Techniques are described for modal sub-bitstream extraction. For example, a network entity may select a sub-bitstream extraction mode from a plurality of sub-bitstream extraction modes. Each sub-bitstream extraction mode may define a particular manner in which to extract coded pictures from views or layers to allow a video decoder to decode target output views or layers for display. In this manner, the network entity may adaptively select the appropriate sub-bitstream extraction technique, rather than a rigid, fixed sub-bitstream extraction technique.