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OGV Converter – Transform Ogg Theora Videos

Convert open-source OGV video files to any format

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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What is OGV?

OGV is the video extension for the Ogg container format using Theora video codec. Developed by the Xiph.Org Foundation, it's a completely open-source, royalty-free video format.

OGV was designed as a free alternative to patented formats like H.264. It gained popularity for web video in the early HTML5 era, particularly with open-source advocates and Wikipedia (which uses OGV for all video content).

While OGV offers freedom from licensing fees, it has been largely superseded by WebM (VP8/VP9) for open-source video. Converting OGV to MP4 ensures compatibility with all devices.

Why Convert OGV Files?

OGV has limited support outside open-source environments:

  • Device compatibility – Most phones and TVs don't play OGV
  • Quality limitations – Theora is less efficient than modern codecs
  • Platform support – Video platforms prefer MP4 or WebM
  • Editing software – Many editors don't support OGV
  • File size – MP4 achieves better quality at same file size
  • Declining use – Even Firefox dropped mandatory OGV support

Convert OGV to Other Formats

Transform OGV for universal compatibility:

OGV to MP4

The recommended conversion. MP4 offers better compression, quality, and universal compatibility compared to OGV.

OGV to AVI

Convert for Windows-based video editing and legacy media players.

OGV to MOV

Transform for Apple ecosystem compatibility and professional editing.

OGV to MKV

Convert to MKV for archival with support for multiple tracks.

OGV to WebM

Transform to the modern open-source format that superseded OGV.

OGV to MP3

Extract audio from OGV videos as MP3 files.

Convert Other Formats to OGV

Create OGV for open-source projects and Wikipedia:

MP4 to OGV

Convert for Wikipedia uploads or open-source projects requiring royalty-free formats.

AVI to OGV

Transform for open-source platform compatibility.

MOV to OGV

Convert Apple videos to royalty-free OGV format.

OGV Technical Specifications

  • Full name: Ogg Video (Theora)
  • Developer: Xiph.Org Foundation
  • First released: 2004 (Theora 1.0)
  • File extension: .ogv, .ogg
  • MIME type: video/ogg
  • Video codec: Theora
  • Audio codec: Vorbis (usually)
  • License: BSD-style (completely royalty-free)
  • Container: Ogg

OGV Compatibility

Platforms That Support OGV

  • Firefox (native support)
  • Chrome (native support)
  • VLC Media Player
  • Wikipedia and Wikimedia sites
  • Open-source video players

Platforms With Limited OGV Support

  • Safari (no native support)
  • iPhones and iPads
  • Most Android devices
  • Smart TVs
  • Windows Media Player

How to Convert OGV Files

  1. Upload your OGV file – Drag and drop your Ogg Theora video or click to browse.
  2. Choose your output format – Select MP4 for universal compatibility, WebM for modern open-source, or other formats.
  3. Download converted file – Get your video ready for any platform or device.

Pro Tip

If you need to create video for Wikipedia, convert to OGV using high-quality settings. Wikipedia specifically requires OGV or WebM formats for all video uploads.

Common Mistake

Using OGV for general video when MP4 would be better. OGV has poor device support and older compression. Only use OGV when royalty-free licensing is specifically required.

Best For

OGV is designed for situations requiring completely royalty-free video, such as Wikipedia uploads, open-source projects, and environments where patent-free formats are mandatory.

Not Recommended

Avoid OGV for general video distribution, mobile playback, or social media. Use MP4 for broad compatibility, or WebM if you need a modern open-source format.

Frequently Asked Questions

OGV is an open-source video format using the Theora codec in the Ogg container. It was created as a royalty-free alternative to patented video formats. Wikipedia uses OGV for all its video content.

Firefox and Chrome browsers play OGV natively. VLC Media Player also supports OGV. For broader device compatibility, convert to MP4 format.

Both are open-source formats. OGV uses older Theora codec; WebM uses newer VP8/VP9. WebM offers better quality and compression. WebM has largely replaced OGV for open-source video.

Wikipedia uses OGV because it's completely royalty-free and open-source, aligning with Wikimedia's principles. No licensing fees are required for OGV/Theora, unlike H.264.

Use MP4 for general purposes—it has better quality, compression, and compatibility. Use OGV only when royalty-free licensing is specifically required (like Wikipedia uploads).

Minimal quality loss occurs. MP4/H.264 is actually more efficient than Theora, so properly converted files can maintain or even improve perceived quality at similar file sizes.

No, iOS doesn't support OGV. Convert to MP4 or MOV for iPhone playback, or use a third-party app like VLC.

OGV use has declined significantly. WebM has replaced it for most open-source needs. OGV is mainly found on Wikipedia and legacy open-source projects.

YouTube accepts OGV but strongly prefers MP4. Convert to MP4 for optimal upload and processing on YouTube.

Theora is the video codec used in OGV files. It's an open-source, royalty-free codec derived from VP3. While good for its time, it's been surpassed by VP8/VP9 and AV1.

OGV Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.