How to play MKV in Chrome browser

MKV files are a popular video format that supports a wide range of video and audio codecs. Chrome does not natively support MKV playback, but there are a few ways to play MKV files in Chrome.

Read also: Top 10 Video Player for PC

Table of Contents

Method 1: Install a media player extension

Media player extensions are a convenient way to play MKV files in Chrome. They are easy to install and use, and they provide a variety of features, such as support for different codecs, subtitles, and playlists.

Chrome Web Store: https://chromewebstore.google.com/

There are a number of media player extensions available for Chrome that support MKV playback. Some popular options include:

Open in VLC™ media player: This extension sends video and audio links to the well-known VLC media player. This way you can directly watch online streams in the VLC media player with just one click.
DivX Web Player: DivX Web Player is a discontinued web player that was developed by DivX, LLC.

VLC™ media player

This is a free and open-source media player that supports a wide range of video and audio codecs, including MKV. It is also one of the most popular media player extensions for Chrome.

To install VLC Media Player, simply go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “VLC Media Player“. Once you have found the extension, click the Add to Chrome button to install it.

Once the extension is installed, you can use it to play MKV files by simply dragging and dropping the file into Chrome, or by opening the file in Chrome through the extension’s interface. The extension will automatically play the MKV file in your browser.

DivX Web Player

DivX Web Player is a discontinued web player that was developed by DivX, LLC. It allowed users to play DivX and MKV video files in their web browser without having to install any additional software.

DivX Web Player was available as a Chrome extension, but it is no longer available in the Chrome Web Store. It is also not compatible with the latest versions of Chrome.

If you are looking for a way to play MKV files in Chrome, I recommend using VLC Media Player instead. VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player that supports a wide range of video and audio codecs, including MKV. It is also available as a Chrome extension.

Method 2: Convert the MKV file to a Chrome-compatible format

You can also convert the MKV file to a format that is natively supported by Chrome, such as MP4 or WebM. There are a number of free and paid video converters available online and as desktop applications.

To convert an MKV file using a web converter, simply visit the website and upload your MKV file. Select the output format you want to convert to and click the Convert button. Once the conversion is complete, you can download the converted file and play it in Chrome without any problems.

To convert an MKV file using a desktop converter, install the converter on your computer and open it. Add the MKV file to the converter and select the output format you want to convert to. Click the Convert button to start the conversion. Once the conversion is complete, you can find the converted file in the output folder you specified.

Chrome does not natively support MKV playback, but you can convert the MKV file to a Chrome-compatible format, such as MP4 or WebM. There are a number of free and paid video converters available online and as desktop applications.

Here are a few popular video converters that you can use to convert MKV files to Chrome-compatible formats:

HandBrake
FFmpeg
Freemake Video Converter

Tips for converting MKV files to Chrome-compatible formats

Make sure that the video converter you are using is compatible with your operating system.
If you are using a web converter, make sure that you have a good internet connection.
If you are converting the MKV file to a different resolution or bitrate, be aware that this may affect the quality of the video.

Troubleshooting

If you are having problems converting MKV files to Chrome-compatible formats, you can search for help online or contact the developer of the video converter you are using.

Which method is best for you?

The best method for playing MKV files in Chrome depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need to play MKV files on a regular basis, installing a media player extension is the most convenient option. If you only need to play MKV files occasionally, converting the file to a Chrome-compatible format may be a better option.

Conclusion

Converting MKV files to Chrome-compatible formats is a good option if you need to play MKV files in Chrome without installing a media player extension. However, it is important to note that converting the file may affect the quality of the video.

Method 3: Use a cloud-based video player

There are also a number of cloud-based video players that support MKV playback. Some popular options include:

Google Drive
iCloud Drive
Dropbox

To play an MKV file using a cloud-based video player, simply upload the file to your cloud storage account. Then, open the video player in your web browser and navigate to the MKV file. The video player will automatically play the MKV file in your browser.

Which method is best for you?

Tips for playing MKV files in Chrome

Here are a few tips for playing MKV files in Chrome:

Make sure that you have the latest version of Chrome installed.
If you are using a media player extension, make sure that the extension is up to date.
If you are converting the MKV file to a Chrome-compatible format, make sure that the converter is compatible with your operating system.
If you are using a cloud-based video player, make sure that you have a good internet connection.

Troubleshooting

If you are having problems playing MKV files in Chrome, here are a few things you can try:

Try restarting Chrome.
Try using a different media player extension.
Try converting the MKV file to a different Chrome-compatible format.
Try using a different cloud-based video player.
Try updating your operating system and graphics drivers.

If you are still having problems, you can search for help online or contact the developer of the media player extension or cloud-based video player you are using.

Conclusion

There are a number of ways to play MKV files in Chrome. The best method for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need to play MKV files on a regular basis, installing a media player extension is the most convenient option. If you only need to play MKV files occasionally, converting the file to a Chrome-compatible format or using a cloud-based video player may be a better option.