Videos are a complex type of file, and you have to keep in mind different features such as quality, audio, and file size all in mind when sending them across the internet. So instead, you’ll need to utilize video encoding to ensure you deliver the highest quality possible.
What Is Video Encoding?
Encoding a video is the process of converting a video from one format to another, generally so it can be streamed to another device. Encoding aims to reduce the file size and/or improve quality while maintaining compatibility with playback devices. In other words, it’s how you get all those high-quality videos onto your phone or computer so that they look good when they play back on your device.
Video encoding can also go by “compressing.” You may hear these terms used interchangeably throughout this article; however, we’ll use them as different concepts here. Encoding refers specifically to converting raw footage into an encoded forma,t while compressing refers to reducing file sizes by applying compression algorithms that don’t consider things like video quality. You can learn more about video compression here.
How Does Video Encoding Work?
Videos are made up of individual pixels, just like any other digital media. However, when you’re sending that video to someone else, they don’t need to know the details of every single pixel for each frame. Video encoding will analyze those pixels and use that information to “cut out” the useless parts – like static elements or areas with the same color. Then, it uses an encoder to take that information and shrink the file, using that data to tell the recipient how to rebuild the video from those static parts.
The difference between encoding and compressing a video is twofold. First, compression doesn’t factor in video quality after it’s been compressed, where encoders aim to keep them as close as possible. Second, compression is strictly for shrinking file sizes, where encoding can be used for streaming video or upscaling to a better quality.
Encoding Videos with Cloudinary
If you need an easy way to encode videos for your clients, look no further than Cloudinary. Cloudinary provides support for a variety of video codecs and can automatically encode your videos to ensure that they are optimized for playback on different devices and network conditions. By using advanced encoding algorithms, Cloudinary can optimize the bitrate and quality of your videos based on the viewing device and available network bandwidth.
And the best part? You can get started with Cloudinary for free! Sign up today and see what we can do for you.
