Transparent background videos: what you need to know
A background-free video you can drop on anything is what everyone wants. In practice, transparency depends on the format, the app and even the player. Here's how to get it right.
What is a transparent background video?
It's a video that stores, on top of the colors, a transparency value for each pixel: the alpha channel. Wherever alpha says transparent, you see whatever sits underneath.
Without an alpha channel, the empty area is filled with a color, usually black. How it works is covered in the alpha channel explained.
Which formats keep transparency?
The most common are ProRes 4444 in a .mov file, WebM encoded in VP9 with alpha, and PNG image sequences. H.264 MP4 never keeps it.
| Format | Transparency | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 (H.264) | No | Everywhere: social, phones, editing |
| MOV ProRes 4444 | Yes | Pro editing, large files |
| WebM VP9 with alpha | Yes | Websites, supported browsers |
| PNG sequence | Yes | Compositing, animation |
| GIF | Partial (on or off) | Small animations |
Does Keyotte export transparent video?
No. Keyotte exports an H.264 MP4 up to 1080p, with your subject on flat green #00B140 and the sound. It doesn't export ProRes 4444, WebM with alpha or PNG.
That's deliberate: the MP4 opens everywhere, survives transfers, and your editor makes it transparent with one effect. If you absolutely need a transparent file, you can export one from your editor after keying.
How do you get a transparent file from a green background?
Import the green screen clip into your editor, apply the keying effect, then export to a format with alpha and turn transparency on. Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut can all export ProRes 4444.
Settings are in transparent ProRes 4444 video and, for the web, in transparent WebM.
When do you actually need a transparent file?
Mostly in three cases: a video placed on a web page, a file handed to a motion designer, or an element reused across lots of projects. For a regular edit, green is enough.
For the web, see transparent video on a website. For small animated elements there's also GIF and animated WebP, with their limits: see transparent GIFs.
Why does my transparent video show up black?
Because the format, the export setting or the player doesn't handle the alpha channel, and fills the gap with black. It's the most common problem with transparent video.
The five causes and their fixes are in transparent video turns black.
Export price : €1.99
Remove my video backgroundFrequently asked questions
Can an MP4 have a transparent background?
Not with H.264, the codec of almost every MP4. You need another format, such as ProRes 4444 or WebM with alpha.
Do Instagram or TikTok accept transparent videos?
No, social platforms re-encode videos without transparency. Place the subject on a background before posting.
Green background or transparent file: which is better?
For editing, green is the simplest and most compatible. Transparent files are mostly for the web or for passing work between pro apps.
Are transparent files big?
ProRes 4444 and PNG sequences are much bigger than an MP4. WebM with alpha stays light, but doesn't play everywhere.