High dynamic range (HDR) videos use a wider range of color and luminance to deliver a high quality image that mimics what a human eye can see. Standard digital videos are referred to as Standard Dynamic Range (SDR).
HDR and Dolby Vision videos can be uploaded seamlessly to Vimeo in all the same ways supported for any other type of video; however, your video needs to be edited and/or shot in HDR or Dolby Vision prior to upload on Vimeo.
In this article:
Upload process for HDR and Dolby Vision
During the upload process, we will detect that your video is HDR or Dolby Vision based on metadata in your source file. Once our system reads that your video is HDR, we'll automatically generate HDR playback files, up to 8K, that use the HEVC (H.265) video codec. The maximum quality depends on your source file’s dimensions. Please note that Dolby Vision videos will not exceed 4K.
We’ll also create a set of standard (SDR) versions, as well as wide color gamut (increased color) versions, so you can always view your video in the best quality possible from any playback environment.
HDR content not uploaded in Dolby Vision will remain available in HDR10 format on Vimeo, as currently supported. To upgrade to Dolby Vision, you can use Apple Compressor and export a Dolby Vision file for upload.
Not seeing HDR or Dolby Vision after uploading
Please note that due to the many layers of transcoding that take place with HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, lower qualities of your video will be available first while additional transcoding takes place in the background. Be sure to allow extra time for your video to fully transcode to be available in Dolby Vision.
Source file requirements
In order to be considered HDR, your file must be tagged with color transfer characteristics and have a bit depth greater than or equal to 10.
We support both the PQ (SMPTE 2084) or HLG (AKA Hybrid Log Gamma or arib std-b67) transfer functions. Please note that, while supported for upload, HLG videos will be automatically converted to PQ during our conversion process.
If using the PQ (SMPTE 2084) transfer function, please include the following metadata to ensure the most accurate display of your video’s colors on all devices (in SDR and HDR):
- Mastering Display Color Volume (SMPTE 2086) — This metadata is
usually added automatically in post-production and defines the color
information about the screen where your video was mastered. - Content Light Level (CEA 861.3) — This metadata is also included automatically in post-production and defines the peak brightness of your video sequence.
In order to be considered Dolby Vision, your file must be delivered as HEVC-10bit, HLG, Dolby Vision 8.4. The Dolby Vision metadata is already included in the file.
Create videos in Dolby Vision
To create videos in Dolby Vision, you can capture, edit, and share your video with the iPhone 12 lineup. Learn more from our partners at Dolby on how to capture Dolby Vision and export Dolby Vision using an iPhone.
Creators can also create Dolby Vision content by capturing footage with an HDR-compatible camera and editing content using Final Cut Pro or other non-linear editing software. Apple Final Cut Pro and Apple Compressor can be used to export and convert existing HDR content in Dolby Vision. Please note that at this time, Dolby Vision export for Vimeo is not supported on Windows PCs.