Upscale a social video

Scenario

You edited a short clip and it looks fine locally, but after upload it becomes blocky and soft. Or you’re repurposing an older low-res clip.

Goal

Create a cleaner, higher-quality master export that retains detail after TikTok/Reels/Shorts compression.

Inputs

  • Best available edit export (avoid “export-of-export”)
  • Target platform(s) and aspect ratio

Steps

  1. Export a high-quality master from your editor
    • Use a high bitrate and avoid unnecessary resizing.
  2. Refine / upscale
    • Start conservative: you want fewer artifacts, not a “sharpened” look.
  3. Review key frames
    • Faces, captions, gradients, fast motion, and dark scenes.
  4. Re-export for upload
    • Use recommended resolution/aspect ratio; keep bitrate reasonably high.
  5. Test upload
    • Upload an unlisted/private version and compare to the local file.

Output expectations

  • Cleaner edges and reduced blockiness
  • Less banding in gradients (depending on source)
  • Better perceived detail after upload

Common pitfalls

  • Shimmering text: over-sharpening makes UI/captions flicker.
  • Face artifacts: aggressive enhancement can look uncanny.
  • Wrong aspect ratio: avoid resizing twice; choose the right target early.

When not to use

  • You need editorial changes (cuts, pacing, color grade).
  • You must preserve strict forensic accuracy of details.

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