For more efficient video performance, Jetpack VideoPress uses WordPress.com’s servers rather than your host’s server.
Any videos uploaded to VideoPress are subject to WordPress.com’s content policies. The exclusions on this mature content page apply to videos as well.
Video file recommendations
VideoPress is compatible with most WordPress themes; for best results we recommend themes that use the Block Editor, and these video specifications:
Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) |
Max Resolution | 3840×2160 (4k) Larger is OK, but this is the largest size currently available in the VideoPress player. |
Format | MP4 (.mp4, .m4v), QuickTime movies (.mov), Windows Media Video (.wmv), Audio Video Interleave (.avi), MPEG (.mpg), 3GPP (.3gp) and 3GPP2 (.3g2) Jetpack converts your uploaded video file into the HLS streaming format (with fragmented MP4). Our MP4 files are encoded with H.264 video and AAC audio lossy compression codecs. We stream HLS playlists. HLS/MPD(MPEG DASH) are HTTP-based streaming protocols. If you are uploading a video that will only be played in the VideoPress block, videos encoded with the h.265 or VP9 codecs can be uploaded if desired. |
File size | Less than 5GB, but less than 1GB is recommended Most networks will time out before you’re able to upload a file that’s larger than 1.4 GB. We cannot support files that are larger than 5 GB. |
Bit Rate | 8mbps for 1080p30, 12mbps for 1080p60 Recommended, but other values are OK. |
Length | Shorter than 3 hours If a video is longer than three hours, the video will only be available at standard resolution (240p) after upload. |
Audio | AAC minimum 160kbps |
Other Settings | Fast Start / Web Optimized / progressive download (so the whole file doesn’t need to be downloaded before playback can begin) |
If your source video doesn’t meet the above specifications, a desktop tool like HandBrake can be used to convert it before you upload it to the Media Library. There are also many mobile apps for compressing videos on a mobile device.
Add a video via the VideoPress Block
To upload a video to Jetpack VideoPress via the VideoPress Block, please follow these instructions:
Add a VideoPress video using the Block Editor.
Add a video via the VideoPress dashboard
With the standalone VideoPress plugin activated on your website, you can also use the VideoPress dashboard in WP Admin to upload and manage videos. You can upload videos via the VideoPress dashboard when using either the Classic Editor or the Block Editor.
Add a video via WordPress.com
To add a video to Jetpack VideoPress via WordPress.com:
- First, you must be using VideoPress via the full-featured Jetpack plugin.
- Navigate to WordPress.com.
- In the top left corner, click Switch Site and select the Jetpack-connected site you want to upload videos to.
- Go to Media.
- Click Add new and find the file on your computer. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your new video from your computer into the Media Library.
- Once you add your video, you will see it show up in the media library as the upload progresses. After the video is done uploading, you’ll see the video’s thumbnail update to show an image from the video.
Modify a Video’s settings
For more information about how to customize your videos, check out this page.
VideoPress user roles
Jetpack-connected users with the Administrator role can upload videos to a VideoPress-powered site. All Administrators can view all the uploaded videos on the site’s Media Library, no matter which Admin uploaded the video. Jetpack-connected users with the Editor and Author roles may upload videos to VideoPress using the VideoPress Block.
Still need help?
Please contact support directly. We’re happy to advise.