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

Hey SJ

I think we are waiting on a statement from WMF legal. From what I
understand they are looking at it.

James

On Fri, Apr 10, 2026 at 10:50 PM Samuel Klein <[email protected]> wrote:

> 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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>>
>>

-- 
James Heilman
MD, CCFP-EM, Wikipedian

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