Getting the same quality photos and videos for your upload on Facebook to be the same as the source had always been a simple feat when using a desktop web browser. You simply upload them as is and what you get is the same quality output which you would have expected.
However, it is only all fun and good when you are indeed using a desktop or laptop browser when doing the process of uploading HD photos and videos on Facebook. The case is apparently not as true when you are doing the same thing using a mobile device, even with the best mobile or Wi-Fi connection in the area.
But before you put the blame to the wrong suspect, it is not your smartphone or device—either running on iOS or Android—or the quality of internet connection you have with your device, it’s something more embedded in the social media app you are using.
The good news, however, is that it can be easily circumvented. You would only need to understand the problem and knowing what you can do about it.
See also: How to disable Facebook photos auto-tagging feature
What is the real reason behind the problem exactly? Apparently, Facebook is pretty considerate of its mobile users who rely on their data, either prepaid or postpaid, that the application’s algorithm is set at making your smart device consume less bandwidth as possible.
As a result, the quality of the images you upload gets downsized which therefore results in a gritty output than the original high-definition (HD) quality.
How to upload HD videos and photos to Facebook
The solution for iOS users
If you are an iOS user, make sure you are using the official app of Facebook—not the “lite” version or any third-party app. In case you don’t have it yet, you can simply install it from the Apple Store.
Then, launch the app, take a look at the bottom-right corner of the interface, and tap on the “More” hamburger button. From here, scroll down a bit and choose “Settings.”
Continuing the process, choose “Account settings” as followed by “Videos” and “Photos.” Put the final nail in the coffin by toggling “Upload HD” to “ON.”
Doing that, your iOS device will now be forced to prioritize making an upload of either photos or videos in high-definition format.
The solution for Android users
Running Facebook on iOS should be starkly different with Android. This is most apparent when you are literally running the app simultaneously. However, the logic in how the problem is to be bypassed is rather the same.
First off, make sure that your Android device is running an official Facebook app coming from the Google Play Store.
From there, run the app. Choose to access the options screen by clicking on the hamburger button at the top-right corner. Scroll down a bit until you come across the choice to click on “Help and Settings.” Do so.
Finally, choose to click on “App Settings” and toggle “ON” the options to upload photos and videos in HD.
That’s it! As always, let us know if you have any questions or problems regarding the process and we’ll gladly help you out.
Correction: they ARE HD. Sorry.
What about the browser? It does give a choice of small, medium, large and actual size but the upload is low-resolution upload even when actual size is selected.
It isn’t doing, currently. Even for a basic, 3 minute video it ends up low-res rubbish.
Facebook for Android still uploads my videos in HD not Full HD even they were recorded as such. What’s up?
how about for PC?
Hi M, if you’re using a PC, it should automatically upload at the highest quality possible. :)