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Video conversion: How does it work and how long can it take?

Understanding Video Conversion Statuses on Panda Video

In this article, you'll learn what video conversion is, the statuses displayed on the dashboard during processing, and which factors may affect the time it takes. We also explain the difference between disabled and unavailable qualities.

📽️ 1. What is video conversion?

Video conversion (also known as encoding or transcoding) is the process that transforms the original file uploaded to Panda Video into formats compatible with different devices, browsers, and internet speeds.

During conversion, multiple versions of the video are generated in different resolutions (such as 1080p, 720p, 480p), enabling the use of adaptive streaming — a technology that adjusts video quality based on the viewer's connection.

⏳ 2. "Waiting for conversion" status

This status means the video was successfully uploaded but has not yet started conversion. It is currently waiting in the processing queue, which may happen during periods of high demand.

💡 When hovering over the status, you'll see an estimated time for conversion to begin. You can already copy the embed code or configure the video before the conversion starts.

Waiting for conversion

🔄 3. "Converting" status

This status appears when the video is being processed. During this stage:

The video is being converted into different resolutions
Some qualities (like 480p or 720p) may become available before the full process is complete

💡 When hovering over the status, you'll see: Conversion percentage Estimated completion time Resolutions already available

Converting

✅ "Ready to use"

If this message appears, it means the video is already available for viewing, even if only in initial resolutions.

You do not need to re-embed: additional resolutions will be released automatically.

🔁 4. Video replacement

When replacing a video, the new file will go through the same statuses:

“Waiting for conversion,” “Converting,” and “Ready to use.”

🟡 Meanwhile, the old video remains visible as normal. Once the new video is done processing, it automatically replaces the old one without changing the embed code.

🕒 5. What can cause delays in conversion?

Some factors can make the conversion slower:

High platform demand: Many simultaneous uploads increase the queue
Video size or resolution: Long or 4K videos require more processing
Conversion into multiple resolutions: Each version adds more processing time
Server maintenance: May temporarily reduce conversion speed

💡 Once the status is Ready to use, you can publish the video. The remaining qualities will become available gradually.

📉 6. Disabled or unavailable qualities

During conversion, the system generates multiple resolutions of the video. In some cases, you might see:

Disabled: These were manually turned off in your account settings
Unavailable: The quality is not compatible with the original video

Example: videos uploaded in 1080p can’t be converted into 4K

Got any questions?

Reach out to our support team via chat, and our team will do their best to resolve any questions you have.

Not using Panda Video yet? Visit our pricing page and choose the plan that’s right for your business.

Updated on: 07/31/2025

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