Re: 🎬 Proposal: Allow the Upload Wiza rd to automatically convert MP4 to WebM

To clarify option one is just support for conversion from MP4 to WebM
within Mediawiki generally. It is not specifically looking at one method to
do this. Thus greater support for option 1 does not mean less support for
option 2, as option 2 is a method of fulfilling option 1.

Best
James

On Tue, Mar 31, 2026 at 4:46 AM Butch Bustria via Wikimedia-l <
[email protected]> wrote:

> Hi Folks,
>
> There is an active proposal on the Commons Village pump that could
> significantly change how video uploads are handled, and your input is
> needed.
>
> 🎬 The Proposal: Allow the Upload Wizard to automatically convert MP4 to
> WebM
>
> Currently, uploading MP4 files to Commons can be a hurdle due to patent
> restrictions, often requiring uploaders to use third-party tools like
> video2commons to convert files. The Wiki Med team has developed a new
> capability that would automatically handle this conversion directly inside
> the Upload Wizard, making the process much smoother.
>
> There are currently a few different approaches being discussed and voted
> on:
>
>  * Option 1: Auto-conversion – Convert the MP4 to WebM during upload and
> discard the original patented file.
>
>  * Option 2: Direct MP4 Uploads – Allow users to upload MP4s directly,
> retaining the original file for the future (when patents expire) but
> transcoding it to WebM or another free format for viewing, similar to how
> TIFF files are handled.
>
> Whether you are passionate about user experience, concerned about software
> patents and open formats, or just want an easier way to upload educational
> videos, the community needs your perspective.
>
> Head over to the proposal, review the technical and legal discussions, and
> cast your vote!
>
> 🔗 Read the proposal and vote here:
>
>
> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Village_pump/Proposals#Allow_the_Upload_Wizard_to_automatically_convert_MP4_to_WebM
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Butch Bustria
>
>
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-- 
James Heilman
MD, CCFP-EM, Wikipedian

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