For the best possible results, we recommend the following compression settings when you encode video or audio for Switch Tube.
Container format and video codec
Use MPEG-4 (.mp4) or Quicktime (.mov) as the container format with one of the following video codecs:
- HEVC / H.265 offers high visual quality with a smaller file size than H.264, but might take longer to encode.
- H.264 provides a good balance between visual quality and file size. Always choose the “High Profile” option.
- Apple ProRes 422 HQ is a professional codec that ensures very high visual quality, but with much larger files. Only use this for complex material in case you notice quality issues after processing by Switch Tube.
Frame rate
Switch Tube does not change the frame rate of the video you upload. In most cases, it’s best to stick to the native frame rate of your video when you compress it. Frame rates over 60 FPS might not play back correctly on all devices. It’s recommended to use a constant frame rate throughout your entire video. Commonly used frame rates include 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, and 60 FPS.
Resolution and bit rate
Switch Tube accepts video in any shape and size and will adjust its player dimensions accordingly. It’s recommended to compress your video with a pixel aspect ratio of 1:1, or square pixels. Do not add any letterboxing.
If given the option, encode video using a “variable” bit rate. Most video editors offer good default bit rate settings. As a general rule, use between 2-5 Mbps for SD (640×480), between 5-10 Mbps for 720p HD (1280×720), 10-20 Mbps for 1080p HD (1920×1080), and 30–60 Mbps for 4K. When using ProRes, follow the target bit rate of the presets provided.
Audio
For best results, use 2-channel stereo audio at a sample rate of 48 kHz. Encode using AAC Low Complexity as the audio codec at a constant bit rate of 320 kbit/s.