Video format
What is a TS file?
A TS file is the broadcast container, also used by camcorders (.mts) and web streaming. The transport stream was designed in the mid-1990s for digital TV broadcast; AVCHD camcorders and HLS streaming use it too.
By Suprabhat Updated How we write these
When to use TS
Use TS for streaming segments and broadcast equipment; convert recordings to MP4 to share them.
It is best for broadcast recordings and stream segments, and it opens on VLC and many TVs; phones, editors and upload forms often refuse it.
How to open it: VLC plays TS and MTS files; many smart TVs play them from a USB stick.
| Full name | MPEG Transport Stream |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .ts, .mts, .m2ts, .tsv |
| MIME type | video/mp2t |
| Introduced | 1995 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Usually contains | H.264 or MPEG-2 video with AAC or AC-3 audio |
| Support | Patchy support |
| Typical size | About 5–15% larger than the same video in MP4 |
Good at
- Keeps playing through damaged or missing data
- Can be cut at any point
Not so good at
- Slightly larger than MP4
- Awkward to edit or share
The common mistake
A downloaded stream often arrives as hundreds of small .ts pieces; each is a valid video, but you need to join them first.
Common fixes with TS files
Questions
What is a TS file?
TS (MPEG Transport Stream) is the broadcast container, also used by camcorders (.mts) and web streaming. The transport stream was designed in the mid-1990s for digital TV broadcast; AVCHD camcorders and HLS streaming use it too.
How do I open a TS file?
VLC plays TS and MTS files; many smart TVs play them from a USB stick.
How do I convert TS to another format?
Pick the target on this page, or open the Video Converter, drop the TS file and choose a format. It converts in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.