Optimize video for streaming
This article is for WebinarJam and EverWebinar.
While your video recording camera or phone may record at full HD resolution (even 4K!) and 60 frames per second, streaming a video in high definition can have a negative impact on your event. Attendees watching your webinar are reliant on the streaming quality of their own internet connection, which can be anything from high-speed access to limited hotel internet, mobile cell service, etc.
Because it’s impossible to predict the connection speed of every attendee, it is best practice to optimize any external video that will be streamed during the video to minimize buffering for your viewers.
Optimize with HandBrake
Use a tool like HandBrake to re-encode and optimize your videos. This reduces the total file size of the video without significant (or any) quality loss.
Recommended optimization settings:
- MP4 format
- 720p resolution at 30 frames per second
- Web optimized option ticked ON
- Audio bitrate set at 128
The following video demonstrates the Handbrake process:
Important: Optimizing a video to reduce its size can affect its quality, resolution, and compatibility with some devices.
Always test the optimized video before the webinar with multiple playback devices to ensure that it works as intended. Recommended devices for testing include: desktop/laptop computer, mobile device, tablet.
If the playback of the optimized video is not acceptable, the best option may be to use the original video instead.