Troubleshooting Common Issues

Video Quality Issues

Problem: Blurry or Pixelated Video

- Possible Causes	Solutions
Low export bitrate	Increase bitrate: Use 8-10 Mbps for 1080p content
Incorrect export settings	Use proper export settings: H.264 codec with High Profile, match resolution to source material, use two-pass encoding for better quality
Multiple compression cycles	Avoid re-compression: Export directly from your editor to final format
Poor original footage quality	Check source material: Ensure original footage is high quality

Problem: Shaky Footage

- Possible Causes	Solutions
Handheld shooting without stabilization	Use physical stabilization: Tripod for static shots, gimbal for moving shots, shoulder rig for handheld look with stability
Walking or moving while filming	Apply post-production stabilization: Use Warp Stabilizer in Premiere Pro, use Stabilize in Final Cut Pro, use built-in stabilization in mobile apps
Digital zoom causing amplified shake	Shoot with stabilization in mind: Wider shots are less affected by shake, brace yourself against stable objects, use optical image stabilization when available
Wind affecting camera stability	Use a heavier tripod or add weight to your existing one, find shelter from wind when possible

Audio Problems

Problem: Poor Audio Quality

- Possible Causes	Solutions
Using built-in camera microphone	Use external microphones: Lavalier mics for dialogue, shotgun mics for directional pickup, wireless systems for mobility
Distance from subject to microphone	Improve recording environment: Reduce background noise sources, add sound absorption to reduce echo, use wind protection outdoors
Background noise or echo	Proper microphone placement: Position mics 6-12 inches from sound source, avoid clothing rustle with lavalier mics, test audio before full recording
Wind interference	Use windscreens or deadcats for outdoor recording, position to minimize wind exposure
Incorrect audio levels	Post-production fixes: Noise reduction filters, EQ to enhance voice clarity, compression to even out volume levels

Problem: Audio/Video Sync Issues

- Possible Causes	Solutions
Variable frame rate recording	Use constant frame rate: Avoid variable frame rate when recording, convert VFR to CFR before editing
Audio drift during long recordings	Sync points: Use slate or clap at beginning of takes, set sync points throughout longer recordings
Editing software issues	Software solutions: Use automatic sync features in editing software, manually align waveforms, add frame-level adjustments as needed
Separate audio and video recording	Use timecode or visual/audio cues to sync separate recordings

Upload and Processing Issues

Problem: Failed Uploads

- Possible Causes	Solutions
File size too large	Optimize file size: Reduce resolution if necessary, lower bitrate while maintaining quality, split longer videos into parts
Unstable internet connection	Connection improvements: Use wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, try uploading during off-peak hours, pause other bandwidth-intensive activities
Incompatible file format	Format compatibility: Convert to MP4 with H.264 codec, ensure audio is AAC format, follow platform-specific guidelines
Platform technical issues	Wait and try again later, check platform status pages for known issues

Problem: Long Processing Times

- Possible Causes	Solutions
Very high resolution or bitrate	Optimize for faster processing: Use standard resolutions (1080p instead of 4K), keep bitrate within platform recommendations, simplify effects if possible
Platform processing queue	Platform-specific approaches: Upload as private/unlisted first, schedule posts in advance to allow processing time, contact platform support for persistent issues
Complex video effects or transitions	Simplify effects for faster processing, pre-render complex sections
Server-side issues	Be patient during high-traffic periods, check platform status

Platform-Specific Issues

Problem: Content Being Cropped

- Possible Causes	Solutions
Incorrect aspect ratio for platform	Use platform-specific aspect ratios: Instagram: 1:1, 4:5, or 16:9, TikTok: 9:16, YouTube: 16:9
Platform automatically cropping to fit	Safe zones: Keep important content in center 80% of frame, test on multiple devices before publishing
Viewing on different devices	Platform previews: Use platform's preview tools before publishing, make adjustments based on preview results

Problem: Copyright Claims

- Possible Causes	Solutions
Using copyrighted music	Use licensed content: Royalty-free music libraries, licensed stock footage, original or properly licensed content
Including clips from other content	Understand fair use: Educational, commentary, or transformative use, proper attribution when applicable, limited use of original material
Automated content ID systems	Dispute incorrect claims: Follow platform-specific dispute processes, provide evidence of proper licensing, remove claimed content if necessary

Technical Workflow Issues

Problem: Slow Editing Performance

- Possible Causes	Solutions
High-resolution source footage	Optimize editing workflow: Use proxy editing for high-res footage, close unnecessary applications, use external SSDs for project files, regularly clean media cache
Insufficient computer resources	Hardware improvements: Add RAM for better performance, use GPU acceleration when available, upgrade to SSD storage
Complex effects and transitions	Project management: Break large projects into smaller sequences, render complex sections before final export, use nested sequences for complex timelines
Large project files	Use optimized project management, clean up unused assets regularly

Problem: Color Inconsistency Across Devices

- Possible Causes	Solutions
Uncalibrated monitors	Color management: Calibrate your editing monitor, use scopes to verify levels objectively, work in Rec. 709 color space for standard content
Different color spaces	Export considerations: Include color metadata in exports, test on multiple devices before publishing, consider platform-specific color shifts
Platform-specific processing	Test on target platforms before final delivery
Viewing environment differences	Controlled viewing: Check content on target devices, view in similar lighting conditions to audience, make adjustments based on typical viewing scenarios

Emergency Recovery

- Problem: Lost or Corrupted Files	Possible Causes	Solutions
Software crashes	Prevention strategies: Enable autosave in editing software, use redundant storage (RAID or multiple backups), cloud backup for critical files
Power outages	Recovery options: Check for autosave files, use file recovery software, restore from backups, check for project cache files
Storage failures	Use professional data recovery services for critical content
Accidental deletion	Partial recovery: Extract usable clips from partially corrupted files, rebuild sequences from source material, use proxy files if main files are corrupted