How to Convert 720p to 1080p Video (AI-Powered)

Can you convert a 720p video to 1080p? Yes. A 720p video can be resized from 1280×720 to 1920×1080, either with a video converter, an editor, or an online tool. But there's an important distinction: changing the resolution to 1080p doesn't necessarily make the video look sharper.

If you simply change 720p to 1080p, the video resolution converter has to create additional pixels based on the original image. Traditional resizing can produce a Full HD file, but it cannot recover details that were never captured in the 720p source. If your goal is to actually improve a low-resolution video's clarity, you need an upscaling method, especially AI video upscaling, which can analyze the footage and enhance details while increasing the resolution.

In this guide, we'll show you several practical ways to convert or upscale 720p to 1080p with or without AI, including online HD video converters, desktop AI video upscalers such as VideoProc Converter AI, and more. We'll also explain when simply changing the resolution is enough and when AI enhancement is worth considering.

720p vs 1080p: Which One Is Better for You

720p and 1080p are two common video resolutions, but the better choice depends on how you plan to watch, edit, or share the video. A 720p video has a resolution of 1280 × 720, while 1080p (Full HD) has 1920 × 1080 pixels. That means 1080p has about 2.25× more pixels, so it can show more detail when viewed on a larger screen.

*File size also depends on factors such as bitrate, codec, frame rate, and the complexity of the video, so a 1080p file is not necessarily larger in every case.

1080p is usually the better choice if you are watching on a Full HD or larger display, uploading to a platform where 1080p is preferred, or editing footage in a 1080p project. It also gives you more room to crop or zoom without starting with such a small frame.

That said, 720p is still enough for many situations. If you mainly watch videos on a phone, need to save storage space, or have limited bandwidth, there may be little reason to convert an otherwise good 720p video.

There is one more thing to keep in mind: changing a video to 1080p does not automatically give it 1080p-quality detail. In simple terms, changing or converting means changing the video's output resolution, while upscale means enlarging the video to a higher resolution. Enhancement goes a step further by trying to improve details, clarity, noise, or blur in the footage. And with AI upscaling, an AI model analyzes the original frames and attempts to reconstruct or generate missing details as the video is enlarged.

1. How to Convert 720p to 1080p in VideoProc Converter AI

Best for: Users who want flexibility between regular 720p-to-1080p conversion and AI upscaling for improving video clarity

VideoProc Converter AI is a practical option if you're looking for a noticeable improvement rather than just a resolution change. Instead of simply enlarging a 720p video, it uses AI-based super resolution to enhance textures, reduce noise, and recover details that are often lost in low-resolution footage. In real-world tests, AI-based upscaling produces noticeably sharper results compared to traditional resizing methods, especially for older videos, compressed clips, or content recorded on lower-end devices. In practice, the result isn't just a "bigger" video - it's a cleaner and more refined one that holds up better on modern screens.

VideoProc specializes in changing video resolution and enhancing video quality up to 4K. With four advanced AI Super Resolution models trained with millions of data, it can upscale 720p videos and images to HD and UHD, ensuring the highest visual quality. Additionally, it can fix common video issues, e.g. noise, blurriness, pixelation, and shakiness using AI Super Resolution, AI Frame Interpolation, and AI Stabilization.

Meanwhile, it has a full set of video dimensions and aspect ratio settings to convert 720p videos to 1080p for TV, iPad, Xbox, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and so forth, in the best form. Born as the best video converter, VideoProc Converter AI supports 420+ video formats and codecs, MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, FLV, 4K, HDR, 3D, 360-degree, DVDs, etc., so you can load any video to it to process withou hassle.

Now download VideoProc Converter AI and follow the steps to upscale 720p to 1080p with best quality!

The Super Resolution feature in VideoProc can scale up your images or videos by 200%, 300%, and 400% without requiring technical skill or experience. It's a significant quality improvement from the original. The enhanced video is much clearer and easier to watch.

