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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a bandwidth limit?

HeapStream does not impose bandwidth limits, adhering instead to a fair use policy. If a customer's bandwidth consumption begins to impact their own viewers and others, we will reach out to discuss a more suitable solution.

What type of content is allowed?

We permit all forms of legal content, as long as it does not include threats aimed at any person or group. Content that is deemed offensive can be marked accordingly, and viewers must agree to view it.

What formats and resolutions are delivered through HeapStream?

HeapStream automatically determines the optimal bitrate ladder for each video. All videos are delivered with the industry-standard H.264 codec, in adaptive streaming quality levels ranging from 240p to 2160p (depending on the source resolution and the chosen encoding tier), so playback adapts to each viewer's device and bandwidth.

Is it possible to have videos autoplay with sound enabled?

Unfortunately, autoplay with sound is not possible due to restrictions imposed at the browser level. For more information on this limitation, refer to the following documentation: Autoplay Guide ⧉.

However, autoplaying videos with muted sound is achievable. If you're using our player, add the autoplay URL parameter to the embed URL.

When uploading videos, we suggest using the following configurations:

  • MP4 containers, AAC audio codec, H.264 video codec, with a frame rate of 30 fps or below
  • Ensure the moov atom is positioned at the front of the file for fast start
  • Opt for H.264 progressive scan (avoid interlacing)
  • Choose the H.264 high profile
  • Implement Closed GOP
  • Encode and upload content in the same frame rate as it was recorded
  • Select mono or stereo audio (HeapStream will mix audio tracks with more than 2 channels down to stereo)

Which file formats for input are accepted?

Users have the option to upload videos in the following file formats:

MP4, MXF, FLV, AVI, GXF, 3GP, MKV, MPG, MPEG-2 PS, LXF, QuickTime, MPEG-2 TS, WebM, MOV

Is High Dynamic Range (HDR) video content supported?

HDR videos are re-encoded and delivered in SDR to ensure compatibility with the widest range of viewing devices.

Public versus Private videos

HeapStream lets you decide whether your videos are publicly accessible, similar to platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, or private with restricted access for specific users, as on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Udemy.

On HeapStream, videos are either public or private, and you control this setting when you create a video.

By default, all created videos are set to private. If you prefer to make your videos public, you can toggle the public attribute to true allowing anyone with the video URL to watch it.

How to structure videos in folders

Use tags to categorize your videos effectively.

In the HeapStream dashboard, you can also search by tag to quickly locate your videos.

Which frame rates (FPS) are supported?

HeapStream accepts videos at any frame rate. Output is capped at 60 fps: videos above 60 fps are re-encoded at 60 fps, and videos at or below 60 fps keep their original frame rate.

For videos with a variable frame rate, excess frames are dropped so that at most one frame is kept per 1/30 of a second.

The 240p, 360p, and 480p renditions are always capped at 30 fps for wider device compatibility.

Is there a maximum upload size?

A video upload can be at most 20 GB — see Limits.

If I cancel the service, are the videos deleted?

Videos are deleted within 30 days after canceling the service.

Is there a limit on the number of uploads?

No. Note that unfinished uploads count toward your total storage.

Can I download the original video files?

Yes, you can.