Typically, this disclosure describes the parameterization of the hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) parameters and the nesting of supplementary improvement information (SEI) messages in the video encoding. More specifically, a video encoder can include, in a scalable nesting SEI message encapsulated by means of a network abstraction layer unit (NAL) of SEI, a syntax element that Indicates whether a nested SEI message encapsulated by means of the scalable nesting SEI message is applicable to a default bit undercurrent. The default bit undercurrent is a representation of the operating point of a defined operating point by means of a layer identifier specified in a header of the NAL unit of the SEI NAL unit and a temporary identifier specified in the header of the NAL unit. Additionally, a device may determine, based at least in part on the syntax element in the scalable nesting SEI message, if the nested SEI message encapsulated by means of the scalable nesting SEI message is applicable to the bit undercurrent by default. When the nested SEI message is applicable to the default bit undercurrent, the device can use the nested SEI message in an operation over the default bit undercurrent.