Uploading MP4 videos to Facebook is a great way to share memories and moments with friends and family. MP4 is a common video format that works well for uploading shorter videos to Facebook. With just a few simple steps, you can post MP4 videos directly from your computer or mobile device.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to successfully upload MP4 videos to Facebook, including:
- MP4 video format overview
- Requirements for uploading MP4 videos to Facebook
- Step-by-step instructions for uploading from a computer
- Step-by-step instructions for uploading from a mobile device
- Tips for optimizing your MP4 videos for Facebook
- Troubleshooting common MP4 video uploading issues
Whether you are uploading a cute pet video, a scenic travel clip, or a fun family moment, this guide will teach you how to easily post MP4 videos on Facebook.
MP4 Video Format Overview
MP4 is a digital multimedia container format commonly used to store video and audio. Some key things to know about MP4s:
- MP4 is a type of MPEG-4 video compression standard
- Files use .mp4 file extension
- Supports high-quality video and audio in a compressed file size
- Works across platforms and operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android
- Compatible with most media players, social media platforms, and video editing software
MP4 offers a versatile and shareable video format that works great for uploading shorter clips to social media sites like Facebook. The compressed file size makes it easy to share MP4s without sacrificing video quality.
Facebook supports MP4 video uploads up to 4K resolution and supports MP4 audio in AAC format. This makes it one of the best video formats to use for Facebook uploads.
Requirements for Uploading MP4 Videos to Facebook
When preparing an MP4 video for Facebook, there are a few requirements to keep in mind:
- File size: Max file size is 4GB
- Length: Videos must be between 1 second and 12 hours long
- Resolution: Up to 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- Frame rate: 24-60 FPS
- Audio codec: AAC preferred
- Aspect ratio: Landscape orientation works best
As long as your MP4 video meets these requirements, it should upload smoothly to Facebook. Good resolution and audio quality are important for an engaging video that people will want to watch.
Landscape orientation is ideal as that is how videos display natively in Facebook’s News Feed. For the best results, trim longer raw footage into concise 1-3 minute MP4 clips before uploading to Facebook.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Uploading MP4 from a Computer
Uploading MP4 videos from a desktop or laptop computer is easy with just a few clicks. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Go to www.facebook.com and log into your account
- Click on the “Photo/Video” button in the status update box
- Select the “Upload Photo/Video” tab
- Navigate to and select the MP4 file you want to upload from your computer files
- Fill out any post details like title, description, tagging people, selecting audience, etc.
- Click on the blue “Post” button to publish your video to Facebook
Once uploaded, the MP4 video will process briefly and then become viewable to your selected audience on Facebook.
The video will appear in your timeline and News Feed so all your friends and followers can watch it. Use privacy settings to control who can view the video if desired.
Tips for Uploading from Computer
Here are some tips to ensure MP4 videos upload smoothly from your computer:
- Use a high-speed internet connection for fastest upload speeds
- Upload the highest resolution version of your video that meets Facebook’s requirements
- Trim longer videos into 1-3 minute clips before uploading for best results
- Double check your video metadata and settings meet Facebook’s requirements before uploading
- Provide a compelling title and description so people are drawn into watch
Following these best practices will help your MP4 videos look polished and grab viewer attention on Facebook.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Uploading MP4 from Mobile
You can also easily post MP4 videos to Facebook using the Facebook mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Here is how:
- Open the Facebook app on your smartphone or tablet
- Tap on the status box at the top to create a new post
- Tap on Photo/Video button to access media uploads
- Select the MP4 video clip from your camera roll or device storage
- Edit the video title, description, tagged people, audience, etc.
- Tap the blue Post button in the top right
The mobile Facebook app automatically compresses and resizes your video clip for quicker uploading. The MP4 video will process briefly after you post then become available for viewing in your timeline.
Tips for Mobile Uploading
Some tips for smooth mobile MP4 video uploads include:
- Use a strong WiFi or LTE connection for fast uploads
- Allow the Facebook app access to your photos and videos
- Trim longer form videos into short 1-3 minute clips
- Double check the file size is under 4GB before uploading
- Preview how your video looks on mobile before posting
With these tips, you can easily upload eye-catching MP4 videos to Facebook from your iPhone, Android, iPad, or other devices.
Optimizing MP4 Videos for Facebook
To make your MP4 videos look their absolute best on Facebook, here are some optimization tips:
- Export MP4s in landscape 1080p or 720p resolution
- Use a 16:9 aspect ratio
- Set frame rate to 30 FPS
- Use progressive scanning not interlaced
- Encode MP4 videos at a high bitrate between 15-20 Mbps
- Save important visual information in the center of the frame
- Avoid letterboxing with black bars on top/bottom or sides of the video
- Add descriptive and engaging titles and descriptions
Optimized MP4 videos will have good clarity, smooth motion, crisp audio, and visually engaging content perfect for social media. Take the time to properly export and compress your videos before uploading for best results.
Troubleshooting Common MP4 Uploading Issues
In some cases, you may encounter issues when trying to upload an MP4 file to Facebook. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Problem: Video not appearing after uploading
- Ensure you have a strong internet connection when uploading
- Check that the video file size is under 4GB
- Verify the length is between 1 second and 12 hours
- Try re-uploading the file if it still does not appear
Problem: Upload is slow or stalling
- Compress your MP4 to a lower resolution like 720p if needed
- Use a fast wired internet connection instead of WiFi
- Facebook servers may be experiencing high traffic, try again later
Problem: Video looks pixelated or distorted
- Export your MP4 at a higher resolution and bitrate
- Check the aspect ratio is 16:9 widescreen
- Avoid interlacing and use progressive MP4 encoding
Checking your video file properties and exporting properly before uploading can prevent many technical issues. Contact Facebook support if your MP4 video won’t upload correctly after troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Uploading MP4 videos to Facebook is fast and easy whether you use a desktop computer or mobile device. Just remember to:
- Trim video clips to 1-3 minutes
- Use resolutions of 1080p or 720p
- Set aspect ratio to 16:9 landscape
- Optimize video quality as much as possible
- Provide titles, descriptions and tags
Following this guide, you now know how to export videos in Facebook-friendly MP4 format and upload them seamlessly.
Sharing MP4 videos allows you to connect with friends and family by giving them an engaging visual window into your life. So grab that cute baby video, exciting travel clip, or funny pet moment and upload it for all to enjoy on Facebook!