Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.FLV
File Type
Flash Video
Category
Video
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .flv file format
FLV (Flash Video) is a container file format used to deliver video content over the internet using Adobe Flash Player or Adobe AIR. It was widely popular for streaming video on websites like YouTube before the adoption of HTML5 video. FLV files can contain video data encoded with codecs such as Sor…
File extension
.FLV
File type
Flash Video
Category
Video
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .flv file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .flv.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .flv file?
File extension details and usage information
FLV (Flash Video) is a container file format used to deliver video content over the internet using Adobe Flash Player or Adobe AIR. It was widely popular for streaming video on websites like YouTube before the adoption of HTML5 video. FLV files can contain video data encoded with codecs such as Sorenson Spark, VP6, or H.264, and audio data encoded with codecs such as MP3 or AAC. The format supports metadata, which can include information about the video, such as title, author, and creation date. While FLV is still supported by some older systems and software, it has largely been superseded by more modern video formats like MP4 due to its limitations and the decline of Flash Player. FLV files are often used for archived video content or in legacy systems that have not been updated to support newer formats. The format is designed for efficient streaming and playback, making it suitable for online video distribution, although it is less commonly used today.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .flv files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .flv files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .flv file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .flv file.
Why can't I open a .flv file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .flv format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .flv files
To open a .flv file, use software that supports this file format.
- VLC Media Player
- PotPlayer
- Media Player Classic
- GOM Player
- Adobe Flash Player (discontinued)
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .flv file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.