How To Resolve Buffering Issues in Clipchamp

The “Buffering problem” in Clipchamp can be a real pain, especially when dealing with large or unsupported media files. Usually, it crops up when trying to load videos in formats like .MOV, .MKV, or images in HEIC. Because these formats aren’t natively streamlined for editing in Clipchamp, they tend to cause lag or buffering. Usually, converting these files into more friendly formats like .MP4 for videos or JPEG/PNG for photos can smooth things out.

• .MKV: Open-source video container that often has multiple audio/video streams and subtitles — not exactly lightweight.
• .MOV: Apple’s go-to format with codecs like ProRes or HEVC, which Clipchamp struggles with sometimes.
• HEIC: Apple’s default photo format that offers great quality in a small file size, but not so great for editing apps.

If things are lagging or buffering endlessly, trying to convert your files into more compatible formats can make a big difference. Expect less lag, faster load times, and less frustration overall.

1. Convert MOV Files to MP4 — Because MP4 with H.264 is pretty much king here

This fix helps because Clipchamp runs more smoothly with MP4 files encoded in H.264. On some setups, this isn’t just a suggestion — it’s almost necessary to get smooth playback. Converting the MOV files reduces the processing load and avoids buffer-happy hiccups.

1. Get VLC media player. It’s free and does the job nicely. Spent enough time troubleshooting? VLC is kinda your best friend here.
2. Open VLC > Media > Convert / Save.
3. Hit Add… and select your MOV file. Then click Convert / Save.
4. Under Profile, pick Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4). If you want, click the little gear icon for tweak options.
5. Click the gear icon, go to Audio codec, check Keep original audio track — not all conversions need to strip audio, after all. Then hit Save.
6. Select your destination folder and start the conversion by clicking Start. Might take a few seconds depending on file size.
7. Once done, right-click the new file, go to Properties, and confirm it’s an .MP4. Looks normal? Good.
8. Import this MP4 back into Clipchamp and see if the buffering calms down. Usually, it does, but not always. Still lagging? Check your system specs or try a different conversion method.

2. Convert HEIC Photos to JPEG — Because JPEGs are just more compatible

While HEIC keeps things small and sharp, its support isn’t perfect everywhere. Clipchamp loves JPEGs, which load quicker and are more straightforward to handle. Converting HEIC images to JPEG can speed up the editing process and cut down buffering issues.

1. Visit HEIC to JPEG. No fancy software needed, just upload and convert.
2. Upload your HEIC files and download the converted JPEGs. Doing a few at a time makes this process less boring.
3. Import those JPEG files into Clipchamp and see if the lag is reduced. Usually, this does the trick; if not, maybe the project is just huge or your machine is running slow.