How To: Export simple motion graphic w/o black background AND also w/o increasing file size

[MasonDrummond]

Hello I have been trying to export a few of my text animations from after effects. To get rid of the black background during export, I go to the format options, video codec, then change it to animation (instead of Apple Prores 422, which seems to be default), then I change the channels to RGB & Alpha.

When I export this it gets rid of the background successfully but increases the file size DRAMATICALLY. Going from 380KB to 50MB is a crazy leap especially when I am removing a background -- I would think that would decreasse the file size. I am looking to have best of both worlds so what is the trick? Is there a specific Video Codec that would also achieve this goal without increasing file size?

To Preface I am new to After Effects so go easy on me.

[Ishan Y]

Hey MasonDrummond,

Currently, high-compression codecs with alpha channel are not supported. If you have access to a system with macOS, you can try encoding in HEVC with alpha: https://kitcross.net/hevc-web-video-alpha-channel/. Is there any specific reason you want a smaller file size? Perhaps we can find a workaround for you. 

Thanks,

Ishan

[MasonDrummond]

I need file to be smaller for a demo reel I am putting together for my freelance services on Fivver.com. The file limit is 50MB unfortunately, which is very limiting for a video editor

[Andrew Yoole]

If it's just a demo reel, why do you need transparency?  If you need to demonstrate your ability to work with transparency, you could just have your element on a grey/white chequerboard background, perhaps?

If you explain your end goal it might be easier for us to offer suggestions.

[Rick Gerard]

There are no standard media players that support transparency. If your demo reel had transparency, it would show as black on any web-based media player. 

The best option for sharing is to use the recommended H.264 presets for the media service you are using. They all re-compress whatever you send them, so matching their format, frame size, frame rate, and even color suggestions will give you better results than you would get if you sent YouTube, Vimeo, or any other social media site an uncompressed 10-bit video file.  Send them a file that doesn't match their recommendations, and the compressor takes over and smashes your source file into the format they use to stream with a sledgehammer. Send them a file with the recommended settings and the software says to itself, "I know what to do with this file," and you get a better product every time. 

[ShiveringCactus]

As Andrew says, you won't be able to upload a video with an alpha channel.  If it's for a demo reel that you're planning to edit in something like Premiere Pro, export all your animations with alpha channels (these will be big) but then when you edit them together and export an MP4, you'll get something far more upload friendly. 

Andrew's suggestion of the checkboard is a good one too.  Create a grey solid, add the checkerboard effect with the squares set quite large and the width set to about 30-35 and the effect's blending mode to normal.  That placed at the bottom of your comp looks very effective.