Container formats are standardized ways to package and store data, allowing different types of content to be combined into a single file. They can hold various media types, such as audio, video, and subtitles, making it easier to manage and share multimedia content. Common examples of container formats include MP4, AVI, and MKV. These formats define how the data is organized and accessed, ensuring compatibility across different devices and software. By using container formats, users can enjoy seamless playback and editing of their media files without worrying about the underlying codecs or data structures.