Video streaming
NOTE
Video streaming is available in beta on mobile apps starting v0.9.98 and on desktop starting v1.7.13.
How to enable video streaming?
On mobile
- Open Settings -> General -> Advanced
- Switch on the toggle for
Video streaming
On desktop
- Open Settings -> Preferences
- Enable the toggle for
Streamable videos
What happens when I enable video streaming?
On mobile
Enabling video streaming will start processing videos captured in the last 30 days, generating streams for each. Both local and remote videos will be processed, so this may consume bandwidth for downloading of remote files and uploading of the generated streams.
On desktop
When enabled, the desktop app will generate streams both for new uploads, and also for all existing videos that were previously uploaded.
Stream generation is CPU intensive and can take time so the app will continue processing them in the background. Clicking on search bar will show "Processing videos..." when stream generation is happening.
How can I view video streams?
On mobile
Settings -> Backup > Backup status will show details regarding the processing status for videos. Processed videos will have a green play button next to them. You can open these videos by tapping on them.
Processed videos will show a Play stream button, clicking which will load and play the stream.
Clicking on the Info icon within the original video will show details about the generated stream.
On desktop and web
Desktop and web app will automatically play the streaming version of a video if it has been already generated. The quality selector will show "Auto" when playing the stream.
What is a stream?
Stream is an encrypted HLS file with an .m3u8 playlist that helps play a video with support for seeking without downloading the full file.
Currently it converts videos into 720p with 2mbps bitrate in H.264 format. The generated stream is single blob (encrypted with AES) while the playlist file (.m3u8) is another blob (encrypted using XChaCha20).
We cannot read the contents, duration or the number of chunks within the generated stream.
Will streams consume space in my storage?
While this feature is in beta, we will not count the storage consumed by your streams against your storage quota. This may change in the future. If it does, we will provide an option to opt-in to one of the following:
- Original videos only
- Compressed streams only
- Both
Something doesn't seem right, what to do?
As video streaming is still in beta, some things might not work correctly. Please create a thread within the #feedback channel on Discord or reach out to support@ente.io.