What is MIME type "video/mpeg2"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

video/mpeg2 marks files that hold video data encoded with the MPEG-2 standard. It tells software which decoding process to use for smooth playback.

Files of this type often use the MPG or MPEG extensions.

Main use case: Delivery of standard-definition video in DVDs and broadcast TV.
Additional uses: Streaming online, video editing, and archival storage.
Key technical detail: Supports both interlaced and progressive scan video formats.

It helps systems choose the right player and codecs for video content. Learn more about the standard at MPEG-2 on Wikipedia and check the official MIME type details at the IANA Media Types.

Associated file extensions

.mpg, .mpeg

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: video/mpeg2

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="video/mpeg2">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'video/mpeg2');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.mpg, .mpeg

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.