Method 1: Upscale 720p Videos with AI (Recommended)

Step 1. Run VideoProc Converter AI on your computer. Open the "Super Resolution" module in it.

Step 2. Drag and drop your 720p video to its interface. You can add multiple files at a time as well.

Step 3. Choose an AI model according to your source file:

• Real Smooth (recommended): An evolved AI model for video super resolution that delivers clearer, smoother, and more vibrant outputs. It automatically deblurs and denoises your footage.
• Gen Detail (recommended): An advanced AI model designed to enhance clarity and sharpness while faithfully preserving original details. It also features automatic deblurring and denoising.
• Anime: Specifically designed to upscale anime videos by 2x, 3x, or 4x. This model is optimized for computers with average GPU/CPU power.
• Zyxt: Ideal for upscaling real-world footage by 2x, 3x, or 4x. It is a resource-friendly option for users with standard hardware configurations.

Step 4. Under "Model Settings", find Resolution, then choose "1080P (1920 X 1080)" to upscale your 720p video to 1080p directly.

Or, you can set the Scale. Choose 2x to upscale the 720p video to 1440p.

Both options can convert the 720p video to a higher quality effectively. In Super Resolution of VideoProc Converter AI, the maximum output resolution is 4K (up to 4000×4000px).

Step 5. Browse to select an output folder. Click the "RUN" button to export.

Method 2: Convert 720p to 1080p without AI

Step 1. Open the software and click "Video Converter" on the main interface. Click "+Video" to add one or more 720 videos from your computer.

Step 2. Select an output format in "Video" at the bottom, e.g. MP4 H264. Click "Codec Option" button on the right and find Resolution under Video Codec Options. Click the drop-down menu and choose 1920x1080 or 2560x1080.

Step 3. Optionally, under "Quality", you can drag the control bar to the rightest to keep High Quality. You can also opt for "2-pass Encoding" to guarantee the high quality after encoding. But the two options will make the whole conversion process slower than normal.

Tips:

1. To convert a 720p video to 1080p with the best quality, we suggest you not make other changes of the source video, such as the format, codec, frame rate, bitrate and aspect ratio.

2. If necassary, tap Effect in the edit bar. You can apply an effect (filter), or adjust contrast, brightness, saturation and so on to make the video image look better.

Step 4. Click the "RUN" button on the bottom right and let VideoProc Converter AI start converting video to HD 1080p.

*The result also depends largely on the source video, for example, how was it shot, what the bitrates and frame rates are (which are related to quality).

Learn More about the Resolution Upscaling Tech in VideoProc Converter AI

• AI models: VideoProc Converter AI applies the Super-Resolution Model, GAN (Generative Adversarial Network) Model, and other models to process reality videos, AI-generated videos, animations, and other common videos respectively. So the image quality and details can be enhanced during the upscaling process with the most pleasing result.
• Nearest neighbor interpolation: To sum up, it is to add and to guess. First it adds a heap of "blank" pixels to an image, and tries to guess what each blank pixel should be filled with based on its 4 adjacent pixels.
• Bicubic interpolation: It is to add pixels to an image and take on a color based on the 16 nearby pixels. The main purpose is to smooth the color and make the added pixels look as soft as possible.
• Bilinear interpolation: Differently, it only checks the two neighboring blocks. The main purpose is to make the image look sharp.

2. How to Convert 720p to 1080p Online

Best for: Quickly changing a small 720p video to 1080p online when you don't need advanced editing or AI enhancement.

If you only need to change a 720p video's resolution to 1080p, an online video converter can be the quickest option. Most online converters work directly in your browser, so there is no software to install. They are convenient for short or relatively small videos when you only need a 1920 × 1080 output.

Some options worth trying include Topaz AI HD Video Converter, Wink Free HD Video Converter, and FreeConvert Video Converter. Their features differ: some focus on basic video resizing and conversion, while others also offer AI-based video enhancement or upscaling.

