Video Metadata Viewer
Video Metadata Viewer reports a recording's duration, pixel dimensions, display ratio, and file size without uploading the file. These values help you check whether an export fits a publishing requirement or explain why a portrait, landscape, or unusually large video behaves differently. They describe the container and decoded media, not the creative quality of the picture.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceWhat video properties can I inspect?
Choose a local video to see its duration, width, height, aspect ratio, and file size when the browser can read the format.
Video dimensions, ratio, duration, and size
Width and height count the pixels in each frame. Their relationship gives the display aspect ratio, while duration measures playback time and file size measures stored bytes. None of these values alone reveals bitrate, frame rate, codec efficiency, color range, or subjective image quality.
How it works
Select a video and wait for its media header to load. Compare the reported dimensions and ratio with the destination's specification, then consider duration and file size together when investigating upload or storage constraints.
Key concepts
Resolution is not aspect ratio
1920 × 1080 states a pixel resolution; 16:9 expresses the proportional shape. Several resolutions can share the same ratio.
Compressed size depends on more than duration
Codec, bitrate, resolution, frame rate, motion, and audio all affect file size. Two videos of equal length can differ greatly.
When to use it
- Confirm whether an export is portrait, square, or landscape.
- Check dimensions and duration before uploading a video.
- Compare the basic properties of two local exports without opening an editor.
When not to use it
- Do not use dimensions alone to judge sharpness or compression quality.
- Do not assume the filename extension identifies every codec detail.
- Do not expect this page to repair, transcode, or compress the video.
Worked examples
Check a vertical social export
- Input
1080 × 1920 video- Expected output
Portrait 9:16 display ratio
The ratio confirms the intended vertical canvas independently of file size.
Diagnose a rejected upload
- Input
A local export near a platform size limit- Expected output
Duration, dimensions, and exact file size
The values identify which basic requirement needs further investigation.
Compare draft and final render
- Input
Two clips with equal duration- Expected output
Different pixel dimensions or stored sizes
The viewer exposes basic export differences without claiming which version looks better.
Common mistakes
Calling 1920 × 1080 the bitrate
Those numbers are pixel dimensions, not data per second. Correction: Use width and height for resolution; inspect encoding details with a fuller media analyzer.
Reducing the ratio incorrectly
Raw width and height may share a common divisor. Correction: Interpret the displayed simplified ratio, such as 16:9.
Equating a larger file with better quality
Inefficient encoding or extra streams can also increase size. Correction: Combine metadata with the codec settings and a visual review.
Best practices
- Check both pixel dimensions and aspect ratio against the delivery specification.
- Keep the original export until the destination accepts and plays the final file.
- Use a dedicated analyzer when frame rate, codec, bitrate, or color metadata matters.
Related operations and differences
Extract Video Frame
Choose Extract Video Frame when you need to save a PNG frame from a chosen video time.; use Video Metadata Viewer specifically for info.
Audio Metadata Viewer
Choose Audio Metadata Viewer when you need to inspect duration, sample rate, channels and frame count.; use Video Metadata Viewer specifically for info.
File Size Calculator
Choose File Size Calculator when you need to inspect exact and human-readable file sizes.; use Video Metadata Viewer specifically for info.
MIME Type Detector
Choose MIME Type Detector when you need to inspect browser-reported MIME types and extensions.; use Video Metadata Viewer specifically for info.
Limitations and privacy
- Only properties exposed by the browser are reported.
- Unsupported or damaged containers may not load.
- The viewer does not measure bitrate, frame cadence, loudness, or perceptual quality.
The selected video is decoded locally in this browser and is not uploaded to Toolbox.
Frequently asked questions
Does Video Metadata Viewer upload my file?
No. The browser reads the selected video locally.
Is aspect ratio the same as resolution?
No. Resolution counts pixels; aspect ratio describes the proportional shape.
Why can two equal-length videos have different sizes?
Codec, bitrate, dimensions, frame rate, motion, and audio settings can all differ.
Can the viewer identify every codec?
No. It reports the basic properties that browser media APIs expose.