AV1 is a video codec designed to provide high-quality video compression while reducing file sizes. Developed by the Alliance for Open Media, it aims to improve streaming efficiency and support higher resolutions, such as 4K and 8K. Unlike older codecs, AV1 is open-source and royalty-free, making it accessible for developers and content creators. It is particularly beneficial for online platforms, as it helps deliver smoother playback and lower bandwidth usage, enhancing the viewing experience for users across various devices.