How to Change 720p to 1080p Online

1. Upload your 720p video. Open an online video converter and add the file you want to process.
2. Select 1080p as the output resolution. Depending on the tool, you may see 1080p, Full HD, or 1920 × 1080 as the target size.
3. Adjust other settings if needed. For a straightforward conversion, it is usually best to keep the original aspect ratio and frame rate.
4. Convert and download. Start the process and save the resulting 1080p video to your device.

Online tools are a good fit when you have a relatively small video and just need a 1080p file without installing software. But they become less convenient for large files, batch processing, or videos that require more control over encoding settings. The limitations are as follows.

Limitations of online converters:

• Free-plan restrictions: Some services limit file size, video length, daily conversions, or 1080p output. Watermark-free exports may also require a paid plan.
• Slower for large files: Processing time can increase with longer or larger videos, and you also need to wait for the file to upload and download.
• Upload required: Large videos can be inconvenient to upload, especially with a slow or unstable internet connection.
• Privacy considerations: Your video has to be uploaded to a third-party server for online processing, so a desktop tool may be a better choice for private or sensitive footage.
• Fewer advanced controls: Compared with desktop video converters like VideoProc Converter AI, online tools may offer less control over codecs, bitrate, frame rate, and other output settings.

3. How to Convert 720p to 1080p Free with HandBrake

If you're looking for a completely free solution, HandBrake is a widely used open-source video converter. It allows you to manually upscale video resolution, making it possible to convert a 720p video into a 1080p file.

However, it's important to understand that HandBrake does not enhance video quality. It simply resizes the video by stretching the original pixels, which means the output may appear no sharper than the source - and sometimes even slightly softer.

How to Convert 720p to 1080p in HandBrake

Step 1. Download and install HandBrake from its official website.

Step 2. Open the program and import your 720p video.

Step 3. Go to the Dimensions tab and manually change the resolution from 1280×720 to 1920×1080.

Step 4. Choose the output location and file name.

Step 5. Start encoding to export the 1080p video.

Limitations of this method:

• No real quality improvement: The video is resized, not enhanced, so details remain the same.
• Time-consuming: Encoding can take longer, especially for large files.
• Limited formats: Output options are mainly MP4 and MKV.

4. How to Convert 720p to 1080p in Adobe Premiere

For users already working in professional editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, upscaling can be done directly within the project workflow. This makes it a convenient option when you’re editing and exporting videos in one place.

However, Premiere Pro is not designed specifically for video enhancement. Its built-in scaling relies on standard interpolation, which resizes the image but does not significantly improve detail or clarity. As a result, the upscaled video may still look soft, especially when viewed on larger screens.

How to upscale in Premiere Pro:

Step 1. Create a new project and set up a 1080p sequence (e.g., 1920×1080, matching your source frame rate).

Step 2. Import your 720p video and drag it onto the timeline.

Step 3. Right-click the clip and select “Set to Frame Size” or adjust scaling manually.

Step 4. Apply additional edits if needed, then export the video in 1080p.

Limitations of this method:

• No true detail enhancement: Scaling increases resolution but does not recover lost details.
• May appear soft or slightly blurry: Especially noticeable on larger or high-resolution displays.
• Not optimized for upscaling: Designed for editing workflows rather than quality restoration.

Other Ways to Upscale 720p to 1080p

If the methods above don't fit your workflow, there are other tools that can change or upscale a 720p video to 1080p. The right choice depends on whether you want advanced AI enhancement or simply need a free way to change the resolution.

Topaz Video AI

Topaz Video AI is designed for users who want more advanced AI video upscaling and fine control over the enhancement process. It can produce excellent results with suitable footage, but it is more demanding in terms of hardware, workflow complexity, and cost.

Best for: Professional users who want advanced AI upscaling and more control over video enhancement.

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a free, open-source multimedia framework that can also change a video's resolution from 720p to 1080p using its scale filter. Because it runs from the command line and supports scripting, it is particularly useful for users who want to automate video conversion or have more control over the encoding process.

