Video imports won't play? What formats should they be in?

UE4’s documentation claims that it can play any video file that you can play with Windows media player, but when I import videos, they simply don’t play. However, the example media from the ContentExamples (a tutorial file) do work, suggesting that my problem lies in the video format and not a general system error with video imports. Here’s my process:

  • Drag and drop video file (h.264 or .mp4 and I’ve also tried .wmv, usually 1920x1080, max 5 mb) into Content Browser’s Content>Movies folder
  • Double-click on video file to open it in the media editor
  • Plays, but does not show up. I see a black screen. There are no exclamation marks or bugs of any kind.
  • I slam my head on my desk.

So what’s wrong with it? No files seem to be working except for the ones that are included as examples with Unreal Engine’s Feature Tours or Content Examples. My files don’t play at all, no matter what format or resolution they’re in. Additionally, when I paste in the URL of an online video (which is supposed to work), UE4 fills it in with C:\blah\blahblah which makes no sense because it’s an online video. And then it tells me the file can’t be found! Well, I’m not surprised! There’s no way to paste URLs at all into the Source box without them getting changed automatically by the software. Weird.

Any help would be held to the highest of esteems, thank you.

1024x1024 2048x2048 etc… mp4

Hey ,

We have since made a lot of improvements to the Media Player asset since 4.7 which include increasing its compatibility and functionality.

I suggest taking a look at this version and testing your efforts there. If you are still experiencing issues, please let us know and we can continue to troubleshoot.

Thanks,

What is the best file format for video to be imported? I can convert them myself before import to the optimal formats.

Unfortunately there is not a short answer to what is the best video format to use with UE4. As you can see in the following documentation, Media Framework, multiple videos sources and codecs are compatible but for various reasons you might experience problems with any of them.

However, from personal experience I can recommend .avi or .wmv files for in game and mp4’s for start up movies.

hey im having some trubble When i import a .mp4 .wav any video files i want it to be a media player file but instead it is a file media source file please help:)

You have to have a media source file to play on the media player, that is why it is importing as a media source file. Please check out the following documentation: Media Framework Overview

dont work it dousent stay as a media player file :frowning:

I’m not able to reproduce the issue, but I will take a second look if you will list your repro steps precisely. Also make sure you have a copy of the mp4 stored in a folder called “Movies” in your Project Folder.

Sorry this makes no sense what so ever. Its a simple task, import *.mp4 from windows and reproduce. The tutorials on the unreal site are wrong. You cant just import mp4 files and reproduce. I wish people would not answer like

"I’m not able to reproduce the issue, but I will take a second look if you will list your repro steps precisely. Also make sure you have a copy of the mp4 stored in a folder called “Movies” in your Project Folder. "

What are the steps needed to import an mp4 file and reproduce it in UE4 version 17 when running Windows 10?

I Just follow this isntructions and i solved the problem also change directx 12 to 11 Play & Render Videos in Unreal Engine using Sequencer - YouTube