File Extension .Flv

FLV could only stand for “Flash Video” since it is most commonly associated with Adobe (formerly Macromedia) Flash-compatible video files. Flash videos contained in FLV files are often used to display streaming media (videos and audios) online on websites like YouTube. Though the FLV format was introduced and mostly used by Adobe Flash, this file extension or container is actually an open format and so users can still export videos using other multimedia applications as long as the application is installed with an FLV codec.

FLV files contain video and audio streams data along with the multimedia’s metadata. Thus, the audio or video file’s properties like dimensions, frame rate, data rate, duration and many other settings that assure correct display of data are included in FLV files. FLV files are also used to embed video within SWF (Shockwave Flash) files using the Adobe Action Script Language. Multiple video codec support FLV files and so lots of media players can play FLV files. FLV files also support different audio formats like AAC and MP3.

Because FLV is an open format, numerous applications can be used to open an FLV file; this includes the Adobe Flash Player, the free-to-download FLV video player, VLC Media Player and Apple’s QuickTime. The Windows-inherent multimedia player Windows Media Player can also open FLV files provided the FLV codec known as “ffdshow” is installed. Several web browsers can also open FLV files as long as the Adobe Flash plug-in or add-on is installed therein. Below are other programs that can open FLV files: