AVI vs FLV: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of AVI and FLV video formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

AVI is best for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility. FLV is best for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete).

Quick Verdict

AVI Best for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility

✓ Wide compatibility
✓ Simple container format
✓ Good for editing
✗ Large file size

Convert AVI to FLV →

FLV Best for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete)

✓ Small file size
✓ Fast loading
✓ Flash Player legacy support
✗ Flash is deprecated

Convert FLV to AVI →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AVI and FLV

Feature	AVI	FLV
Category	Video	Video
Year Introduced	1992	2003
MIME Type	video/x-msvideo	video/x-flv
Extensions	.avi	.flv
Container	✓	✓
Codecs	DivX,Xvid,MJPEG,H.264	H.264,VP6,Sorenson Spark
Max Resolution	4K	1080p
Streaming	✗	✓
Subtitle Support	✗	✗

Pros & Cons

AVI

Pros

✓ Wide compatibility
✓ Simple container format
✓ Good for editing

Cons

✗ Large file size
✗ Limited modern codec support
✗ No native streaming

FLV

Pros

✓ Small file size
✓ Fast loading
✓ Flash Player legacy support

Cons

✗ Flash is deprecated
✗ Poor mobile support
✗ Limited modern use

When to Use Each

Choose AVI when...

You need files optimized for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility
Wide compatibility
Simple container format

Choose FLV when...

You need files optimized for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete)
Small file size
Fast loading

How to Convert

Convert between AVI and FLV for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert AVI to FLV Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing Convert FLV to AVI Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AVI and FLV?

AVI is best for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility, while FLV is best for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete). Both are video formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AVI or FLV better for video?

It depends on your use case. AVI is better for Legacy video storage and Windows compatibility. FLV is better for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete). Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AVI to FLV?

Go to the AVI to FLV converter on ChangeThisFile. Upload your file and the conversion processes on the server, then auto-deletes. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert FLV to AVI?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports FLV to AVI conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.

Which is smaller, AVI or FLV?

File size varies depending on the content, compression method, and quality settings of each format. In general, lossy formats produce smaller files than lossless ones. Test with your specific files to compare actual sizes.

Does AVI support streaming?

No, AVI does not support streaming, whereas FLV does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.

Is AVI or FLV free to use?

Both AVI and FLV are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.

Which format is newer, AVI or FLV?

FLV is newer — it was introduced in 2003, while AVI dates back to 1992. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.