Reddit Video Formats & Encoding Explained
Introduction
Reddit is one of the most popular social platforms, hosting millions of videos across various subreddits. Whether you’re uploading content or downloading videos, understanding Reddit’s video formats, encoding settings, and compression techniques is crucial for ensuring high-quality playback and compatibility across devices.
Supported Video Formats on Reddit
Reddit primarily supports MP4 (H.264) video files with AAC audio. This format is widely compatible across browsers and devices, making it the standard choice for most social media platforms.
| Format | Codec | Audio | Supported? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4 | H.264 | AAC | ✅ Yes |
| WebM | VP8/VP9 | Opus | ❌ No (Limited) |
| MOV | H.264 | AAC | ❌ No |
| AVI | DivX/Xvid | MP3 | ❌ No |
Key Upload Specifications
- Max File Size: 1GB
- Max Duration: 15 minutes
- Recommended Resolution: 720p or 1080p
- Bitrate: Variable (Reddit re-encodes all videos for optimization)
- Frame Rate: 30fps recommended, higher frame rates may be adjusted
How Reddit Handles Video Encoding & Compression
When you upload a video, Reddit re-encodes it using the H.264 codec to optimize file size and streaming efficiency. This may lead to a reduction in quality due to compression.
Factors That Affect Video Compression
- Resolution: Higher resolutions (1080p, 4K) are downscaled.
- Bitrate Reduction: Reddit applies a lower bitrate for smoother streaming.
- Frame Rate Adjustments: Videos above 30fps may be capped.
- Audio Compression: AAC audio is compressed to reduce file size.
- Reddit’s API Limitations: API restrictions may alter encoding and playback behavior.
Best Practices for Uploading High-Quality Videos on Reddit
To ensure your video maintains the best quality, follow these guidelines:
- Upload in MP4 (H.264) with AAC audio to avoid compatibility issues.
- Keep resolution at 1080p or lower to prevent Reddit from excessive downscaling.
- Use a bitrate of 4-6 Mbps for optimal quality without unnecessary compression.
- Limit frame rate to 30fps to avoid forced adjustments.
- Ensure good lighting and contrast in your video to reduce artifacting.
How to Download & Re-Encode Reddit Videos
If you need to download and compress a Reddit video, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the Video
You can use third-party tools like RedditSave, VidditRed, or YT-DLP to download videos in their highest available quality.
Step 2: Re-Encode Using HandBrake or FFmpeg
- HandBrake:
- Select “Fast 1080p30” or “Fast 720p30” preset.
- Choose H.264 codec and set RF value to 22-24 for optimal balance between quality and size.
- Enable Web Optimized for better streaming.
- FFmpeg Command:
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -preset fast -c:a aac output.mp4
Common Issues & How to Fix Them
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Blurry video after upload | Ensure the original file has high bitrate & resolution |
| No audio in video | Check if AAC codec is enabled in your encoder |
| High file size after compression | Use CRF 23-28 with HandBrake or FFmpeg |
| Video not playing on mobile | Use MP4 (H.264) format |