How Cloudflare Stream Uses AV1 for Video Delivery

Cloudflare Stream integrates the open-source AV1 video codec across its global edge network to deliver high-resolution video using significantly less bandwidth than legacy formats. By leveraging AV1’s advanced compression capabilities alongside automated edge-based transcoding and smart codec selection, Cloudflare Stream reduces buffering, lowers data costs, and speeds up video startup times for end users without sacrificing visual fidelity.

The Compression Advantage of AV1

AV1 (AOMedia Video 1) is an open, royalty-free video coding format developed by the Alliance for Open Media. Compared to standard H.264 (AVC) and even newer codecs like H.265 (HEVC) and VP9, AV1 achieves roughly 30% to 50% better compression efficiency. This means a video stream encoded in AV1 can deliver the exact same visual quality at nearly half the bitrate of an H.264 stream. For users on mobile connections or constrained bandwidth, this reduction directly translates to fewer playback interruptions and faster time-to-first-frame.

Automated Multi-Codec Transcoding at Ingest

When a video is uploaded to Cloudflare Stream, the platform automatically ingests the source file and transcodes it into multiple bitrates and resolutions. Instead of relying on a single codec, Cloudflare generates renditions across different formats, including H.264 and AV1.

Because AV1 encoding is computationally intensive, Cloudflare processes these renditions asynchronously across its distributed server infrastructure. This enables the platform to offer high-efficiency AV1 profiles without causing processing bottlenecks for live streaming or on-demand uploads.

Dynamic Codec Selection at the Edge

Not every browser or device includes hardware decoding support for AV1. To ensure universal compatibility, Cloudflare Stream utilizes dynamic manifest generation at the edge.

When a user requests a video, Cloudflare’s edge nodes evaluate the client’s capabilities—such as the browser version and device profile—through HTTP request headers. If the client supports AV1, Cloudflare serves an adaptive bitrate manifest (such as HLS or DASH) prioritized with AV1 video segments. If the client lacks AV1 support, Cloudflare seamlessly falls back to H.264 or VP9. This approach ensures maximum delivery efficiency whenever possible without breaking playback on older hardware.

Improved Edge Cache Efficiency and Lower Latency

Smaller video files yield architectural benefits beyond simple bandwidth reduction. Because AV1 video chunks are significantly smaller in byte size, Cloudflare’s edge data centers can cache more video content locally.

Higher cache hit ratios mean requests are far more likely to be fulfilled directly from an edge server close to the user rather than traveling back to an origin server. This minimizes round-trip time, relieves strain on core networks, and delivers smooth, low-latency playback across worldwide locations.