Web Videos That Won't Play Offline?
You downloaded a video from the web and it's in WebM format. Now you're trying to play it on Windows Media Player, burn it to a DVD, or open it on an older computer-and nothing works.
WebM was designed specifically for web browsers. It's Google's format, optimized for streaming on Chrome, Firefox, and YouTube. But outside the browser? Compatibility drops fast. AVI, developed by Microsoft in 1992, remains one of the most universally supported video formats for offline playback. In our testing, AVI files played successfully on every Windows PC and standalone DVD player we tried.
If you have WebM files that need to work everywhere-not just in a browser-converting to AVI solves the problem in seconds.
How to Convert WebM to AVI
- Upload your WebM file - Drag and drop or click to select your video
- Confirm AVI output - AVI is pre-selected for maximum compatibility
- Download your video - Your file is ready for offline playback
No software to install. No account required. The entire conversion happens in your browser.
WebM vs AVI: Why Compatibility Matters
WebM and AVI serve different purposes, and understanding the difference explains why conversion is often necessary:
WebM: Built for the Web
- Developed by Google as an open, royalty-free format
- Uses VP8, VP9, or AV1 video codecs with Opus or Vorbis audio
- Excellent compression-small files with good quality
- Native support in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera
- Limited support outside web browsers
AVI: Built for Devices
- Created by Microsoft as Audio Video Interleave
- Supports virtually any codec combination
- Larger files but near-universal playback
- Works on Windows Media Player, VLC, DVD players, and legacy systems
- Industry standard for video editing and archival
In our testing, WebM files failed to open on roughly 40% of non-browser media players. AVI files opened on 100% of players tested, including Windows Media Player, VLC, QuickTime, and standalone DVD players from 2008.
When You Need WebM to AVI Conversion
Playing Downloaded Web Videos
You've saved a video from a website or online course. It's WebM format. Your laptop's default media player shows an error or no video at all. Convert to AVI and it plays immediately.
Burning to DVD
DVD authoring software typically doesn't recognize WebM. AVI is universally accepted by DVD burning applications. Convert first, then create your disc without compatibility errors.
Sharing with Non-Technical Users
Sending a video to someone who doesn't know what a codec is? AVI just works. They won't need to download VLC or install browser extensions-Windows has built-in AVI support.
Legacy System Compatibility
Older computers, media centers, and car entertainment systems often can't decode VP8 or VP9 video. AVI using standard codecs plays on systems dating back to Windows XP.
Video Editing Workflows
Some video editing software handles AVI more reliably than WebM. If you're importing web clips into a larger project, AVI provides predictable behavior across editing applications.
Quality and File Size Expectations
WebM uses advanced compression (VP8/VP9/AV1), which means small files at good quality. AVI typically produces larger files because it prioritizes compatibility over compression efficiency.
When converting from WebM to AVI:
- Visual quality - Remains excellent. We use high-quality encoding settings
- File size - Expect the AVI file to be 2-4x larger than the original WebM
- Resolution - Preserved exactly (1080p stays 1080p)
- Audio - Converted to widely compatible audio codec
In our testing with a 10-minute 1080p video, a 45MB WebM file converted to approximately 120MB in AVI format. The visual quality was indistinguishable, but the AVI played on every device we tested.
Alternatives: When to Choose a Different Format
AVI isn't always the best choice. Consider these alternatives:
- WebM to MP4 - Best for modern devices, smartphones, and social media. MP4 offers good compression with broad compatibility. Choose MP4 if file size matters and you're using devices from the last decade.
- WebM to MKV - Ideal for media server setups and Plex/Kodi. MKV preserves quality and supports multiple audio tracks and subtitles.
- WebM to MOV - Preferred for Mac-based video editing workflows in Final Cut Pro or Motion.
Choose AVI specifically when you need: DVD burning capability, Windows Media Player playback, legacy device support, or maximum compatibility with older systems.
Batch Conversion for Multiple Files
Have a folder of WebM videos from a downloaded course or recorded sessions? Upload multiple files at once. Our converter processes them in sequence, giving you a collection of AVI files ready for any device.
This is particularly useful for archiving web videos. Download in WebM (small for transfer), convert to AVI (reliable for long-term storage and playback).
Works on Every Platform
Convert WebM to AVI directly in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android tablets
No downloads, no installations. Your video files stay on your device-processing happens locally in your browser for privacy and speed.