Facebook supports several video formats and codecs for uploading and sharing videos on its platform. The choice of video format depends on factors like video resolution, file size, and intended platform for viewing. When uploading videos to Facebook, it is recommended to use MP4 video encoded with H.264 codec as it provides optimal playback across devices.
Quick Answer
The recommended video format for Facebook is MP4 encoded with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. MP4 with H.264 provides great quality at reduced file sizes and is supported by Facebook as well as most devices for smooth playback.
MP4 Format (H.264 Codec)
MP4 with H.264 video compression is the ideal choice for uploading videos to Facebook for the following reasons:
- MP4 is a widely supported container format that can hold H.264 compressed video.
- H.264 is a highly efficient video codec that provides great visual quality at reduced file sizes.
- Facebook recommends and officially supports MP4 files with H.264 codec for video uploads.
- MP4+H.264 ensures your videos achieve optimal playback across desktop, mobile, apps, and different browsers.
- The format is compatible with all major operating systems and devices including iOS and Android.
- MP4 container allows adding AAC audio codec to videos for better audio quality.
- Enables streaming videos in HD and 4K resolutions with smaller file sizes.
- Works seamlessly with Facebook video player and distribution system.
In summary, for the best performance across Facebook platform, uploading videos in MP4 format with H.264 video compression and AAC audio codec is highly recommended.
Recommended Video Encoding Settings
When encoding source videos to MP4 (H.264) format for Facebook, using these encoding settings is suggested:
- Video Codec: H.264
- Resolution: 720p, 1080p or 4K
- Dimensions: 1280×720, 1920×1080 or 3840×2160 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 widescreen
- Frame Rate: 30 fps
- Bitrate: Set based on resolution
- Audio Codec: AAC-LC
- Audio Bitrate: 128 kbps
These settings will produce good quality MP4 files optimized for Facebook’s video player. The actual bitrate can be adjusted based on video complexity and length to meet Facebook’s file size limits.
Why Facebook Uses MP4 and H.264
There are some key reasons why Facebook standardized on MP4 video with H.264 compression:
High Compression Efficiency
The H.264 video codec uses advanced algorithms to achieve high video compression ratios. It can deliver HD and 4K quality at lower bitrates and file sizes versus older codecs. This allows Facebook videos to stream smoothly and users can upload longer footage within file size limits.
Wide Device Compatibility
MP4 with H.264 has broad support across mobile, desktop, smart TV and streaming device platforms. Facebook has a diverse global user base with varied devices. Using a universally supported format ensures videos playback reliably for all users.
Improved Streaming Performance
MP4 container and H.264 codec are designed for streaming over the internet and adapt to changing network conditions. This enables Facebook to stream videos smoothly to millions of simultaneous users.
Optimized for Internet Video
Facebook is built around internet video streaming. MP4+H.264 is created specifically for online video distribution systems making it ideal for Facebook’s video platform.
4K Video Support
With H.264, MP4 videos can be encoded at 4K resolutions efficiently. This allows stunning high resolution videos on Facebook as 4K screens become popular.
Industry Standard
MP4+H.264 is considered the de facto standard for internet video. Adhering to this standard allows Facebook seamless integration with other video platforms and content delivery networks.
Other Supported Facebook Video Formats
Although MP4 is the primary format, Facebook can support some other video containers and codecs:
MOV/QuickTime Files
MOV files using H.264 video and AAC audio codecs are also accepted by Facebook. MOV is common in video production workflows.
MPEG-2
The older MPEG-2 codec is supported but produces larger file sizes. Recommended only for SD resolution videos.
WMV
Facebook can support importing WMV files using WMV video codec. WMV has limitations and is not recommended.
MP3 Audio
Facebook supports uploading MP3 audio files which get converted to video format. Useful for sharing audio tracks.
Other Legacy Codecs
Facebook attempts to convert and import videos encoded with older codecs like MPEG-1, DivX, Xvid etc. But may have limited compatibility.
It is best to re-encode such legacy videos into MP4 H.264 before uploading for maximum compatibility.
Facebook Video Upload Limits
Facebook enforces file size limits on video uploads to ensure smooth functioning of its platform. The maximum video length and size depends on video resolution:
| Resolution | Max Length | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|
| 720p (HD) | 240 minutes | 4 GB |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 240 minutes | 8 GB |
| 4K | 45 minutes | 12 GB |
Exceeding the limits results in failure to upload the video. To share longer videos, they need to be broken into segments that conform to the length and file size thresholds for each resolution.
How to Compress Videos for Facebook
If your video exceeds Facebook’s size limits, here are some tips to compress and reduce file size:
Lower Bitrate
Use a lower video bitrate setting when encoding to reduce file size. 2-3 Mbps is enough for 720p, 4-8 Mbps for 1080p videos.
Scale Resolution
For longer videos, scale down resolution from 4K to 1080p or 720p. This significantly brings down file size.
Shorten Length
Trim longer videos into smaller segments that meet Facebook’s duration limits for the resolution.
Reduce Frame Rate
Lower frame rate from 60fps to 30fps to cut file size in half with minimal impact on smoothness.
Use Video Optimizers
Specialized video optimizer tools can compress videos up to 80% smaller without visible loss of quality. Enable broad device support as well.
Re-encode Codec
Convert older codec videos like MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, etc. into H.264 MP4 to harness higher compression efficiency.
Downsample Audio
Reduce stereo audio to mono or downsample sample rate to conserve space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Facebook strongly recommends MP4 video file with H.264 video compression and AAC audio as the best video format for uploading to its platform. This combination delivers great quality, efficient compression, smooth streaming and universal device support. When editing and encoding videos to share on Facebook, use MP4 with optimal resolution and encoding settings to meet Facebook’s length and size limits. Compressing existing videos using the right techniques and tools is key to fitting longer or higher resolution videos within Facebook’s upload restrictions. Using the MP4/H.264 combo will ensure your Facebook videos achieve maximum reach and engagement across all viewers.