Does WebM work on Safari?

Answered by Willian Lymon

WebM, a video format developed by Google, is partially supported on Safari 15. This means that users accessing a webpage through Safari 15 should be able to view WebM videos without any issues. However, it’s important to note that the compatibility of WebM with Safari may vary depending on the specific version of the browser and the device being used.

Safari, as the default browser on Apple devices, has historically had limited support for certain web technologies and codecs. In the case of WebM, Safari 15 has made significant progress by partially supporting this video format. This is great news for web developers and content creators who want to utilize WebM videos on their websites while ensuring compatibility with Safari users.

It’s worth mentioning that browser incompatibility issues can arise from various factors other than the video format itself. These issues might stem from the use of other web technologies, such as JavaScript or CSS, that are not fully supported by Safari or other browsers. Therefore, it’s important to consider overall web compatibility when designing and developing websites.

In my personal experience as a web developer, I have encountered situations where I needed to ensure video compatibility across different browsers, including Safari. While Safari’s support for WebM is a step in the right direction, it’s always a good practice to provide alternative formats, such as MP4, to ensure broader compatibility across different browsers and devices.

When implementing WebM videos on a webpage, keep in mind that not all Safari users will be on the latest version. Some users may still be using older versions of Safari, which may not support WebM at all. It’s important to consider the target audience and their browser preferences when deciding to use WebM as the primary video format.

To summarize, Safari 15 partially supports WebM video format, allowing users to view WebM videos on their Apple devices. However, it’s important to consider broader web compatibility and provide alternative video formats to ensure a seamless viewing experience for all users, regardless of their browser choice.