Lesson 1: Understanding Formats & Codecs
Duration of Days: 2
Lesson Objective
Not all video files are created equal. Students must choose the right format for the job.
What format are the videos used on instagram?
MP4
MP3 Codec
H.264
Hi Definition
-DVP.04.03 Describe the equipment and personnel necessary for producing a studio production.*(D16) DVP.04.04 Describe the equipment and personnel necessary for producing a field production.
SBA / PSAT / SAT Connecticut
Understanding Formats & Codecs
Not all video files are created equal. Students must choose the right "container" for the job.
H.264 (MP4): The industry standard for web (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok). It offers the best balance between small file size and high visual quality.
HEVC (H.265): The successor to H.264, offering even smaller files at higher resolutions (4K/8K), though it requires more processing power to play.
ProRes: A "lossless" format used for professional broadcast or archiving. These files are massive but retain every bit of visual data.
The "One-Click" Method: Instead of manual settings, provide a custom Export Preset (.epr file) that students can import into Premiere Pro. This ensures their technical settings are perfect so they can focus on the portfolio narrative.
Visual Checklists: Provide a step-by-step screenshot guide for the Export tab. Highlighting "must-check" boxes (like Match Source and Use Maximum Render Quality) reduces cognitive load.
- Mark the Range: Set In and Out points to cover only the edited portion of your final project.
- Export for Web: Export one version using the H.264 Match Source - High Bitrate preset.
- Export for Social: Export a second version cropped for Vertical (9:16) using the Auto Reframe tool if necessary.
- Portfolio Upload: Upload the final .mp4 to your personal portfolio page and include a 3-sentence description of the project's goal.
Software
Stock Footage