Why is there an OpenH264 plugin in Firefox?

Many streaming videos rely on the H.264 codec in order to work. Because of licensing restrictions, H.264 is not available for open source software like Firefox. Instead, Firefox uses its open source alternative, OpenH264, to support video calls.

OpenH264 is released in collaboration with Cisco and Mozilla. It is automatically installed by Mozilla on your Firefox browser to enable video calls with devices that require the H.264 codec.

Fx82Addons-OpenH264plugin-NoFlash

Was this article helpful?

Please wait...

These fine people helped write this article:

Illustration of hands

Volunteer

Grow and share your expertise with others. Answer questions and improve our knowledge base.

Learn More