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Why does Webflow show a "failed to upload background video" error message and how can I resolve it?

TL;DR
  • Ensure the video is an MP4 under 30MB with H.264 codec and a simple filename.
  • Compress the video if needed, check your internet connection, and try incognito mode or a different browser.

The “Failed to upload background video” error in Webflow typically occurs due to file size, format issues, or connectivity interruptions during upload. Here's how to identify and fix the problem.

1. Check the Video Format and Size

  • Webflow only supports MP4 files for background video uploads.
  • The maximum file size is 30MB. Any file larger than this will fail to upload.
  • Make sure the video is encoded with the H.264 codec and uses the .mp4 extension.

2. Compress the Video

  • If your video is over 30MB, use a compression tool like HandBrake, Clideo, or VEED.io to reduce the file size.
  • Set the resolution to 720p or less to keep the background video lightweight and fast-loading.
  • Lower the bitrate to reduce file size without noticeably impacting quality.

3. Rename the File

  • Use a simple filename without special characters or spaces. Example: bg-video.mp4 instead of My Cool Video!.mp4.
  • Some systems may prevent uploads due to naming conflicts or unsupported characters.

4. Check Internet Connection

  • A weak or unstable internet connection can cause the upload to fail.
  • Try uploading the video again from a stable network.

5. Try Incognito or Another Browser

  • Browser extensions or cached sessions may cause upload conflicts.
  • Try uploading your video in incognito/private mode or switch to a different browser like Chrome or Firefox.

6. Use an External Host (Optional)

  • If the file is too large after compression, upload it to a platform like Vimeo or YouTube and embed it manually. Note: this will not behave like a native background video, especially with autoplay or mute settings.

Summary

To fix the “failed to upload background video” error, ensure your file is an MP4 under 30MB, use proper naming, consider compressing the video, and check your internet stability. Using incognito mode or another browser can also help resolve browser-specific issues.

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