# rav1d > decoder for the AV1 video coding format **Wikidata**: [Q117789682](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117789682) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rav1d ## Summary **rav1d** is a free software decoder designed for the AV1 video coding format. Initially released in 2023 and funded by Amazon Web Services, it is a software library based on the **dav1d** decoder. The project focuses on delivering a high-performance, memory-safe implementation written in C and assembly language. ## Key Facts - **Function:** Decoder for the AV1 video coding format. - **Nature:** Free software library (instance of: decoder, software library, free software). - **Funder:** Amazon Web Services (AWS). - **Inception Date:** March 1, 2023. - **License:** 2-clause BSD License. - **Programming Languages:** C and assembly language. - **Based On:** dav1d (also the entity it is named after). - **Latest Stable Version:** 1.1.0 (released May 6, 2025). - **Source Repository:** hosted on GitHub at `github.com/memorysafety/rav1d`. ## FAQs ### Q: What is rav1d used for? A: rav1d is used to decode video encoded in the AV1 format. It serves as a software library that allows applications to play or process AV1 video streams efficiently. ### Q: How is rav1d related to dav1d? A: rav1d is explicitly based on and named after dav1d. While dav1d is a widely used AV1 decoder, rav1d is a distinct implementation initiated by AWS with a focus on memory safety. ### Q: Under what license is rav1d distributed? A: rav1d is distributed as free software under the 2-clause BSD License, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software. ### Q: Who maintains and funds the rav1d project? A: The project is funded by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is described as part of a memory safety initiative, with documentation hosted at `memorysafety.org`. ## Why It Matters rav1d represents a significant development in the ecosystem of open-source video processing, specifically targeting the AV1 codec, which is known for high efficiency but high computational complexity. By creating a decoder based on the high-performance **dav1d** architecture, the developers aim to provide a robust solution for video playback that addresses modern security concerns. The project is notably backed by Amazon Web Services and associated with the "Memory Safety" initiative. This suggests that rav1d's primary significance lies in offering a safer alternative to standard decoders, mitigating vulnerabilities often found in low-level media processing code. As AV1 adoption grows in streaming and web infrastructure, having a decoder that balances the speed of assembly language optimization with the security assurances of a memory-safe approach is critical for large-scale deployment. Its release under the permissive 2-clause BSD License further encourages widespread integration into commercial and open-source software stacks. ## Notable For - **Memory Safety Initiative:** Unlike many standard decoders, rav1d is developed under a specific initiative focused on memory safety, funded by AWS. - **Lineage:** It is a direct derivative/port of **dav1d**, one of the fastest AV1 decoders available. - **Corporate Backing:** It is funded by a major cloud provider (Amazon Web Services), ensuring distinct resource allocation for security and maintenance. - **Permissive Licensing:** Uses the 2-clause BSD License, which is highly permissive for commercial use compared to copyleft licenses. - **Active Development:** Rapid versioning with stable releases (v1.0.0 in July 2024 and v1.1.0 in May 2025) indicating an active maintenance cycle. ## Body ### Overview and Development rav1d is a free software video decoder library specifically built to handle the AV1 video coding format. The project was officially initiated on March 1, 2023. It is classified as both a decoder and a software library and is a derivative work based on the **dav1d** decoder. The project is part of a broader "Safer AV1 Decoder" effort, with documentation and work plans hosted at `memorysafety.org`. ### Technical Specifications The software is written using **C** (identified as Q15777) and **assembly language**, leveraging low-level programming for precise hardware control and optimization. The use of assembly language indicates a focus on performance, maintaining a strong correspondence between the software instructions and the machine code. The project is copyrighted but distributed as free software. This allows users to run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions freely. ### Funding and Governance Development of rav1d is funded by **Amazon Web Services**. The project description and source code are managed transparently, with the master repository available on GitHub. The initiative has a dedicated work plan and blog updates regarding its development trajectory available on the Memory Safety organization's website. ### Release History The project follows a standard versioning scheme with distinct stable releases: - **Version 1.0.0:** Released on July 19, 2024. This marked the first major stable milestone for the decoder. - **Version 1.1.0:** Released on May 6, 2025 (listed as preferred). This indicates ongoing active development and feature expansion following the initial stable release. ## References 1. [Source](https://github.com/memorysafety/rav1d) 2. [Source](https://github.com/memorysafety/rav1d/blob/main/COPYING) 3. [Release 1.0.0. 2024](https://github.com/memorysafety/rav1d/releases/tag/v1.0.0) 4. [Release 1.1.0. 2025](https://github.com/memorysafety/rav1d/releases/tag/v1.1.0) 5. [Source](https://www.memorysafety.org/initiative/av1/)