How to optimize videos and images before uploading them
Recommended resolution, format, and bitrate settings that keep quality high
A heavy video or an uncompressed image makes a flipbook slow to load, so it is worth preparing your files before they go in. Videos upload best at 1080p and 30fps or lower in .mp4 (H.264), with a bitrate of 4-6 Mbps keeping quality high without inflating the file. Images should be compressed, and set to a lower DPI when they will not be printed.
Video Compression Recommendations
When adding videos to your flipbooks, follow these guidelines to maintain quality while minimizing file size:
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Resolution & Frame Rate:
Record at 1080p, 30fps max. For an even smaller size without noticeable quality loss, 24fps is ideal. Avoid recording in 4K unless you plan to edit and export the final version at 1080p.
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Format:
Use the .mp4 (H.264) format. It’s more efficient than heavier alternatives like .mov, offering great quality at smaller file sizes.
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Sharing Method:
Avoid sending videos via chat apps (e.g., WhatsApp), as these may compress or corrupt the files. Instead, use reliable file-sharing services like WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
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Bitrate:
Lower the bitrate when possible,4-6 Mbps is a solid range for maintaining quality. In some cases, even 0.7 Mbps can work for shorter clips.
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Recommended Tool:
Try FreeConvert Video Compressor for easy, web-based compression. It also supports image compression.
Image Compression Recommendations
Large, uncompressed images can significantly slow down your flipbook. Here’s how to reduce their size while preserving visual quality:
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DPI Settings:
If your images won’t be printed, use a DPI of 150 or lower. For web use, 96 DPI is often enough. Avoid using print-quality images (e.g., 300 DPI) unless necessary.
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Image Dimensions & File Size:
Large files like 6000x6000px images at 300 DPI can exceed 15,20MB, which impacts performance. Lowering the resolution or DPI can reduce the size by 50% or more.
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Best Practice:
There’s no universal standard. We recommend testing different resolutions and compression levels to strike the best balance between image quality and loading speed.
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Compression Settings:
Export or save images using low compression (high quality) settings to avoid artifacts or blurriness.
Note: When you use the Living Visuals (AI Animate) tool, Flipsnack AI automatically handles the technical optimization. The generated motion is exported as an MP4 video that is already optimized for file size, resolution, and playback performance.
If you have any questions about compressing your videos and images, contact us via live chat or email at contact@flipsnack.com
Next steps
- How to upload videos in your flipbooks
- Why are my embedded YouTube or Vimeo videos not showing up in my published flipbook?
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