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Video canPlayType() Method

Video Object Reference Video Object

Example

Check if your browser can play different types of video:

var x = document.createElement("VIDEO");
isSupp = x.canPlayType(vidType+';codecs="'+codType+'"');
Try it yourself »

Definition and Usage

The canPlayType() method checks if the browser can play the specified video type.

The canPlayType() method can return one of the following values:

  • "probably" - the browser most likely supports this video type
  • "maybe" - the browser might support this video type
  • "" - (empty string) the browser does not support this video type

Browser Support

Internet Explorer Firefox Opera Google Chrome Safari

The canPlayType() method is supported in all major browsers.

Note: This method is not supported in Internet Explorer 8 and earlier.


Syntax

videoObject.canPlayType(type)

Parameter Values

Value Description
type Specifies the video type (and optional codecs) to test support for.

Common values:

  • video/ogg
  • video/mp4
  • video/webm

Common values, including codecs:

  • video/ogg; codecs="theora, vorbis"
  • video/mp4; codecs="avc1.4D401E, mp4a.40.2"
  • video/webm; codecs="vp8.0, vorbis"

Note: This method can only return "probably" if codecs are included.

Technical Details

Return Value: A String, representing the level of support. Possible return values:
  • "probably" - most likely support
  • "maybe" - might support
  • "" - (empty string) no support

Video Object Reference Video Object