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

Looks like strong support across the board. DJ, what is needed to implement
a solution?

🌍🌏🌎🌑

On Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 1:46 PM Samuel Klein <[email protected]> wrote:

> 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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>
>

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