upload times or data usage.