# Video Hosting

How to upload video, how it streams, and how fans download it.

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## Supported Formats

Any modern browser-supported video format. Most creators upload:

| Format | Extension | Notes |
|--------|-----------|-------|
| MP4 (H.264 / H.265) | `.mp4` | Most widely compatible |
| WebM (VP9) | `.webm` | Open codec, good compression |
| QuickTime | `.mov` | Accepted; some browsers transcode on download |

Files are stored as-is. The in-browser player streams whatever you upload, so encode for the browser you want to reach.

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## Streaming

Video items get a built-in HTML5 player with the cover image as the poster frame. No app required, no third-party embed. Streaming preloads metadata only. Full bytes load as the viewer plays.

Live streaming is on the roadmap.

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## File Limits

Per-file size limits depend on your [pricing tier](./tiers.md): {{ tier_limits.basic_per_file }} (Basic), {{ tier_limits.small_files_per_file }} (Small Files), {{ tier_limits.big_files_per_file }} (Big Files and Everything). Cover images: {{ tier_limits.basic_per_file }} on all tiers.

Most full-length video uploads will need Big Files or Everything.

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## Upload Process

1. Drag the video file onto the upload area (or click to browse)
2. Upload runs with a progress indicator
3. Add metadata while uploading or after
4. Set a cover image (used as the poster frame and OG card)
5. Set tags, pricing, visibility
6. Save as draft or publish immediately

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## Metadata

**Required:** Title

**Optional:** Description, tags, release date, credits/collaborators, cover image

**Auto-extracted:** Duration

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## Downloads

Fans who purchase the item or subscribe to a tier can download the original file directly. No DRM, no device tracking, no per-download fees. Re-downloads allowed anytime.

To offer multiple resolutions or formats, upload them as separate [versions](./items.md#versions) of the same item.

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## See Also

- [Audio Hosting](./audio.md)
- [Software & Downloads](./software.md)
- [Items](./items.md): organizing items and projects
- [Media Library](./media-library.md): images and videos embedded in item descriptions and blog posts