DVD Videos That Won't Play Online?
VOB files are the video format stored on DVDs - they contain your movie content, audio tracks, and subtitles. The problem is that web browsers and modern streaming platforms don't support VOB playback. You can't embed a VOB file on a website or share it online without conversion.
WEBM is the solution. Developed specifically for web use, WEBM files play natively in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. They're the standard for HTML5 video and work on every modern device without plugins or special software.
How to Convert VOB to WEBM
- Upload your VOB file - Drag and drop or browse to select your DVD video file
- Confirm WEBM output - WEBM is pre-selected for optimal web compatibility
- Download your video - Get your web-ready file in moments
No software installation required. The entire conversion happens in your browser, and your files stay private.
Why VOB Files Need Converting
VOB (Video Object) is a container format from the DVD era, based on MPEG-2 encoding from the 1990s. While DVDs remain common, the format has significant limitations for modern use:
- No browser support - Web browsers cannot play VOB files directly
- Large file sizes - DVD video uses less efficient compression than modern codecs
- Limited streaming - VOB wasn't designed for internet delivery
- Device incompatibility - Smartphones and tablets typically can't play VOB
In our testing, a typical 1GB VOB file converts to around 200-300MB in WEBM while maintaining visual quality. That's significant savings for web hosting and faster loading for viewers.
WEBM: Built for the Web
WEBM was developed by Google specifically for web video delivery. It uses VP8 or VP9 video codecs paired with Vorbis or Opus audio - all royalty-free and open source. This matters because:
- Universal browser support - Works in all major browsers without plugins
- Efficient compression - Smaller files with comparable quality to H.264
- HTML5 native - Embed directly in web pages with simple video tags
- Low resource usage - Optimized for streaming on mobile devices
For anyone publishing video content online, WEBM is the practical choice. It's what YouTube uses internally alongside MP4.
Common Use Cases
Digitizing DVD Collections
Have a collection of home movies or personal recordings on DVD? Converting VOB to WEBM lets you upload them to your own website, share via cloud storage, or preserve them in a future-proof format.
Web Development Projects
Building a website that needs video content from DVD sources? WEBM gives you native HTML5 compatibility without licensing concerns. Add videos to your site with a simple video tag.
Educational Content
Converting training videos or educational DVDs for online learning platforms? WEBM's efficient compression means faster uploads and smoother streaming for students on varying connection speeds.
VOB vs WEBM: Technical Comparison
Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect from conversion:
- Codec - VOB uses MPEG-2 video; WEBM uses VP8/VP9
- Audio - VOB contains AC-3 or MPEG audio; WEBM uses Vorbis or Opus
- Compression - WEBM typically achieves 50-70% smaller file sizes at equivalent quality
- Container - VOB is DVD-specific; WEBM is web-optimized
- DRM - Commercial DVDs often have copy protection; WEBM is open format
Note: If your VOB files are from commercial DVDs with copy protection, you'll need to work with unprotected content for conversion.
Alternative Formats to Consider
While WEBM is excellent for web use, other formats might suit specific needs:
- VOB to MP4 - Best for maximum device compatibility including iOS devices
- VOB to MKV - Ideal for archiving with multiple audio tracks and subtitles preserved
- VOB to MOV - Preferred for Apple ecosystem and Final Cut Pro editing
Choose WEBM when web delivery is your primary goal. For offline viewing or editing, MP4 or MKV may be more versatile.
Works on Any Device
Our converter runs entirely in your browser - no downloads or installations needed:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android devices
Access the converter from any device with a modern browser. Your VOB files are processed locally, keeping your content private.