Best for: Advanced users who want a free, scriptable way to change video resolution.

Quick Comparison: Which 720p to 1080p Method Is Right for You

The best method depends on whether you simply need to change the video resolution or want to upscale and enhance the footage. Use the comparison below to find the option that fits your needs.

Which Method Should You Choose

• Need only a 1080p file? An online converter, HandBrake, or FFmpeg can change a 720p video's resolution without requiring a specialized AI tool. Online services are the easiest for occasional use, while HandBrake and FFmpeg give you more control on a desktop.
• Want the video to look better at 1080p? Choose an AI upscaler. VideoProc Converter AI offers both regular conversion and AI Super Resolution, making it a practical choice when you may need either workflow. For more advanced professional control over AI enhancement, Topaz Video AI is another option.
• Already editing a video? Adobe Premiere Pro makes sense when the 720p footage is already part of a larger editing project and you need to deliver the final video in 1080p. It is less suitable when improving the quality of the original low-resolution footage is the main goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you convert 720p to 1080p without losing quality?

Yes, you can change a 720p video to a 1080p output without necessarily causing noticeable quality loss, provided that you use appropriate settings and avoid unnecessary re-encoding. However, simply changing the resolution does not restore details that are missing from the 720p source. For better-looking results, an AI upscaler can enhance details while increasing the resolution.

2. Does converting 720p to 1080p improve video quality?

Not by itself. Converting or changing the resolution from 1280 × 720 to 1920 × 1080 makes the video larger in frame size, but it does not automatically make the original footage sharper. To improve clarity, reduce noise, or recover more visible detail, you need a video enhancement or AI upscaling process rather than basic resizing.

3. What is the difference between converting and upscaling 720p to 1080p?

Converting or changing 720p to 1080p means resizing the video to a 1920 × 1080 output. Upscaling also increases the resolution, but advanced upscalers can use additional processing to improve the appearance of the footage. AI upscaling goes further by analyzing the source frames and attempting to reconstruct missing details, making it more suitable when improving video quality is as important as reaching 1080p.

4. Can I convert 720p to 1080p for free?

Yes. Free options such as HandBrake and FFmpeg can change a 720p video's resolution to 1080p, and some online video converters also offer free 1080p conversion with limitations. Free tools are generally sufficient when you only need to change the output resolution. For AI-based upscaling and enhancement, you may need a dedicated AI video upscaler or a paid plan.

5. Can I convert 720p to 1080p online?

Yes. Online video converters let you upload a 720p video, choose 1080p or 1920 × 1080 as the output, and download the converted file in your browser. They are convenient for smaller, one-time conversions, but free plans may limit file size, video length, output quality, or the number of conversions. For large or private videos, a desktop converter may be more practical.

6. Will converting 720p to 1080p make the file size larger?

Not necessarily, but it often does. A 1080p video contains more pixels than a 720p video, but the final file size also depends on the codec, bitrate, frame rate, compression settings, and video length. A 1080p video encoded at a low bitrate can therefore be smaller than a 720p video encoded at a much higher bitrate.

7. Can I upscale a 720p video to 4K instead of 1080p?

Yes, but 1080p is often a more reasonable target when the original footage is only 720p. Upscaling to 4K requires creating substantially more pixels, and a low-quality source may not contain enough information to produce convincing fine details. If your goal is to improve a 720p video while keeping the result natural, 1080p is a sensible first target; 4K can make sense when you specifically need a 4K output and the source quality is good enough.

8. How do I change a 480p video to 1080p?

You can use an online converter, HandBrake, FFmpeg, or a desktop video converter to resize a 480p video to 1080p. However, because 480p contains much less detail than 1080p, simple resizing may produce a soft or blurry result. For better quality, an AI video upscaler is a better option. In our testing, 2× upscaling is generally a good starting point because it can provide a noticeable resolution increase while avoiding overly aggressive enlargement.