Video quality inside an email can vary depending on the email client being used.
Each email client supports different image and video technologies. Because of this, the same video can appear differently depending on where it is opened.
For example:
Gmail supports animated GIFs, which are limited to 256 colors.
Apple Mail supports HEVC, which allows for millions of colors and significantly higher visual quality than standard MP4 video.
Some older versions of Outlook only display static fallback images.
This variation is controlled by the email client, not by Playable.
How Playable Optimizes Video in Email
Playable’s patented platform automatically optimizes video and live streams in real time at the moment the email is opened.
For each viewer, Playable dynamically adjusts:
Video format
Frame rate
Resolution
These adjustments are based on the recipient’s:
Device
Email client
Network connection
This ensures fast loading times and the best possible viewing experience across environments.
Today, over 80% of Playable video email campaigns are delivered in HD and Retina display quality.
Best Quality Recommendations
To achieve optimal results:
Always upload a high-quality source video.
We recommend a minimum width of 1200px.
Use an MP4 file as your primary source format.
Higher-quality source files allow Playable to generate the best possible output for each supported email client.
Email Client Compatibility
Below is a list of supported email clients and the formats they render:
Apple Mail: MP4, H.264, HEVC
Apple iPhone Mail (iOS 12+): MP4, H.264, HEVC
Apple iPhone Mail (iOS 11 & earlier): PNG
Apple iPad Mail: MP4, H.264, HEVC
Google Android: WEBP
Gmail: GIF
Outlook for Mac: MP4, H.264
Outlook.com: GIF, WEBP
Outlook 2007–2016 for Windows: Static image (less than 2% of consumer campaigns)
Samsung Mail: WEBP
Yahoo! Mail: GIF
Yahoo! Mail (Chrome): WEBP
If you are unsure how your campaign will render across different email clients, we recommend testing before launch. Our team is happy to help review your setup.
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