Exam video upload questions and answers
Yes, Gradereel is free, runs in your browser and never uploads your video; the answers below cover the boards' size limits, compression, iPhone files, file names and privacy. To check a file, open the video check; for each board's rules, start with the guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gradereel?
A check you run on a music exam video before you upload it. Pick the file and the board, and Gradereel reads the file's size, format, codecs, running time, resolution and sound, checks them and the file name against the board's published guidance, and gives you a checklist for the rules a machine cannot see. If the file is too big, it can shrink it in your browser.
Is it free?
The preflight for one file at a time, the board checklist, the file name fixer, the introduction rehearsal clock, one saved candidate and every guide are free forever with no account. Premium adds compression, the teacher batch, the saved candidate list and the printed summary.
Is my video uploaded anywhere?
No. Nothing is uploaded. Your video, candidate names and pieces stay in this browser; the checking and the compressing run on your own device. There is no server behind the site to upload to.
What limits does it check against?
The published file size limits on the date each page was read: ABRSM 2GB, Trinity 3GB, LCME 1GB. Each board's profile shows the page it came from and the date it was read, and you can override any number in the settings if the board changes it.
Does compressing the video break the rules?
The boards ask for an unedited, continuous recording; they do not forbid compression, and two of them point candidates to compression tools. Gradereel re-encodes only the picture, keeps every frame in order, never trims or joins anything, and copies the sound exactly as it was recorded.
Why does my iPhone video say the picture cannot be decoded?
iPhones record in HEVC by default, and some browsers cannot decode HEVC. For the next recording choose Most Compatible under Settings, Camera, Formats. For a file you already have, open it in a browser that decodes HEVC, such as Safari on a recent Mac, or use the slower fallback encoder.
Will the board accept my file if Gradereel says it passes?
Gradereel checks your file against the board's published guidance and cannot speak for the board. The board's own page is the authority; check it before you upload.
Who runs Gradereel?
An independent site. Gradereel is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to any exam board, including ABRSM, Trinity College London or London College of Music Examinations.
Did Gradereel have another name?
Gradereel was called Reelpass until October 2026. Same tool, same maker, your saved work and Premium are unchanged.