By default, all videos uploaded to MediaLab are transcoded into one or more web-optimized formats for online playback. Most clients include a default MP4 profile for streaming.

In certain scenarios, you may want to skip transcoding — for example, when working with large source files that only need to pass through MediaLab for downloading or automated workflows.

Note: Even when transcoding is skipped, files are still processed to generate thumbnails and extract technical metadata. These steps cannot be skipped.

Using a Pull Profile

When setting up a pull profile (e.g., FTP or UDP), you can enable the No transcoding option.

• The source file will be imported without being added to the video queue.
• The file will not be playable online, but can still be shared for download or pushed to another destination.
• Automated workflows will still run as configured.
• If you need a playable version later, go to File → Re-create to add it to the transcoding queue.

Skipping Transcoding for Web-Optimized Files

If the uploaded video already meets these specifications, transcoding will be skipped and the source file will be used for online playback:

• Container: MP4
• Video codec: H.264
• Bitrate: Maximum 1.5 Mbit/s
• Resolution: Maximum 1080p
• Web-optimized

The video will be available for playback immediately after upload. You can still generate additional formats (e.g., a mobile-optimized version) if needed.

Using the API

When uploading via the MediaLab API, you can include the no_transcode parameter in your request. This disables automatic transcoding for that upload.

See the Upload API documentation for full details.