Does SharePoint or OneDrive Compress Uploaded Videos?
Question details
The user wants to know if SharePoint or OneDrive compresses high-quality video files when they are uploaded or downloaded.
- Product
- SharePoint and OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Uploading and storing high-quality video files in Microsoft cloud storage.
- Observed behavior
- The original video file is preserved without noticeable quality loss, though minor file size variations may appear due to metadata or file-system differences.
Before uploading large video files, check your available storage space on OneDrive or SharePoint to ensure there is enough room to accommodate the uncompressed files.
Verify Video Quality and File Size in OneDrive and SharePoint
Learn how OneDrive and SharePoint handle video files and how to confirm that your original video quality remains intact.
SharePoint and OneDrive generally do not compress or reduce the quality of video files during the upload or download process. The platforms store the files exactly as they are uploaded.
You might notice very slight differences in file size reporting (for example, a local file of 8.25 MB might show as 8.26 MB after upload or 8.3 MB after download). These variations are typically caused by file-system calculation differences or the addition of cloud metadata, rather than actual video compression.
Note that while the stored file is uncompressed, streaming the video directly from the web browser interface may display a lower-resolution proxy version. This is a feature designed to optimize streaming performance and save bandwidth.
Log in to your OneDrive or SharePoint account via your web browser. Click the 'Upload' button and select your high-quality video file from your local drive.
Once the upload is complete, select the video file and click the 'Details' pane (usually an 'i' icon in the upper right corner) to view the file size. It should closely match your local file size.
To verify that no quality was lost, select the uploaded file and click the 'Download' button. Play the downloaded video locally using a desktop media player to experience the true original quality.
Use WPS Office for Seamless Document and Cloud Management
While you use cloud storage like OneDrive or SharePoint for large video files, a lightweight and highly compatible office suite is essential for your everyday documents. WPS Office offers a free, user-friendly alternative to Microsoft Office with seamless cloud integration, ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Connect your cloud storage: Open WPS Office, navigate to the 'Open' tab, and add your preferred cloud storage service to access your documents effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my high-quality video look blurry when playing in SharePoint?
SharePoint and OneDrive optimize online playback by streaming a lower-resolution version of the video to save bandwidth and prevent buffering. To view the video in its original high quality, download the file to your device and play it locally.
Is there a file size limit for uploading videos to OneDrive or SharePoint?
Yes, the maximum file size limit for uploading files to OneDrive and SharePoint is typically 250 GB per file, provided you have sufficient available storage space in your account.
Can I manually compress large video files before uploading them to OneDrive?
Yes. Since OneDrive does not actively compress files to save space, you can use third-party video compression software or video editing tools to reduce the file size manually before uploading it to the cloud.
