What makes a video file smaller
Four settings decide the size of a video: resolution, frame rate, bitrate and length. Lowering the resolution from 1080p to 720p cuts a large share of the data, and a 30 images per second clip is much lighter than a 60 one.
The bitrate is the amount of data used each second. A lower bitrate gives a lighter file with less detail, which is often acceptable for a phone screen. The Compress tool shows an estimate of the resulting size before you start.
How to compress a video
- Drop your video on the page.
- Open the Compress tab and choose a preset, or set a target size in MB.
- Press Start and wait for the progress bar to finish.
- Compare the original and the result, then download the smaller file.
Reach the size limit of email and chat apps
Email services and messaging apps cap the size of attachments, and the limits differ from one service to another. Check the limit of the one you use, then enter a slightly smaller target in megabytes.
Trimming also helps. Cut the useless beginning and end with the Trim tool first, then compress. A shorter video needs less data at the same quality.
Questions
Does compression reduce quality?
Yes, to some degree. A smaller file means less data. The goal is a size reduction you will not notice on the screen you use.
Can I choose the final size?
Yes. Enter a target in megabytes and the tool adapts the settings to get close to it.
Is the compression done on a server?
No. It runs in your browser, so the video never leaves your device.