Video Content Tips:
The Best Video File Format for Websites
In a single day, more than 500 hours’ worth of videos is uploaded to YouTube. It’s literally impossible to watch everything on the platform. With so much being uploaded, content creators are also having to fight tooth and nail for an audience.
You need to make sure your video is perfect to ensure it has impact. That means exporting it in the right video file format. Yet, beginner content creators may not even know what the best video file format is.
Keep reading below to learn more about different file formats and how to find the best one for you!
Your Video File Format Defines Your Video Quality
Most online video editor programs export videos in either .wav or .mp4 formats. These are usually decent formats that people can use to upload videos to YouTube or similar platforms. They tend not to lose any video quality while encoding and exporting, and if they do lose any quality, audiences generally don’t notice.
However, most audiences usually have a few people that have an eye for detail. They tend to notice if you export a video in a non-industry standard format and lose changes like color corrections or quality for long-shot subjects.
For example, broadcast companies around the world usually use formats like NTSC or SECAM. However, marketing companies may export files as .mp4 videos, but with an H.264 codec. This kind of additional processing defines essential elements of a video, like its dimensions or its sound quality.
Consider How People Will Watch It
When exporting a video, you should think about how most people will watch it. If you’re uploading it to YouTube and only plan to keep it on your channel, you may be able to get away with keeping it as an mp4. But if you plan to share it on websites, social media platforms, or anywhere else, you may want to rethink your strategy.
For example, if you want to direct people to your website, you can export a clip of your video as a GIF. Then, you can use that GIF in a post that directs people to the webpage with the rest of the video.
If you want the video to be shared widely on Twitter or Instagram, make sure it exports in a format that works best with square dimensions. And if you plan to post it on Facebook, use a minimum of 1200 x 700 pixels.
Website Videos Are Usually Hosted on a Specific Platform
When people are just starting out, they usually upload videos on YouTube. Generally, it acts as a good content management system. Through YouTube, you can embed videos into your website and share them widely across the internet.
But if you’re not using a custom CMS to handle videos, you’re missing out on powerful tools. Many other industry-standard CMS platforms give additional options when uploading videos. They can add custom layers, or adapt videos to the device people are using.
Don’t think that your only option is to upload your project to YouTube. You can also upload to CMS systems run through your website’s domain.
Common Video File Formats Aren’t Always the Best
The most common video file format is by and large mp4. This is a versatile and common kind of format that’s used by many creators across the world. If you upload an mp4, then most websites and devices will be able to show it with ease.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the best. To make sure your video has the biggest impact on your audience, you’ll need to choose an industry-standard file format. And finding which format is right requires you to research your industry.
To learn more about how you should export your video, just keep reading our website!
