Video conversion: How does it work and how long can it take?
Understanding Video Conversion Status in Panda Video
In this article, you’ll learn what video conversion is, the status messages displayed on the Dashboard during processing, and which factors can affect this time. We’ll also explain the difference between disabled and unavailable qualities.
- What is video conversion?
- Status "Starting conversion in X min"
- Status "Making video available in X min"
- Status "Video available. Converting others..."
- Video replacement
- What can cause delays in conversion?
- Disabled vs. unavailable qualities
📽️ 1. What is video conversion?
Video conversion (also called encoding or transcoding) is the process of transforming 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. Status "Starting conversion in X min"
This status indicates that the video was successfully uploaded, but the conversion process hasn’t started yet. It’s waiting in the processing queue, which can happen during peak demand times.
In this status, you’ll see an estimated time for the conversion to start. Keep in mind that this is an approximate estimate, and it may take a little more or less time.
🔄 3. Status "Making video available in X min"
In this status, you’ll see an approximate estimate for the completion of the first quality of your video.
As soon as your video is converted into the first quality, it’s already available for playback and for generating resources such as Dubbings, Subtitles, and more.
✅ 4. Status "Video available. Converting others..."
If this message appears, it means your video is already available for viewing, even if only in initial resolutions.
At this point, you can also generate AI-related resources and apply all video settings.
Meanwhile, the remaining qualities will continue converting in the background.
🔁 5. Video replacement
When replacing a video, the new file goes through the same status steps.
Meanwhile, the old video remains visible as usual. Once the new file finishes conversion, it automatically takes its place without affecting the Embed.
Learn more: Video Replacement
🕒 6. What can cause delays in conversion?
Some factors may slow down conversion:
- High platform demand: Many simultaneous uploads increase the queue.
- Video size or resolution: Long files or 4K videos require more processing.
- Conversion into multiple resolutions: Each version adds extra processing time.
- Server maintenance: May temporarily reduce processing speed.
📉 7. Disabled vs. unavailable qualities
During conversion, the system generates multiple resolutions of your video. In some cases, you may see qualities listed as:
- Disabled: These were manually turned off in the account settings.
- Unavailable: The quality is not compatible with the original video.
Example: videos uploaded in 1080p cannot generate 4K versions.
Got any questions?
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Updated on: 09/04/2025
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