Open the file in Metadata Viewer and focus first on format, streams, codec, dimensions, duration, frame rate, audio channels and embedded tags. Metadata explains how a file is built and often reveals why an editor, website or device rejects it.
Inspect a media file’s metadata
Choose an image, audio or video file and read its technical details as structured data.
The most useful metadata fields
Format describes the overall file container. Streams describe the encoded video, audio or subtitle tracks inside it. A file can contain one video stream, multiple audio languages and additional subtitle streams.
For video, inspect codec name, width, height, frame rate, duration and bitrate. For audio, inspect codec, sample rate, channels, duration and bitrate. Images can report format, dimensions, colour or embedded descriptive fields.
Tags vary widely. Some files contain only technical information; others include creation time, title, author, camera, software or location fields.
How to inspect media metadata with Mediaivo
- Choose the original problem file
Inspect the exact file that fails or behaves unexpectedly, not a converted copy.
- Read the format section
Identify the container, duration, overall bitrate and any general tags.
- Read each stream
Check video, audio and subtitle codecs and their stream-specific properties.
- Compare with destination requirements
Use the facts to decide whether conversion, resizing, rotation or another change is actually needed.
Which fields answer common questions?
Start with the smallest group of fields relevant to the problem.
| Situation | Recommended choice | Check before publishing |
|---|---|---|
| Video will not upload | Container, video codec, audio codec, dimensions and duration | Compare every value with the destination requirements. |
| Picture is sideways | Width, height and rotation-related tags | Check whether players interpret orientation differently. |
| Audio is missing or silent | Presence of an audio stream, codec and channels | Confirm the source truly contains audio. |
| Privacy review | Descriptive tags, device, creation and location fields | Remember to inspect visible and audible content separately. |
How to use metadata without misreading it
A high bitrate does not guarantee high visible quality, and a .mp4 extension does not identify the exact video codec. Interpret fields together with real playback and the destination specification.
Some values may be missing, estimated or represented as fractions. Variable-frame-rate media can also report average and nominal rates that differ.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Treating the extension as the codec
MP4 and MOV are containers that can hold different video and audio codecs.
2. Looking only at overall bitrate
Resolution, codec efficiency, motion and source quality all affect the visible result.
3. Assuming missing tags mean a broken file
Many optional descriptive fields can be absent without affecting playback.
4. Sharing raw metadata publicly
Review fields for filenames, paths, device identifiers or location information before posting screenshots.
Final check before downloading or publishing
- The exact source file was inspected.
- Container and codec were distinguished.
- Every relevant stream was checked.
- Tags were reviewed for sensitive fields.
- The next processing step is based on a real requirement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between format and codec?
The format or container organizes streams, while a codec encodes the video or audio data inside those streams.
Can metadata show whether a video has audio?
Yes. Look for an audio stream and inspect its codec, channels and duration.
Why are two MP4 files different?
They may use different codecs, bitrates, dimensions, frame rates, audio formats and metadata despite sharing the same container extension.
Does viewing metadata change the file?
No. Metadata Viewer reads and reports information; it does not edit the source.
Understand the file before changing it
Inspect format, streams and tags, then choose only the processing step the destination requires.
Compare against a downloadable reference
Open Metadata Viewer with the flower sample: the recorded source is silent H.264 video, 960 × 540 pixels and 5.005 seconds. The manifest records its size and hash; the credits explain its license.
If you remove tags, inspect both the original and downloaded copy. Follow the metadata removal checks. For a phone clip that displays sideways, use the orientation guide and confirm playback in the receiving app.
A metadata example you can repeat
Checked September 9, 2026 using Mediaivo's processing functions and ffmpeg version 6.1.1-3ubuntu5 Copyright (c) 2000-2023 the FFmpeg developers. The source is an original synthetic test chart, with no personal data or third-party footage. Video is silent and three seconds long.
Settings: Read metadata
Download input · Download reference output · Measurements and method
Run this example in the tool →
| Measurement | Input | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Bytes | 2334407 | 2287 |
| Pixels | 1280 × 720 | JSON report |
| Video/image codec | h264 | — |
Video: H.264 · 1280 × 720 · 24 fps
Duration: 3 seconds
Audio streams: 0
Title: Mediaivo synthetic test chartThe report identifies H.264 video, 1280 × 720 pixels, 24 frames per second and a three-second duration. There is no audio stream. The synthetic title and comment are metadata; they do not prove ownership or authenticity.