What is Video Encoding?
Video encoding is the process of compressing RAW video content into smaller file sizes to enable playback delivery across the desired set of devices and platforms. It is an innovative video technology that maximizes viewership and boosts user experience despite various variables— storage capacity, output video quality, bandwidth, and compatibility with platforms, browsers, and players.
With advanced encoding techniques like per-title encoding, content providers can even optimize and deliver high-quality content by creating a custom adaptive bitrate (ABR) ladder for different videos of different complexities.
Benefits of Video Encoding
- It allows efficient transmission of high-quality video streams via the internet by reducing the required bandwidth—thereby preventing buffering.
- Video encoding helps retain the output video quality.
- It improves compatibility with major operating systems (Android, iOS), video players (VLC, Windows Media, Flash), web browsers, editing software, and OTT platforms—which helps maximize content reach.
- It cuts down CDN infrastructure costs since encoded data requires lesser storage space.
Applications of Video Encoding
- Video encoding is used to enable real-time and on-demand video consumption over the internet.
- It plays a key role in transforming analog recordings into digital formats.