Uploading high definition (HD) videos to Facebook can sometimes be frustrating, as the HD upload option doesn’t always appear. There are a few potential reasons why you may not see the HD upload option:
Your Video File May Not Be HD
The first thing to check is whether your video file is actually in HD format. Just because a video is high quality doesn’t necessarily mean it is full HD (1080p). To be considered HD, a video needs to have a resolution of at least 1280 x 720 pixels (720p). If your video is less than 720p, Facebook will not give you the HD upload option.
To check the resolution of your video file, you need to view the file properties. The process varies a bit depending on your operating system:
| Operating System | How to Check Video Resolution |
|---|---|
| Windows | Right click the video file, select Properties, and look at the Resolution field |
| Mac | Click the video file, press Command + I, and look at the Resolution field |
| Linux (Ubuntu) | Right click the video file, select Properties, and look at the Resolution field |
If your video shows a resolution below 1280 x 720, then it is not HD and Facebook will not give you the HD upload option.
Your Video File May Be in the Wrong Format
Even if your video resolution is HD, Facebook may not recognize it as HD if the file format is something other than MP4 or MOV. Here are the video formats supported for HD upload to Facebook:
- MP4
- QuickTime (.MOV)
So if your HD video is in a format like AVI, MKV, FLV, etc., try converting it to MP4 before uploading. You can use a free online converter like Convertio to change the file format.
Your Video Has the Wrong Aspect Ratio
In addition to having an HD resolution, your video file must have a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio to get the HD upload option on Facebook. If you have a video that is 1280 x 720 but with a 4:3 or vertical aspect ratio, it will not be considered HD.
Again, you can check the aspect ratio of your video file by viewing the properties just like you would check the resolution. The aspect ratio may be listed directly as 16:9, 4:3, etc. If you just see the pixel dimensions, divide the width by the height to calculate the aspect ratio.
Facebook Is Having a Technical Issue
In some cases, even when your video file meets the requirements to be HD, a glitch in Facebook can prevent the HD upload option from appearing. Some possible technical issues that could cause this include:
- Problems on Facebook’s servers
- An outdated app or browser
- Corrupted video files
- Internet connectivity issues
If you are certain your video file meets HD standards, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure you have the latest version of the Facebook app or clear your browser cache
- Try uploading on a different device or internet connection
- Re-export your video file to create a fresh file
- Try uploading at a later time
Your Video Is Too Long for HD Upload
Facebook places a limit on the maximum length of videos you can upload in HD. Currently, that limit is set at 4 hours for HD videos.
So if your video exceeds 4 hours in length, Facebook will not allow you to upload it in HD format. You’ll have to split any videos longer than 4 hours into smaller parts to upload them in HD.
Your Account Lacks HD Upload Privileges
In some cases, Facebook may restrict accounts from uploading HD videos as a policy. Reasons your account could lose HD upload privileges include:
- Copyright violations
- Repeated community standards violations
- Unverified or new accounts
- Platform misuse
If your account is in good standing and you suddenly lose HD upload, you may need to request HD access again through Facebook’s Help Center. Your HD upload abilities should be restored after reviewing your account status.
You Have HD Upload Turned Off
Finally, make sure you have HD video upload enabled in your Facebook settings. In rare cases, users may have toggled this option off:
- Go to Facebook Settings & Privacy
- Click on Settings
- Go to the “Videos and Photos” section
- Ensure “HD Video Uploading” is toggled ON
If for some reason you turned HD upload off yourself in the past, toggling it back on should allow you to upload videos in HD again.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting issues with HD upload on Facebook can be frustrating, but is often caused by simple file or account restrictions. To recap, make sure your video file meets the minimum resolution, aspect ratio, format, and length standards to qualify for HD. Double check your account settings, re-export problematic files, and upgrade your software if needed. With HD requirements satisfied, Facebook’s HD option should reliably appear on uploads. But if issues persist, contact Facebook support to investigate any account or technical issues.
Why HD Video Quality Matters on Facebook
Uploading HD videos is important for creating engaging, professional content on Facebook. Here are some key reasons you should upload in HD whenever possible:
- HD video looks crisp and clear on all devices, from desktop to mobile.
