Having issues with your video?

There are several issues which can cause problems when you first start working with MP4 videos on the web, here are the most common and how to solve them

1 - Metadata

Metadata are the instructions for your video file - they are attached to your video file and they control the play, pause, fast forward functions. If they are attached at the end of your file, the whole of your file must download to the viewer's cache before playback can begin. Common symptoms of having metadata at the back of the file inclue:- buffering, long loading and a black or blank screen

Learn how to fix your metadata issues here

2 - File permissions

File permissions, ACL or access limits control who can watch your video. For your audience to be able to watch your movies, your permissions need to be set to public. Symptoms of incorrect permissions incude:- video not loading, error messages, black or blank screen, video will not download or play.

Find out more on file permissions here

3 - Codecs

Codecs can be compared to the language that your video file is written in when you encode or render it. In order to play on the web and reach as many viewers as possible, you need to use codecs that are accepted across all browsers and devices. Symptoms of incorrect or not-web ready codecs include:- black or blank sceen, audio but no video, blurring or pixellation, error messages.

Get to grips with codecs by reading this guide

4 - File names

File and folder names have to follow specific rules in order to be readable by web browsers and connected devices - some characters are reserved for certain functionality and even the order of symbols can affect playback. Symptoms of non-web ready file and folder names include:- error messages, video not loading, black or blank screen.

Read and follow our web ready file naming rules.