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

Worth mentioning conversion from MP4 to WEBM is not a clean process and data is
destroyed in the transcode - e.g. new artifacts replacing fine detail - so
having the original in cold storage would be a good idea.





On Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 2:55 AM <> wrote:
> Hey SJ
> 
> 
> I think we are waiting on a statement from WMF legal. From what I understand
> they are looking at it.
> 
> 
> James
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> 
> James Heilman
> MD, CCFP-EM, Wikipedian
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> 
> On Fri, Apr 10, 2026 at 10:50 PM Samuel Klein <> 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 <> wrote:
> > 
> > > Great idea, dearly needed.  Thanks for cross posting.  SJ
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 🌍🌏🌎🌑
> > > 
> > > On Mon, Mar 30, 2026, 11:17 PM James Heilman via Wikimedia-l <> 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 <> 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:
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > Sincerely,
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > Butch Bustria
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > Wikimedia-l mailing list -- , guidelines at: and
> > > > > Public archives at
> > > > > To unsubscribe send an email to
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > --
> > > > 
> > > > James Heilman
> > > > MD, CCFP-EM, Wikipedian
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > Wikimedia-l mailing list -- , guidelines at: and
> > > > Public archives at
> > > > To unsubscribe send an email to

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