Video Processing FAQ
Common questions you need to know about compressing, converting, trimming, watermarking, and embedding video — whether you're technical or just trying to get a file to upload.
File Size & Upload Problems
My video is too large to upload — what do I do?
Most platforms reject video files over 50–100 MB. The fix is compression: we re-encode your video using a modern codec (H.264 or H.265) at a lower bitrate, which can shrink a 1 GB file to under 50 MB with barely visible quality loss. Upload your file and choose Compress for web upload — no software needed.
Why is my video file so big?
Raw or poorly compressed video stores enormous amounts of data per frame. A 10-minute 4K video from a phone can exceed 4 GB. Modern encoding (H.264, H.265/HEVC, AV1) uses algorithms to discard redundant data between frames, reducing file size by 90%+ while keeping the video looking sharp.
How do I compress a video without losing quality?
True lossless compression has limits, but perceptually lossless compression is very achievable. We use H.264 with a tuned constant-rate factor (CRF) that preserves sharpness in motion and detail. For most web use, you won't see a difference at half the file size. Upload your video and choose your target size or quality level.
My video plays fine on my computer but won't play on my phone or in my browser. How do I fix it?
This is almost always a codec compatibility issue. Formats like MKV, AVI, or ProRes are not natively supported in browsers or on all phones. Convert to MP4/H.264 and the video will play universally. We detect incompatible formats automatically and recommend the right output settings.
Encoding, Formats & Codecs
What video formats do you support?
We accept virtually every common format as input: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WMV, WEBM, FLV, 3GP, HEVC/H.265, ProRes, and more. Output formats include MP4 (H.264 or H.265), WEBM, MOV, AVI, GIF, and audio-only formats like MP3 and AAC.
How do I convert a video to MP4?
Upload your video in any format and select MP4 as the output. We encode using the H.264 codec inside an MP4 container — the most universally compatible format for phones, browsers, social media, and streaming platforms. Conversion typically takes under a minute for files under 500 MB.
What is video encoding and why does it matter?
Encoding is the process of compressing raw video data into a format that can be stored, streamed, or shared efficiently. The codec (H.264, H.265, AV1, VP9) is the algorithm that does the compression; the container (MP4, MKV, MOV) is the file wrapper. Choosing the right encoding settings determines file size, streaming performance, device compatibility, and visual quality.
What's the difference between H.264 and H.265?
H.265 (also called HEVC) compresses video roughly twice as efficiently as H.264 — the same quality at half the file size. The trade-off: H.265 takes longer to encode and isn't supported by all older devices and browsers. H.264 is the safe default for maximum compatibility; choose H.265 when file size matters more than encoding speed.
Can I change the resolution of my video — like from 4K to 1080p?
Yes. Downscaling from 4K (3840×2160) to 1080p (1920×1080) reduces file size by roughly 75% and makes the video compatible with more devices and platforms. Upload your file and select the target resolution. We can also upscale, though this does not add detail that wasn't captured originally.
What is bitrate and should I care about it?
Bitrate is the amount of data used per second of video, measured in Mbps or Kbps. Higher bitrate = better quality and larger file. For streaming, 1080p at 8 Mbps looks excellent; dropping to 4 Mbps saves bandwidth with minimal visible difference. You can set a target bitrate manually or simply choose a quality level and we handle it.
What's the best video format for uploading to YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok?
MP4 with H.264 encoding, 1080p resolution, AAC audio. All three platforms re-encode your video after upload, so uploading a clean H.264 MP4 gives their encoders the best source material and minimizes double-compression artifacts.
Editing: Trim, Combine, Flip, Watermark
How do I trim or cut a video online?
Upload your video, enter the start and end timestamps you want to keep, and we'll cut it. We support frame-accurate trimming and can either re-encode or do a "stream copy" (no re-encoding, instant, no quality loss) depending on the cut point and format.
Can I combine or merge multiple video clips into one file?
Yes. Upload two or more clips and we'll concatenate them in the order you specify. If the clips are the same format, codec, and resolution, we can join them instantly without re-encoding. Mismatched clips are automatically normalized to a consistent output format.
How do I add a watermark to a video?
Upload your video and a PNG watermark image (transparent background recommended). Set the position — corner, center, or tiled — and opacity. We burn the watermark into every frame. This is permanent and unremovable, which is ideal for brand protection and content ownership.
Can I flip or rotate a video?
Yes — horizontal flip, vertical flip, 90°/180°/270° rotation. Useful for correcting videos shot in portrait mode that play sideways, or mirroring footage.
Can I extract just the audio from a video?
Yes. We can extract the audio track as MP3, AAC, FLAC, or WAV without re-encoding the video. Useful for pulling audio from interviews, music performances, or any video where you only need the sound.
Can I convert a video to a GIF?
Yes. Upload your video, select a clip range, set the frame rate and width, and we'll generate an optimized GIF. Be aware that GIF files can be large — we recommend keeping clips under 10 seconds for web use. WEBP animation is a more efficient alternative if your platform supports it.
Embedding & Hosting Video
How do I embed a video on my website without using YouTube or Vimeo?
Upload your video to our embed service and we provide an iframe embed code you paste into your site's HTML. Your video plays directly from our CDN — no YouTube branding, no ads, no algorithm routing viewers to other content. You control player appearance, autoplay behavior, and privacy settings.
What's the best video format for embedding on a website?
MP4 with H.264 encoding plays natively in every major browser and on every device without plugins. For better compression on modern browsers, WEBM (VP9 or AV1) is an option — we recommend serving MP4 with WEBM as an alternative source tag for maximum compatibility.
Can I encrypt a video to prevent unauthorized viewing?
Yes. We support AES-128 HLS encryption, which encrypts video segments for secure streaming. Encrypted videos require a key to play, preventing download and unauthorized redistribution. We also support file-level encryption for protected storage.
How do I make a video private so only certain people can watch it?
Videos hosted through our embed service can be set to private (no public URL), password-protected, or domain-restricted (only plays when embedded on your site). You can also generate time-expiring signed URLs for one-time or limited-access viewing.
Service, Speed & API
How long does video processing take?
Most jobs under 500 MB complete in under a minute. Longer or heavier jobs (4K transcoding, batch processing) may take a few minutes. We process on scalable cloud infrastructure, so you're not waiting in a queue behind other users.
Is my uploaded video kept private?
Yes. Files are stored in encrypted, private cloud storage. We do not share or use your content for any purpose. Files are automatically deleted after processing unless you opt into hosted storage. You can also delete files manually at any time.
Can I process videos automatically via API?
Yes. Our REST API accepts video URLs or file uploads and returns processed files or signed download URLs. You can automate full encoding pipelines, trigger jobs from your own application, and receive webhook callbacks when processing is complete. See the API documentation for details.
What is the maximum file size I can upload?
[Fill in your actual limit here — e.g., "Free accounts: 2 GB. Pro accounts: unlimited via chunked upload or URL ingest."]