How to Upscale Video to 4K (2025 Guide): Step-by-Step Methods
- Updated on 2025-11-27
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Table Of Content
Why Upscale Video to 4K?
What does “upscaling to 4K” mean?
Upscaling means increasing a video’s resolution to 3840×2160 (4K). A basic upscaler only stretches pixels, which can look soft or blocky. An AI video upscaler goes further by predicting missing details, reducing noise, and rebuilding edges—so the final image looks naturally sharper rather than artificially enlarged.
When is it worth upscaling videos to 4K?
You should consider upscale videos to 4K when:
- you’re watching on a 4K TV/monitor and the source looks blurry,
- you’re re-publishing old content (1080p or lower) for YouTube/TikTok,
- you need a cleaner master for archiving or professional delivery.
- If your source is extremely low-res (e.g., 480p), AI can still help, but results will depend on the tool and settings.
Common issues AI upscaling can fix
When people search “how to upscale to 4K,” they’re usually trying to fix:
- blur and pixelation from low resolution,
- noise/grain in dark scenes,
- jagged edges or mushy textures,
- loss of detail on faces, hair, or text.
Good AI models reconstruct these areas more realistically than traditional scaling.
How to Upscale Video to 4K Using UniFab [Windows & Mac]
What is UniFab Video Upscaler AI
UniFab Video Upscaler AI is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool that can upscale video to 4K, 8K, or even 16K resolution with remarkable clarity. Leveraging advanced AI algorithms, it enhances fine details, sharpens images, and restores vibrant colors—delivering crisp, high-quality 4K results without requiring any technical expertise. UniFab supports batch processing and offers flexible customization options, making it perfect for both professionals and casual users on Windows and Mac platforms.
Key Features & Performance
UniFab offers four specialized AI models tailored to different video types and user needs:
- Texture Enhanced Model: Boosts textures and fine detail clarity for realistic visuals.
- Anime Optimized Model: Preserves crisp lines and vibrant colors in anime or animation videos.
- Quality Optimized: Prioritizes maximum sharpness and overall image clarity.
- Speed Optimized: Provides faster upscaling while maintaining balanced video quality.
How to Upscale Video to 4K with UniFab: Step-by-Step
UniFab can upscale video to 4K easy and efficient, even for beginners. Just follow these simple steps to enhance your videos with professional-level quality.
Full feature access, without watermark!
Download and Install UniFab. Open it, select the ‘Upscaler’ module, then click ‘Add Video’ to upload the low-resolution video you want to upscale to 4K.
Set the resolution to 4K. Pick one of UniFab's AI models based on your video type. Optionally, customize other parameters such as codec, audio, and output format to suit your needs.
Click ‘Start’ to initiate the 4K upscaling process. UniFab will enhance and enlarge your video automatically.
Tips to get a cleaner 4K upscale
To make video to 4K upscale look better:
- Keep FPS consistent: don’t force 60fps unless the motion supports it.
- Use a stable bitrate: higher bitrate preserves reconstructed detail.
- Avoid double-processing: don’t sharpen heavily in another editor before AI upscaling.
These small choices can prevent halos and over-sharpened edges.
How to Upscale Video to 4K Using CapCut [Online]
What is CapCut Video Upscaler
CapCut Video Upscaler is another AI-automated tool that can upscale video to 4K with a simple interface and steps. With its AI algorithm, CapCut doesn't involve manual intervention or complicated steps for video upscaling. This fully automated tool is compatible with Windows and Mac and also has an online version.
Key Features & Performance
We tested CapCut and found it easy to use with a straightforward interface, making it suitable for beginners, and it offers AI-powered automatic upscaling without requiring manual complexity. However, it tends to over-smooth facial features, resulting in an artificial or plastic-like appearance, and excessive sharpening may cause delicate details like hair to look unnatural or over-processed.
How to Upscale Video to 4K with CapCut: Step-by-Step
CapCut offers a straightforward and user-friendly way to upscale your videos to 4K using AI technology. Follow these simple steps to enhance your video quality quickly and easily.
Download & launch the CapCut tool on computer > choose “Start Creating” to begin a new season > hit “Import” to upload the low quality video for upscaling.
