The simplest and most straightforward explanation of Web Components is that they are a way for web developers to create new html tags instead of relying on the browser vendors to do so. For example, you're probably familiar with the <video> tag; it requires no additional dependencies to use, provided your using a browser that supports it, and its styling and internal logic is neatly encapsulated and hidden from the consumer. Web Components will enable you to create such tags and easily share them with the world.