Nobody had to be concerned about file size in your grandfather’s time. Sharing a video involved giving a buddy a cassette tape or mailing it to someone. Nowadays, digitalization has made it simpler than ever to shoot and distribute videos. However, after putting in a lot of effort to create an exceptional film, you can discover that the file size prevents it from being easily uploaded, shared, or played. Because of this, it’s crucial to understand how to compress video files without sacrificing quality. This article will demonstrate various video compression techniques and provide step-by-step instructions for doing so on a Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, or Android device.
Video compression
Size counts when sending files digitally. Sending a larger file takes longer and is more difficult if you’re a podcaster and you’ve ever been required to convert a WAV audio file to an MP3. Using video is the same. A 60-minute video in standard definition might be as huge as 70GB, which is why compression is occasionally required. Video compression reduces the size of a video file by only preserving the most important images.
Compressing videos without losing quality
More data is contained in high-quality videos, which results in clearer video but slower upload and transmission speeds. By definition, information from the file will be lost when the file’s size is reduced using video compression. To reduce the size of the file, lossy compression permanently removes data from the file. An illustration of a lossy format is a JPEG. With lossless compression, there is no data loss and the image quality is maintained. The compressed file can be uncompressed to restore it to its original size and quality once it has been uploaded or delivered to its intended location. An illustration of a lossless format is a PNG.
Video quality loss or even file damage could occur as a result of improper compression. But if you take care to use the right tools and techniques, you may compress videos without suffering any appreciable video quality loss.
5 Simple Ways to Compress a Video
Here, we’ll go through step-by-step techniques for compressing videos on various hardware. But before that, here is a list of some easy and clear-cut techniques to compress a movie.
1. Compression of Video File into a ZIP File
Video compression involves shrinking a video file’s size while maintaining a high level of quality. Another approach is to compress a video file into a ZIP format, but this is more frequently related to codecs and bitrate modifications. You can compress a video file into a ZIP file using software or internet applications called video compressor. This procedure entails picking the “Compressed (zipped) folder” option, selecting the video file, and producing a ZIP file. The video clip is compressed and included in the resulting ZIP file, which makes it simpler to transport, save, and distribute.
2. Trim Unnecessary Footage
Sometimes, video files contain unnecessary footage that adds to the overall file size without contributing to the content’s essence. By trimming these sections, you can significantly reduce the video’s size without affecting the quality of the important parts. Video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or iMovie allows you to easily trim unwanted sections. Simply identify the segments that can be removed without compromising the video’s message or story and cut them out. This technique is particularly useful when dealing with lengthy videos or recordings with extended periods of inactivity.
3. Compress a Video by Changing the Resolution
One effective way to compress a video file is by adjusting its resolution. Consider your specific requirements and whether a lower resolution would suffice. If the video doesn’t need to be viewed in 4K, reducing it to 1080p or even lower can significantly reduce the file size. Many video compression tools, including those mentioned earlier, offer options to change the resolution. By resizing the video, you can achieve a smaller file size without compromising the overall visual quality. This approach makes the compressed video more suitable for various devices and platforms.
4. Reduce Video Size by Modifying the File Type
Different video file formats and a wide range of file sizes are available. Consider changing the format of your video file if you want to conserve space. For instance, compared to AVI or MOV files, MP4 files often require less storage space. It’s crucial to remember that MP4 is a lossy file type, which means it makes some video quality concessions to attain a smaller size. While maintaining the original video quality, lossless formats like AVI and MOV have greater file sizes. Think about the intended purpose and the playback device before selecting a format. Make sure the chosen format, such as MP4, will continue to provide adequate visual clarity on the specific destination device if keeping high-quality video is a requirement.
5. How to Use an Online Video Compressor to Reduce a Video’s File Size?
Numerous internet tools may be used to compress video files. Among the most options are:
- The free video converter from Riverside
- InVideo
- Clideo
- FreeConvert
These tools have the advantage of being simple to use and accessible from any device because they operate in your browser. However, compared to other video compression techniques, these online services could provide fewer options and provide you with less control over the procedure.
How to Compress a Video on Different Devices
Compressing a video on various devices could call for a different approach depending on the operating system and available tools. Windows users can compress videos using programs like HandBrake or VLC Media Player by modifying various settings like bitrate and resolution. These instruments offer options and user-friendly interfaces to optimize the compression process. Users of Mac computers can compress videos using built-in programs like iMovie or QuickTime Player. These programs can export videos with altered size-reduction settings. Additionally, various devices can access online video compression platforms like Clideo, Kapwing, or Online UniConverter. These platforms make it simple for users of many operating systems and devices to upload videos and adjust compression parameters directly through a web browser.
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