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.WEBM file extension

To open .WEBM files on Windows, right-click the .WEBM file and select 'Open with'.

.WEBM files are video files that can be opened with media players like VLC or directly in most web browsers. To open a .WEBM file, use a compatible application or browser on your device.

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Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

What “reviewed” means on this page
  • Format fit: whether the “what is this file?” description plausibly matches common real-world use of the extension, including category, typical MIME types, and aliases.
  • Opening paths: whether Windows / macOS / Linux steps read plausibly for current OS dialogs and default apps. Not every step was tested on every OS version.
  • Security framing: whether risk notes match the extension class (for example executables vs plain data) and whether affiliate wording does not contradict the security section.
  • Sources and further reading: external links should point to vendors, standards bodies, or other primary references where possible; not every detail is individually sourced.
  • Limits: this is clarity and safety-messaging QA, not a guarantee that every statement is exhaustive or that every binary you download is harmless. Pages without “Reviewed by” have not been through this editorial pass yet.

Full methodology in the Imprint — The Imprint also states where AI is used and what that does—and does not—replace.

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

Edit .WEBM files

Need to change the content, not just open it? These editors work with .WEBM files.

Movavi Video Editor

Cut, join and edit videos, add titles, music and effects.

Wondershare Filmora

Video editor with titles, transitions, effects and AI tools.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

How to open .WEBM files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .WEBM files safely.

Windows

  1. Right-click the .WEBM file and select 'Open with'.
  2. Choose VLC Media Player or another compatible media player.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Control-click the .WEBM file and select 'Open With'.
  2. Choose VLC or QuickTime with the necessary plugins.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Right-click the .WEBM file and select 'Open With'.
  2. Choose VLC or another compatible media player.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Use VLC for Mobile to open the .WEBM file.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Open the .WEBM file using VLC or MX Player.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Only download .WEBM files from trusted websites or sources.
  • Use antivirus software to scan files before opening them.
  • Be cautious of files from unknown senders, as they might contain malicious content.

Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .WEBM files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • WEBM file does not play
  • No sound in WEBM file
  • WEBM file plays slowly

Fix steps

  1. Try opening the file with VLC Media Player.
  2. Ensure the file is fully downloaded and not corrupted.

Repair a damaged .WEBM file

If the file opens with errors or not at all, a dedicated repair tool can often rebuild it. Work on a copy and keep the original file untouched.

Wondershare Repairit (Video)

Repairs corrupt or unplayable video files such as MP4, MOV and AVI.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

Recover a deleted or lost .WEBM file

If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.

Wondershare Recoverit

Windows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

OS-specific troubleshooting

Convert .WEBM to other formats

Use conversion tools to change .WEBM files into formats your software supports.

What is a .WEBM file?

.WEBM is an open-source video file format developed by the WebM Project, part of the Matroska project. It uses VP8/VP9 codecs for video and Vorbis/Opus for audio, optimized for web streaming.

Background

The WEBM format was introduced by Google in 2010 as a high-quality, open, and royalty-free format for web video. It is primarily used for HTML5 video streaming and is supported by major web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. WEBM files are designed to provide high-quality video while maintaining a smaller file size, making them ideal for online streaming. This format is extensively used on platforms like YouTube due to its efficiency and compatibility. Its open-source nature and efficient compression make it a popular choice for developers and content creators looking to deliver video content over the internet.

Common MIME types: video/webm

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .WEBM format.

Common .WEBM issues

WEBM file does not play

The file may be corrupted or the media player might not support the codec.

  1. Try opening the file with VLC Media Player.
  2. Ensure the file is fully downloaded and not corrupted.

No sound in WEBM file

The audio codec might not be supported by your media player.

  1. Use a media player that supports Vorbis or Opus codecs.
  2. Check and adjust the audio settings in your media player.

WEBM file plays slowly

The device might not have enough resources to play the file smoothly.

  1. Close unnecessary applications to free up resources.
  2. Try playing the file on a device with better specifications.

FAQ

Can I convert a file by renaming it to .WEBM?

No, renaming a file does not change its format. Use a conversion tool to properly convert files.

Is .WEBM safe to open?

Yes, if the file is from a trusted source and opened with reputable software.

What software can play .WEBM files?

VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, and most web browsers can play .WEBM files.

Why is my .WEBM file not playing on my browser?

Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version, as older versions may not support the format.

Similar file extensions

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