After dragging the video into the timeline, you can adjust various parameters, such as effect, filter, transition, etc. Select the “Adjustment” option and drag it to the timeline.
You will see the “Adjustment” settings in the right panel > adjust the color, brightness, saturation etc > to improve video quality go for the “Sharpen” effect > move the slider depending on your requirements.
After all the settings customization select “Export” > a window will be opened with “Export” settings > in the resolution drop down menu select 4K as the export video quality.
You can also select the frame rate to 60fps. Next, select “Export” > the tool will start the video upscaling process up to 4K > save the upscaled video in the selected folder.
CapCut online upscaling limitations
CapCut’s online/web version is convenient, but it typically caps enhancement/export below 4K for many users. So if your goal is specifically how to upscale video to 4K online for free, remember: full 4K export usually requires the desktop app or paid tier, and free exports may include watermarks.
UniFab vs CapCut: Upscale Video to 4K
To help you choose the best 4K Video Upscaler for upscaling video to 4K, here's a detailed comparison between UniFab and CapCut based on features, performance, and usability.
Basic Infomation Comparison Chart
| Product | Resolution Support | Best For | Free Trial |
| UniFab Video Upscaler AI | Up to 16K | Creators looking for high-quality results with minimal effort. | 30-day free trial for full features, without watermark. |
| CapCut Video Upscaler | Up to 4K | Casual users looking for a quick way to upscale videos. | The free version includes watermarks and limited upscaling capability. |
Performance Comparison on Upscaling Video to 4K
When comparing UniFab and CapCut for 4K video upscaling, the difference in output quality is clear.
UniFab delivers highly detailed and natural-looking 4K videos. It restores fine textures like hair strands, skin pores, and eyelashes with remarkable precision, maintaining a realistic and clean aesthetic.
In contrast, CapCut tends to over-smooth facial features, often creating an artificial or plastic-like appearance. It may also apply excessive sharpening, causing delicate details like hair to appear over-processed or unnatural.
UniFab or CapCut: Which Is Better to Upscale Video to 4K?
- Choose UniFab if you want professional, realistic detail recovery with minimal manual work—especially for old footage or large batches.
- Choose CapCut if you need a quick edit + simple 4K export and don’t mind lighter restoration.
If your priority is the best AI quality for how to upscale a video to 4K, UniFab is usually the stronger pick.
Conclusion
When you know how to upscale to 4K with AI automation, it's time to pick the right tool for your video upscaling process. While selecting the tool, you must pick the one with maximum flexibility, customization, and editing options to make the most out of your video upscaling experience. For doing the with ultimate satisfaction UniFab Video Upscaler AI is the best one.
Quick Verdict
Choose UniFab for natural 4K detail and control; pick CapCut for fast, simple upscales. Decide by quality needs, time, and watermarks.
Recommendation
Pick a tool with flexible settings and editing. For the best balance of quality and ease, UniFab Video Upscaler AI is our recommended choice.
FAQs about Upscaling Video to 4K
Is It Possible to Upscale a Video to 4K?
Yes, it is possible to upscale a video to 4K using advanced AI-based upscaling tools like UniFab. These tools enhance the resolution and add missing details to your original video, allowing you to enjoy sharper and clearer 4K-quality footage even if the source is in lower resolution.
How to Upscale Video to 4K in 60fps?
Using UniFab Video Upscaler AI, you can upscale video to 4K at 60 fps. This tool lets you select the frame rate, resolution, bit rate, audio channel, etc. while upscaling and enhancing video quality.
How to Upscale to 4K for Free?
To upscale to 4K for free, you can try video upscalers that offer free trials or limited free versions. For instance, UniFab provides a 30-day free trial with full features and no watermarks, allowing you to upscale videos to 4K with professional-quality results at no cost during the trial period.
How to Upscale a Video to 4K Online for Free?
While several tools offer online upscaling, there are limitations you should be aware of: CapCut provides a free online video editor that supports basic video enhancement. However, its online version can only upscale videos up to 2K, not 4K. Full 4K upscaling is only available in its desktop app.
Does AI upscaling create true 4K?
No. AI upscaling estimates detail from the source; results depend on original resolution, bitrate, compression, and noise.