How to Encode Video with AV1

Before you start

AV1 encoding is a way to compress video into the AV1 codec. It can preserve useful quality at a lower bitrate than some older codecs, but encoding may be slower and not every device or editor supports the result. Check that the tool you use for capture, editing or playback lists AV1 as an available recording format or output codec before you spend time on a large file.

Encoding usually runs locally on your computer. Some online conversion tools also offer an AV1 encoder, which means the video leaves the machine and the service needs to be treated as a file-handling risk. If the footage is private, prefer a local application.

Start with a source file that is already clean and complete. Trim, rotate or correct audio first. AV1 compression should not be used as a rescue step for a damaged capture source or badly exposed camera video.

Step-by-step instructions

The exact path depends on the encoder interface, so treat the following order as a checklist rather than exact menu names.

1) Load the source video into a converter or editor that has an AV1 encoder.
2) Select AV1 as the output codec. If the application separates encoder, container and profile settings, choose the simplest AV1 preset available first.
3) Keep the frame rate identical to the source unless you have a specific reason to change it. Avoid converting a variable frame-rate recording to a fixed value without checking for audio drift.
4) Set the bitrate or quality target. For a first pass, use the tool's balanced quality preset instead of manually forcing a low bitrate.
5) Choose a compatible container such as MP4 or WebM only if the application offers it and your target player supports the combination.
6) Encode a short sample, not the whole file. Ten to thirty seconds with motion, text and a face if present is enough to reveal serious problems.

If the encoder exposes a hardware option and a software option, test both on the sample. Hardware encoding is often faster, while the software encoder may give a smaller file at the same visual quality. Version differences can change speed and output size, so use the same sample when comparing.

Treat the first encode as reversible. Keep the original file until you have checked the result on every device where it needs to play.

Check the output

Play the sample from beginning to end. Look for blocking, smearing, stuttering, colour shifts, missing audio or lip-sync loss. Check a still scene and a scene with movement, because AV1 artefacts can appear differently in each.

Compare the encoded file size with the source at similar perceived quality. A smaller file is not automatically better if faces, text or fine detail become hard to read. Raise the bitrate or choose a slower quality preset if the sample fails.

Confirm that the output opens in the applications and devices you actually use. Support for AV1 playback varies by browser, operating system and hardware, so a file that plays locally may not be usable elsewhere.

Common problems and next steps

If there is no AV1 encoder in the application, update the software or use a different local tool that documents AV1 output. Do not assume that a newer file extension means the video is AV1; inspect the codec information after export.

If encoding is extremely slow, lower the resolution for the test, close other heavy applications, or try a hardware encoder when one is offered. Keep the source frame rate and avoid stacking multiple filters before the encoder, because that can add processing time without improving the image.

If the result will not play, the problem is often the combination of codec and container rather than the AV1 bitstream itself. Remux into a supported container only if you can do so without re-encoding, or encode again with a player-compatible output format selected from the start.

For camera recordings that will be shared quickly, consider whether AV1 is necessary. If the destination or audience has poor AV1 support, a more compatible codec may be the safer choice even when the file is larger.