Netflix has announced that the AV1 open video codec now supports about 30% of its streaming content, marking a significant step in the platform’s technology strategy. The company shared that AV1 is mainly used for video-on-demand (VOD) content, but there are plans to broaden its application in the future.

In a recent update, Netflix’s technical team reflected on the company’s journey with AV1. Since entering the streaming market in 2007, Netflix primarily used the H.264/AVC codec. However, in 2015, Netflix co-founded the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia) to develop open-source media technologies, leading to the creation of AV1. Officially released in 2018, AV1 was designed to improve compression efficiency and enable new streaming features.

AV1’s advanced compression has been especially valuable for mobile users, helping deliver higher video quality at lower data rates. Netflix first launched AV1 support on Android devices in 2020, then expanded to smart TVs and large-screen devices in late 2021, and to web browsers in 2022. In 2023, AV1 support reached Apple devices with the introduction of new hardware chips.

Currently, AV1 is Netflix’s second-most-used codec and is expected to become the most used soon. The codec’s technology allows for:

• Higher video quality, with AV1 streaming sessions achieving VMAF scores 4.3 points higher than AVC and 0.9 points higher than HEVC
• One-third less bandwidth usage compared to AVC and HEVC
• 45% fewer buffering interruptions

Netflix has also used AV1 to enhance features like HDR streaming. In March 2025, the company launched AV1 HDR streaming using the HDR10+ format, which adapts tone mapping for each device and scene. Currently, 85% of Netflix’s HDR catalog (by view-hours) uses AV1-HDR10+, with full coverage expected soon.

Another innovation is Film Grain Synthesis (FGS), a feature in AV1 that recreates cinematic film grain without increasing data usage. Netflix implemented AV1 FGS in July 2025, allowing for high-quality film grain effects at standard internet speeds.

Looking ahead, Netflix plans to expand AV1 beyond VOD to areas like live streaming. Potential uses include live sports events and customizable graphics overlays, where AV1’s layered coding can separate main content from graphics, making it easier to update or personalize overlays for viewers.

The company also expressed excitement for the upcoming AV2 codec, expected at the end of 2025, which aims to further improve compression and streaming capabilities.

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