---
title: "Video Optimisation"
url: "https://pixeltamp.com/help/video-optimisation"
description: "Learn how PixelTamp hardware-accelerates video compression, configures faststart MOOV atoms, and handles vertical video."
---

# Video Optimisation

PixelTamp uses native macOS frameworks for optimal hardware-accelerated video compression. While putting primary focus on optimising the file size, PixelTamp will also ensure your videos are web-compatible and play back efficiently.

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## Supported Video Formats

You can drop virtually any common video container into PixelTamp:

-   `.mp4`
-   `.mov` (QuickTime)
-   `.m4v`
-   `.webm`
-   `.avi`
-   `.mkv`

Videos are transcoded to a universally compatible **MP4 (H.264 + AAC)** web format. This is ideal for playback in browsers or uploading to media delivery services.

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## Web Streaming “faststart”

Standard video exports often place useful index metadata at the very end of the video file. On the web, this forces the browser to download the entire video before playback can begin.

PixelTamp automatically:

-   Shifts the _moov atom_ (information about video resolution, frame rates, orientation, etc.) to the beginning of the file header.
-   Enables instant, progressive playback in HTML5 `<video>` players without waiting for complete buffering.
-   Applies standard YUV420p colour subsampling for broad cross-browser compatibility.

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## Converting Animated GIFs to MP4 Video

Animated GIFs are inefficient, often reaching 10 to 30 MB even for short clips.

PixelTamp offers a one-click **Convert GIF to MP4** mode in Settings:

-   Transcodes frames into an ultra-compact H.264 MP4 video stream.
-   Achieves typical file size reductions of **80% to 95%** while dramatically improving framerate smoothness and web page loading times.

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## Resolution Modes & Orientation Handling

PixelTamp supports intuitive downscaling profiles:

-   **Original Resolution**: Preserves source video dimensions.
-   **4K (3840×2160)**: Ultra HD content delivery.
-   **1080p (1920×1080)**: Recommended standard for web embeds.
-   **720p (1280×720)**: Lightweight option for background loop animations and mobile bandwidth.

You can also define your own presets under **Settings (`Cmd + ,`) > Sizes**.

### Smart Vertical & Portrait Video Handling

When compressing vertical smartphone videos (e.g. 1080×1920 portrait clips for reels or shorts), PixelTamp automatically detects the aspect ratio and applies the constraint to the longest edge (e.g. 1080×1920 instead of forcing 1920×1080 letterboxing).