How to Upload Video Files to Zibster
Overview
You can upload video files directly to your Zibster account and store them in your Video Library for use on your website and blog posts. Zibster supports MP4, WEBM, and MOV video files.
Your maximum upload size depends on whether Original Files is active on your account. The standard Website Package supports video files up to 4 MB, while Original Files increases the limit to 50 MB per file.
This guide walks you through checking your upload limit, uploading a video to Zibster, and using the uploaded video on your website or in a blog post.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Access to your Zibster account
- A video saved in MP4, WEBM, or MOV format
- A video file within your account's current upload size limit
Supported Video Formats
Zibster supports the following video file formats:
- MP4: A widely supported format that is typically well suited for website video.
- WEBM: A web-focused format that offers efficient compression and can help keep file sizes smaller.
- MOV: A supported format commonly created by cameras and video editing software.
MOV files can be significantly larger than MP4 or WEBM files. If your video exceeds your upload limit, you may need to shorten it, compress it, reduce its resolution or bitrate, or convert it to a smaller format before uploading.
For most website videos, MP4 or WEBM can be good choices when you want to balance video quality and file size.
Video File Size Limits
Your maximum video upload size depends on your Zibster account.
- Website Package: Up to 4 MB per video file
- Website Package with Original Files: Up to 50 MB per video file
You can see your account's current upload limit directly on the VIDEO page under Video Upload.
If Original Files is not active, the page displays a maximum size of 4 MB and an option to learn more about uploading larger files.
If Original Files is active, the page displays a maximum size of 50 MB.
Original Files increases the maximum file size you can upload. It does not automatically compress or convert your video, so the file must be within the displayed upload limit before you upload it.
For help choosing a format, resolution, duration, and bitrate that works within these limits, see A Guide to Ideal Videos for Zibster's Video Uploader.
To increase your maximum upload size from 4 MB to 50 MB, see How to Add Original Files to Your Zibster Account.
What Happens If You Remove Original Files?
Video files larger than the standard 4 MB upload limit are considered Original Files. If you remove the Original Files upgrade, stored Original Files may be permanently removed from your account.
Keep backup copies of your original video files before removing the Original Files upgrade.
STEP ONE
Log in to your Zibster account and click FILES in the left-side menu. This opens the Files control panel, where you can manage videos, documents, music, and other files stored in your account.
STEP TWO
Click VIDEO at the top of the Files control panel.
The Video section will open, where you can see your current maximum upload size and any videos already stored under Your Video Library.
If Original Files is not active, your maximum upload size will display as 4 MB and you will see an option to learn more about uploading larger files. If Original Files is active, your maximum upload size will display as 50 MB.
FINAL STEP
Click ADD FILES, then select the video you want to upload from your computer. You can also drag and drop your video into the upload area.
Keep the page open while the file is uploading.
When the upload is complete, your video will appear under Your Video Library. The video is now stored in your Zibster account and available to select when you add or edit a Video Block.
Add the Uploaded Video to Your Website
Uploading a video adds the file to your Zibster Video Library. It does not automatically display the video on your website.
To add the video to a page, open the Website Builder and add or edit a Video Block. Select MY VIDEOS as the video source, then choose the uploaded video from your Video Library.
For complete instructions on adding and customizing a Video Block, see How to Use the Video Block in the Zibster Website Builder.
Add the Uploaded Video to Your Blog Post
Videos stored in your Zibster Video Library can also be selected from the Video Block when creating or editing a blog post.
Uploading the video to your Video Library does not automatically add it to a blog post. Open the blog post where you want the video to appear, add or edit a Video Block, and select the video from your Zibster Video Library.
For complete instructions on adding video to your blog post, see How To Add Video To Blog Posts.
Video Autoplay and Looping
How your uploaded video plays depends on the Video Block layout you choose.
Layouts designed for video backgrounds and visual headers, including Full Screen, Banner, No Crop Banner, and supported overlay layouts, can automatically play and loop videos uploaded directly to Zibster.
The Standard layout uses a traditional video player with a play button instead. This layout is better suited for tutorials, interviews, videos with dialogue or narration, and other content visitors should choose to start themselves.
For a complete explanation of Video Block layouts and playback options, see How to Use the Video Block in the Zibster Website Builder.
Helpful Video Upload Tips
- Keep background and banner videos short to help your website load efficiently.
- Consider MP4 or WEBM when you need a smaller file size for website playback.
- Compress or resize your video if it exceeds your account's upload limit.
- Use the Standard Video Block layout for videos with important audio, dialogue, or narration.
- Review your video on both desktop and mobile after adding it to your website.
- Be aware that some Video Block layouts may crop portions of a video to fill the available display area.
- Consider hosting longer videos on YouTube or Vimeo and adding them to a Video Block with embed code instead of uploading the video directly to Zibster.
- Keep backup copies of important original video files outside of your Zibster account.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Why won't my video upload?
Confirm that the video is saved as an MP4, WEBM, or MOV file.
Next, check the maximum upload size displayed under Video Upload on the VIDEO page. Standard Website Package accounts support files up to 4 MB, while accounts with Original Files support files up to 50 MB.
If your video is too large, shorten it, compress it, reduce its resolution or bitrate, or convert it to a smaller format before uploading.
How can I tell what my current upload limit is?
Click FILES, then click VIDEO. Your current maximum file size appears directly under Video Upload.
Accounts without Original Files display a 4 MB maximum. Accounts with Original Files display a 50 MB maximum.
Where can I find my video after uploading it?
Click FILES in the left-side menu, then click VIDEO at the top of the Files control panel. Your uploaded videos appear under Your Video Library.
Why isn't my uploaded video showing on my website or blog post?
Uploading a video stores it in your Zibster Video Library, but it does not automatically add the video to a website page or blog post.
Add or edit a Video Block, select MY VIDEOS, and choose the uploaded video from your Video Library.
Why isn't my video looping?
Looping is available with specific Video Block layouts. The Standard layout uses manual playback and does not automatically loop.
If you want an uploaded video to automatically play and loop, choose a supported background, banner, or overlay layout.
Why is part of my video being cropped?
Some Video Block layouts, including Full Screen and Banner, may crop portions of your video so it fills the available display area.
Use the No Crop Banner or Standard layout when keeping the complete video frame visible is important.
What happens if I delete a video from my Video Library?
Deleting a video removes the file from your Zibster account. If the video is being used on your website or in a blog post, it will no longer be available there after it is deleted.
Make sure you no longer need the video anywhere in your account before removing it from your Video Library.
Should I upload a long video directly to Zibster?
For longer videos, consider hosting the video on YouTube or Vimeo and adding it to a Video Block using embed code.
Direct uploads work especially well for shorter website videos, background videos, banners, and other visual content that you want to store directly in your Zibster account.
Need Help?
Zibster Support Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm EST
Phone: 844.353.3412
Channels: Phone, Live Chat, Support Ticket
