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Pinterest video formats: MP4, HLS & quality explained

Last updated: June 24, 2026

When you save a Pinterest video, you may notice it’s offered in a particular format and resolution. Behind the scenes Pinterest actually keeps each video in several versions. Here’s what they are and which one to grab.

Progressive MP4 — the one you want

A progressive MP4 is a single, self-contained video file (H.264). It plays in every browser, phone and editor, and it’s exactly what downloads from GetPinVideo or the Pinterest to MP4 tool. If you see “720p” or “1080p”, that’s a progressive MP4 — pick the highest number for the sharpest copy.

HLS — for streaming, not saving

HLS (an .m3u8 playlist) breaks a video into many small chunks so it can adapt to your connection while streaming. It’s great for playback inside an app, but it isn’t a single downloadable file — which is why a downloader skips it in favour of the MP4.

HEVC / H.265 — smaller, less compatible

Pinterest also stores HEVC (H.265) variants, which squeeze the same video into a smaller file. The catch is compatibility: HEVC doesn’t play everywhere, especially in older browsers and some editors. For a file that “just works”, the standard H.264 MP4 is the safer choice, so that’s what we surface.

Which resolution should I choose?

  • 1080p if it’s offered and you want the sharpest result (e.g. for editing or re-uploading).
  • 720p is plenty for phone viewing and saves space.
  • Vertical videos are commonly 720×1280 — the “720p” refers to the shorter side.

The short version

Download the highest-resolution progressive MP4 shown. It’s the most compatible, keeps full quality, and plays anywhere. Skip HLS and HEVC unless you specifically need them.

Ready to try it? Head to the video downloader and paste a pin link.