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File Size and Format Limits

This guide explains the current limitations for video file uploads on Hyperserve.

File Size Limit​

Maximum file size: 5 GB. On the free plan: 1 GB.

Size is checked when you call POST /api/video/{id}/complete-upload, against the size storage reports. It is not checked when you create the video, so an oversize file is rejected after it has been uploaded, not before.

A file over 5 GB returns 400 Bad Request. On the free plan, a file over 1 GB returns 403 Forbidden with the code FREE_TIER_FILE_SIZE_EXCEEDED. In both cases the uploaded file is deleted and the video is marked failed.

Optimize Your Videos

Consider pre-compressing your videos before upload. Most video editing tools can export at lower bitrates without significant quality loss. Since Hyperserve transcodes your video anyway, uploading extremely high-quality source files often provides diminishing returns.

Supported Video Formats​

Hyperserve accepts any standard video format, including but not limited to:

Common Formats​

  • MP4 (.mp4, .m4v)
  • MOV (.mov) - QuickTime
  • AVI (.avi)
  • MKV (.mkv) - Matroska
  • WebM (.webm)
  • FLV (.flv) - Flash Video
  • WMV (.wmv) - Windows Media Video
  • MPEG (.mpeg, .mpg)

Professional Formats​

  • ProRes (.mov)
  • DNxHD/DNxHR (.mov, .mxf)
  • AVCHD (.mts, .m2ts)

Best Practices​

1. Check File Size Before Upload​

Because the server checks size after the upload, a client-side check is the only thing that saves your user from uploading a file that will be rejected. Use your plan's limit, not the 5 GB ceiling:

// 1 GB on the free plan, 5 GB on pay as you go
const maxSize = isFreePlan
  ? 1 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024
  : 5 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024;

if (videoFile.size > maxSize) {
  alert('Video file is too large.');
  return;
}

2. Split Long Content​

For very long videos (e.g., webinars, courses), consider splitting them into chapters or segments.

Need Larger Files?​

If your use case regularly requires files larger than 5 GB, please reach out to us at support@hyperserve.io. We'd love to hear about your needs and can prioritize the streaming upload feature accordingly.