Convert audio and video files to play online
To ensure your audio and video files play on any web browser or device, convert the original files to a form suitable for the web:
- File format: H.264 MP4 for video; MP3 for audio
- File size: reduce the size as much as possible yet retain good-quality images and audio
Reducing file size is particularly important for mobile devices. Large, unoptimised video or audio consumes people's mobile data allowance unnecessarily.
In this article:
To convert large videos before uploading to SiteBuilder, or you prefer to optimise videos with a fine degree of control, see: convert videos to H.264 MP4 with HandBrake.
Convert a file during upload
- Go to the page where you want to upload a video or audio file.
- Go to Edit > More > Files tab.
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In the toolbar select Upload:
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If the video or audio file format is unsuitable for the web – for example, FLV, AVI or MOV – you're prompted to convert the file:
- Select the Convert button.
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The converted file is now visible on the Files tab. Depending on the size of the original file, it can take a short time to convert.
Convert a file after uploading to SiteBuilder
- Go to the page containing the file you wish to convert.
- Go to Edit > More and select the Files tab.
- Select the file you wish to convert.
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Select Convert in the toolbar:
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Choose one of the options from the Target format drop-down list:
- H.264 MP4 – recommended for video.
- WebM VP8 – a high-quality web video format.
- MP3 – recommended for audio.
- JPEG – select this option to generate an image from your video, which you can use as the preview image shown to visitors before they play your video.
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Type a new name for the converted file to distinguish it from the original source file on the Files tab. For example, append -web to the file name:
- Select Convert/resize.
- You can see the progress of the file conversion. For large files, this can take some time to complete – you receive an email confirmation when the conversion is complete.
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When the file is converted, you can see it on the Files tab: