ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Transcoding

Transcoding is like translating something from one language to another. Just like how a word in English might mean something different in Spanish, video and audio files work the same way.

Sometimes, videos need to be changed from one format to another, so they can work on different devices. This is called transcoding. It's like taking a book written in French and translating it into Spanish, so that Spanish speakers can read and understand it.

When a video is transcoded, it's like making a copy of it in a different language that makes sense for a different device to play. For example, a video that plays on a computer may not work on a phone, but if it's transcoded into a format that works on a phone, it will play correctly.

Transcoding can make the file size of the video smaller, so that it can be sent over the internet quickly. It can also make the video play smoother or look better on certain devices.

Overall, transcoding is a way to make sure that videos work on a variety of devices, and that people can all enjoy them no matter what device they're using.