What is a AVI file?

AVI — vidéo Windows historique

What is it?

AVI is a video container created by Microsoft, long synonymous with "video file" on PC. Like MP4, it wraps a video track and an audio track together without compressing them itself.

Its design, however, dates back to an era when video had to fit on a CD-ROM: it knows nothing of modern needs — chapters, embedded subtitles, native variable bitrate, multiple audio tracks.

History & origin

Microsoft released AVI in 1992 with Video for Windows, the first serious attempt at playing video on a personal computer.

It reigned for fifteen years, particularly during the era of DivX and ripped DVDs, before giving way to MP4 in the 2000s.

Why it is useful

Excellent compatibility with older software and hardware: if an old device can only play one format, it's often this one.

Its simple structure makes it robust and easy to work with.

Limits & drawbacks

Files noticeably larger than MP4 for comparable quality.

Poor handling of subtitles and multi-track audio, no real web support, and weak support for variable bitrate that can sometimes cause audio-video sync issues.

Practical tips

Convert your AVI files to MP4: you'll cut the file size with no visible loss in quality, and the file will play everywhere, phones included.

Only keep the AVI if an old device explicitly requires it — that's the one case where it still serves a purpose.

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