- Viewers are more likely to watch HD videos in full without clicking away.
- Facebook gives preference to HD videos in News Feed ranking algorithms.
- Advertisers get better metrics and engagement from HD video ads.
- HD helps showcase products and services in the best light.
In short, HD video provides the quality that both viewers and Facebook’s algorithm expect in 2023. Failing to upload in HD puts your videos at a disadvantage versus competitors who do use HD. Even if you have to edit and convert files first, taking the time to prepare HD source files is worth the effort.
Maximizing Video Quality on Facebook
When exporting video for Facebook, aim for these recommended HD settings:
- Resolution: 1280 x 720p (or 1920 x 1080p)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 widescreen
- Framerate: 29.97 fps
- Bitrate: 2-5 Mbps
- Format: MP4 or MOV
Higher resolution, bitrates, and frame rates will provide even better quality, but require larger files. The settings above strike a good balance for the Facebook platform. For the cleanest results, export from high quality sources, like RAW video files.
You can also use video editing tools to refine color, audio, framing, and pacing. Follow Facebook’s best practices guide for video ads at facebook.com. For non-advertising videos, create custom thumbnails and utilize video captions.
With the proper HD source files and some light editing, you can make professional, eye-catching videos that will drive maximum engagement on Facebook.
Uploading HD Video through Different Methods
The process for uploading videos in HD can vary slightly depending on how you are uploading them to Facebook:
- Facebook Mobile App – Tap “Photo/Video” > Select HD video from your device > Tap “HD” next to Upload
- Facebook Website – Select “Photo/Video” > Choose HD video file > Click “HD” during upload
- Facebook Creator Studio – Click “Video Library” > “Upload” > Choose HD file > Click “HD”
- Facebook API – Set “upload_phase” parameter to “start” and “file_size” to HD video size
Methods like Facebook Live and embedding third-party videos from YouTube or Vimeo will show in HD automatically if the source is HD quality. Test uploading from different devices and locations to ensure an optimal experience.
Troubleshooting Tips for HD Video Uploading
If you still can’t get HD uploads working, try these additional troubleshooting steps:
- Clear cookies/cache and logout and back in
- Use a different web browser or Facebook app
- Check video formats with MediaInfo or FFprobe
- Re-render videos with consistent HD settings
- Try shorter videos (under 10 minutes)
- Verify your account is in good standing
- Contact Facebook support if issues persist
With some diligent testing and troubleshooting, you should be able to resolve most HD upload issues. Having vivid, smooth HD will make a world of difference for your Facebook video results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What resolution do I need for HD on Facebook?
To qualify as HD, your video needs to have a resolution of at least 1280 x 720 pixels (720p). Higher resolutions like 1920 x 1080 (1080p) are supported as well.
What is the HD upload limit for video length on Facebook?
Facebook currently allows you to upload HD videos up to 4 hours long. Any videos longer than 4 hours will need to be split in parts.
Can I upload HD videos from my phone?
Yes, the latest Facebook mobile apps support uploading HD videos from your phone’s camera roll or storage. Make sure you have the HD upload option enabled in the app settings.
How long does it take to upload HD videos to Facebook?
Upload time will vary based on factors like video length, file size, and internet connection speed. An HD video that is 5 minutes long may take 5-10 minutes for most users.
What should my video bitrate be for Facebook HD?
Aim for HD video bitrates between 2-5 Mbps for the best quality without huge file sizes. Higher bitrates are supported but not necessary for most content.
Can I edit and enhance video quality before uploading in HD?
Yes, it’s recommended to edit and optimize your videos using professional software before uploading. Cleaning up color, audio, pacing, and adding graphics can further improve HD quality.
Summary
Uploading high quality HD video is an impactful way to improve engagement and visibility on Facebook. Ensure your source files meet HD specifications for resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate, and format before uploading. Troubleshoot any issues with account settings, technical glitches, or video file properties that could prevent HD from showing. With pristine HD footage and compelling content, you can captivate audiences and outshine competitors on Facebook.