File formats

Video reencoding for live playback

Q: Does Upstream accept MXF, MKV, AVI or WMV?

No. Convert MKV, AVI, MXF and WMV files before uploading them. H.264 MP4 works for archived video.

Q: Does converting MOV to MP4 change the codec?

No. MOV-to-MP4 remuxing changes the container, while the video codec stays the same. HEVC and ProRes video still need reencoding for playback.

Q: Can I use Upstream as an H.265 streaming encoder?

No. Upstream streams H.264. HEVC (H.265) files show a prompt to reencode before playback.

Q: Can I use video with transparency?

No. ProRes and MOV files with alpha are flagged as unplayable. See broadcast graphics for the lower-third workflow.

Keep your files ready in the Media Library & Storage.

Upstream converts MOV containers to MP4 on upload. If your video uses HEVC, ProRes or MPEG-TS, choose Fix with reencode to prepare it for H.264 playback.

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Uploads up to 100 GB

Upload files up to 100 GB each, as long as you have enough storage left. Uploads can resume after an interruption.

Reencode up to 50 files

Reencode one file or select up to 50. Keep the originals if you need them, or replace them with the converted files.

1 free hour per stream slot

Each stream slot includes one hour of reencoding a month. Trials get one hour total.

Formats

Check your file format

Source	On upload	Before playback
MOV	Automatically remuxed to MP4.	The container changes; HEVC or ProRes video still needs reencoding.
HEVC or ProRes	Accepted in a supported container.	Use Fix with reencode for H.264 output.
MPEG-TS	Accepted as .ts, .mts or .m2ts.	Use Fix with reencode.
MKV, AVI, MXF or WMV	Not accepted.	Convert to a supported format before uploading.
ProRes or MOV with alpha	Flagged as unplayable.	Alpha-channel video overlays are not supported.

MOV

On upload: Automatically remuxed to MP4.
Before playback: The container changes; HEVC or ProRes video still needs reencoding.

HEVC or ProRes

On upload: Accepted in a supported container.
Before playback: Use Fix with reencode for H.264 output.

MPEG-TS

On upload: Accepted as .ts, .mts or .m2ts.
Before playback: Use Fix with reencode.

MKV, AVI, MXF or WMV

On upload: Not accepted.
Before playback: Convert to a supported format before uploading.

ProRes or MOV with alpha

On upload: Flagged as unplayable.
Before playback: Alpha-channel video overlays are not supported.

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Before you start

Before you upload an archive

Upload or import

Upload files up to 100 GB, within your remaining storage quota. Import up to 20 HTTPS links per batch from Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or direct URLs.

Check a sample clip

Convert one representative clip first. Check its picture and sound, then review any upload warnings for black screen, silence or missing audio.

Check your remaining storage

Keeping the originals takes more storage. Check how much space is left before reencoding, then add the converted files to cloud playout.

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FAQ

File formats and reencoding questions

01 Does Upstream accept MXF, MKV, AVI or WMV?

02 Does converting MOV to MP4 change the codec?

03 Can I use Upstream as an H.265 streaming encoder?

04 How much does reencoding cost?

You get 1 free hour per stream slot each month, or 1 hour total during a trial. Extra time costs $0.90 an hour ($0.015 a minute), with a $3 minimum purchase. Hours you buy never expire.

05 Can I reencode multiple files at once?

Yes, up to 50 at once. You can replace the originals or keep a converted copy of each file. The output is H.264 at your stream’s resolution and bitrate, with no upscaling. Audio defaults to 128 kbps.

06 Which file formats can I upload?

Video: MP4, WebM, OGG, MOV, M4V and MPEG-TS (.ts, .mts, .m2ts). Audio: MP3, M4A/AAC, WAV, OGG, WebM, FLAC and CAF. Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP and BMP. Fonts: TTF and OTF.

Resumable uploads support up to 100 GB per file, within your remaining storage quota. Storage is 100 GB per stream slot, or 150 GB on the 1-stream 4K plans. New uploads are rejected when you are over quota.

07 What does Upstream check on upload?

Upstream checks for black screen, silence and missing audio. A file can upload successfully and still need reencoding: HEVC, ProRes and MPEG-TS files show Fix with reencode. See cloud playout for using your library in a live channel.

08 Which output settings can I use?

Live output supports 720p, 1080p, 1440p and 4K. 1440p and 4K require a 4K plan. 60 fps requires a 60 fps plan. The default is 1080p30 at 8 Mbps. See output bitrate limits for all resolutions.

Upstream sends one H.264 encode to every destination. It does not create adaptive bitrate ladders or a separate version for each destination.

09 How can I convert files before uploading?

MKV, AVI, MXF and WMV are not accepted uploads. Convert them to a supported format first. Try MKV to MP4, MXF to MP4, Video to MP4, HEVC to MP4 or MOV to MP4.

For MXF, prepare an H.264 MP4 before upload. Renaming the extension does not convert a file. If a tool cannot decode your source, use an editor or encoder that supports it.

10 Can I use video with transparency?

11 How should I prepare an archive?

Try one representative clip before converting the archive. Check its picture, audio tracks and resolution. Leave space for converted copies and review the upload warnings before adding files to your playlist. Set up channel graphics and review backup coverage before running the channel.

12 Can I import several files from cloud storage?

13 What happens when my storage is full?

New uploads are rejected when you are over quota. Each stream slot includes 100 GB, or 150 GB on the 1-stream 4K plans. There is no self-serve storage add-on. Leave space if you choose to keep reencoded duplicates.

More features

Related features

Use the converted files in a playlist, then add graphics and a backup feed.

Playout Run a channel from your files Upload files, build a playlist and set a schedule. Publish changes while the stream runs. See cloud playout Graphics Add graphics to your channel Place logos, lower thirds, tickers and clocks over your stream. Publish changes while on air. See broadcast graphics Reliability Keep a second feed ready Send a copy to YouTube backup ingest. YouTube switches over and back when the main feed returns. See backup streams

More features and guides

Upload your files to Upstream

Tell us which file formats you have and what output you need.

H.264 output Up to 50 files No upscaling Keep duplicates

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