Open-source CDAF format reduces Claude video processing costs by 91%
August 26, 2026
The new .cdaf (cached descriptive asset file) format stores encrypted, timestamped visual descriptions linked to original video files. Using this instead of raw .mp4 files achieves a 91% reduction in token costs and a 65% reduction in latency for video-based LLM workflows.
HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU
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builderYou can significantly lower inference costs and latency when building video-editing or analysis tools via Claude.
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founderThis enables more scalable video-centric AI product architectures by optimizing token consumption.