Features
Why Video.js?
Video.js is the open-source HTML5 video player for the modern web: embed html5 video easily, support all major formats, and style it your way.
It supports video playback on desktop and mobile devices. The project was started mid 2010, and now has hundreds of contributors and has been used on over 3,000,000 websites.
Plays anything
Plays “traditional” file formats such as MP4 and WebM, but also supports adaptive streaming formats such as HLS and DASH. There’s even a special UI for live streams!
Easy to style
Video.js is designed to be a reliable and consistent base to build on top of. The player looks great out of the box, but can be easily styled with a little bit of extra CSS.
100s of plugins
When you need to add additional functionality, a well-documented plugin architecture has your back. The community has already built hundreds of skins and plugins that you can install, such as Chromecast, IMA, even VR.
Supported everywhere
Your video should work everywhere your app does. The team makes an effort to support every modern browser we can, including desktop and mobile.
Used By
Built by the community, used by the professionals
Example
Playlist plugin
The advanced example includes the playlist plugin, along with some useful details such as what all of the player properties are, and what events have fired and how often.
Sponsors
The folks who help make this happen
The role of Corporate Shepherd is held by the company that has been elected by the Video.js Technical Steering Committee (TSC) to be a steward of the project and make significant investment into the development of Video.js. The role is currently held by Mux, taking over for Brigthcove in 2025. Mux is a leader in streaming video technology and was founded by Steve Heffernan, the creator of Video.js.
Implementation
When to use Video.js over the <video> element?
| Feature | Video.js | HTML5 |
| Cross-browser "Skins" | Looks good everywhere with CSS-based Skins | Looks different in every browser |
| Adaptive Streaming (adjusting to the viewer’s bandwidth) | HLS supported everywhere. DASH supported everywhere but iOS Safari. | HLS and DASH not playable in Chrome or Firefox by default. |
| Social Video Platforms | Play Youtube, Vimeo, and more with added plugins. | Not supported |
| Community-built Plugins | Hundreds! | Probably? |
| Browser API Inconsistencies | Makes them disappear | Many |
Get involved
We make it easy for anyone to jump in and be a part of the Video.js community.
