Ensure your assets are using these overlay and video file formats for optimal performance. (JPG, PNG, MP4, WebM)
Image Overlays and Graphics
When creating images for your Stage TEN broadcast, use the sizes specified above. You can build these in your favourite image creating program (Photoshop. Canva, Illustrator, etc).
- PNGs support transparency, allowing you to place graphics anywhere on screen and set the level of opacity.
- JPGs can be used if you don't need transparency.
- Webp and AVIF image files are also supported
To view overlay examples you can download a package of sample assets here.
Vertical Overlay Size Specifications - 720p
Vertical Overlay Size Specifications - 1080p
Vertical Graphic Specifications
The follow specifications are needed to optimize any custom graphics that are created specifically for vertical streams:
- Orientation can be optimized for viewing on a smartphone, for certain destinations, including TikTok and Instagram. In this case, vertical assets are best, though horizontal is also an option.
- Dimensions for vertical videos should be 1080×1920, or 720x1280.
- Aspect ratio should be that of a standard smartphone screen, 9:16. 1:1 is also possible, but it will not provide optimal viewing.
Vertical Dynamic Overlays
Graphics will appear differently on screen, depending on which overlay is used:
- Fullscreen: All created graphics should be saved in a vertical (1080×1920, or 720x1280) format, to ensure proper onscreen placement.
- Lower Third: Graphics used here will be placed at the bottom quarter (¼) of the video, at full width.
- Watermark: Currently not in use.
Video Overlays and Graphics
You can also use video as overlays and graphics, which also need to follow the size guidelines, and should be set at either 720p or 1080p.
- MP4s can be used as Lower Third or Watermark overlays based on the size chart above. For video encoding settings, see below.
- WEBMs can be used as Lower Third, Watermark, or Full Screen overlays due to their support of transparency. To learn more about how to create WEBMs, see below.
Videos should use the following settings:
- File type: MP4
Optimal video settings:
- Codec: H.264/AVC (note: H.265/HEVC is NOT supported)
- Profile: Baseline
- Level: 41
- Keyframe Interval: 2 (1 keyframe / 2 seconds)
- B-Frames: 0
- Bitrate Range: 1500 - 6000 Kbps (1.5 - 6.0 Mbps)
- Resolution (Maximum): 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Frame Rate: 30 FPS or 60 FPS
Optimal audio settings:
- Codec: AAC
- Profile: LC
- Sample Rate: 48000
- Bitrate: 96 - 160 Kbps
IMPORTANT: Make sure that your video clips have an audio track, even if there is no sound.
Motion Graphics & Special FX
Want to create cool animations or effects? Create a .webm file which allows for a transparent background for motion graphics. Simply follow the steps below and drag your file into the “Full Screen Overlay” box for a full screen effect or “Lower Third” box to make your names or call-outs pop.
How to build WEBMs (Videos with Transparent Background)
Note: The following workflow is specific to converting videos that were created in After Effects.
1. Make sure the transparency grid is toggled on in your composition. A white and grey grid will show.
2. Create your overlay
3. When adding to the Render Queue, select the following settings:
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- Output Module
- Format: QuickTime
- Video Output: RGB + Alpha
- Format Options: Animation
- Output To: name your .mov, then Render.
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4. The QuickTime movie file you've created can now be converted to a WEBM by using a MOV to WEBM online converter: https://www.aconvert.com/video/mov-to-webm