Re: [Wikimedia-l] Re: 🎬 Proposal: Allow the Upload Wizard to automatically convert MP4 to WebM

Samuel Klein via Commons-l <[email protected]> Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:46:52 -0400
Newsgroups gmane.org.wikimedia.commons,gmane.org.wikimedia.foundation
Message-ID <CAAtU9WKHLG5we_T86D+HL19pdhW8VXC-dO=VV4iwkZak46SrEg@mail.gmail.com>
Great idea, dearly needed.  Thanks for cross posting.  SJ

🌍🌏🌎🌑

On Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 11:17 PM James Heilman via Wikimedia-l <
[email protected]> wrote:

> 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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