Shrink Your Videos: A Comprehensive Guide to Video Compression

In today’s digital world, videos are everywhere. From sharing precious moments on social media to creating professional content, video is king. However, these video files can quickly become large, consuming precious storage space and making them difficult to share or upload. That’s where video compression comes in. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about compressing video files, ensuring they are smaller, manageable, and still retain great quality.

Why Compress Video Files?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why compressing videos is so important:

• Reduced File Size: Smaller files are easier to store on your devices, preventing storage space from being quickly filled up.
• Faster Uploading and Downloading: Large video files take longer to upload and download, causing frustration. Compression speeds up these processes significantly.
• Bandwidth Efficiency: Sharing large videos over the internet consumes more bandwidth. Compressed videos use less data, especially beneficial for those with limited internet plans.
• Easier Sharing: Compressed files are simpler to share via email, messaging apps, or cloud storage, due to size limits.
• Improved Website Performance: Large videos on websites can cause slow loading times. Compressing videos ensures a faster and smoother experience for users.
• Compatibility: Certain platforms and devices have limits on the size and format of videos they support. Compression can help your videos work across a wider array of platforms and devices.

Understanding Video Compression Basics

Video compression works by reducing the amount of data needed to represent the video. This is done by using algorithms that analyze the video and identify redundancies and patterns that can be encoded efficiently. There are two main types of compression:

• Lossy Compression: This method removes some data from the video, resulting in a smaller file size. The data removed can affect the quality, but a good lossy algorithm will minimize the visible loss. Examples include MP4 (using H.264 or H.265 codecs), WMV, and MPEG-2. This is the most common type of compression used for everyday video.
• Lossless Compression: This method does not remove any data, so the quality remains perfect. However, the file size reduction is usually less significant than with lossy compression. Examples include some types of AVI files and certain video codecs within formats like MKV. This is typically used for archiving or when the very best quality is needed.

For the most part, you’ll be using lossy compression for practical purposes.

Key Factors That Affect Video Size

Before we start the compression process, it is important to understand the factors that affect the file size and how modifying them during compression process would help. These are:

• Resolution: This refers to the width and height of the video frame, expressed as pixels (e.g., 1920×1080 for Full HD). Higher resolution videos have more pixels, resulting in larger files.
• Frame Rate: This is the number of frames displayed per second (fps). Higher frame rates result in smoother video but also larger files. Standard frame rates include 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps.
• Bit Rate: This determines the amount of data used to represent each second of video. Higher bitrates will produce better quality and greater file size, while lower bitrates will reduce the file size but potentially degrade video quality.
• Codec: This is the algorithm used to encode and decode the video. Different codecs offer different levels of compression efficiency. H.264 (AVC) is the most commonly used and widely compatible codec. H.265 (HEVC) is more efficient but may not be supported by all devices. VP9 is another modern and efficient option often used by YouTube.
• Audio Bit Rate: Similar to video bitrate, this determines the data used to represent audio. Reducing audio bitrate can also contribute to overall file size reduction.
• Video Duration: The longer the video, the larger the file size.

Tools for Compressing Videos

There are numerous tools available for compressing videos, ranging from free online tools to powerful desktop software. Here are some of the best options available:

Online Video Compressors (Free)

These tools are convenient for quick, one-off compressions and require no software downloads. They are often limited in terms of file size and customization options but work effectively for simple tasks.

• OnlineConvert.com: Supports various formats, offers multiple compression settings, and allows for basic video editing.
• Clipchamp: A very user-friendly interface that offers both free and paid plans. It provides basic video compression and editing capabilities.
• FreeConvert.com: Another reliable online tool that supports multiple formats and allows for bitrate and resolution adjustments.
• YouCompress: This focuses exclusively on compression, and is perfect for simple downsizing without overly complex options.

Free Desktop Software

These are more powerful and offer a greater degree of control over compression settings. Some of the best choices include:

• HandBrake: A very popular and open-source option. It is feature rich and offers deep control over the encoding process. Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
• VLC Media Player: Primarily a media player, VLC also offers basic video conversion and compression capabilities. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
• FFmpeg: A command-line tool, but it’s incredibly powerful and versatile. It is not very beginner friendly but offers deep customization and powerful options. Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
• Shutter Encoder: Powerful, open-source software that provides options beyond compression with various encoding, transcoding and video editing functions. Available for Windows and macOS.

Paid Desktop Software

These provide professional-grade tools, typically with advanced features and enhanced ease of use, usually with a subscription or one-time purchase.

• Adobe Media Encoder: An industry standard tool, part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Offers deep customization and advanced compression settings.
• Movavi Video Converter: A user-friendly option with a good balance of power and simplicity. Supports a wide variety of formats and devices.
• Wondershare UniConverter: Powerful and all-in-one tool that allows compression, editing, and format conversion.

Detailed Step-by-Step Compression Guide

Let’s now go through the steps required to compress a video using several methods, we will use HandBrake as our primary example for a detailed guide, and explain alternative steps for others:

Using HandBrake (Recommended for Most Users)

1. Download and Install HandBrake: Visit the official HandBrake website (handbrake.fr) and download the version compatible with your operating system. Follow the installation instructions.
2. Open HandBrake: Launch the application once it is installed.
3. Load Your Video: Click the “Open Source” button at the top and choose the video you want to compress. HandBrake will analyze the video and load the information.
4. Choose a Preset (Optional): HandBrake offers several presets for common uses. In the “Presets” menu on the right side, you can find options like “Fast 1080p30”, “Fast 720p30”, or options for specific devices (e.g., “Android”, “Apple”, “Playstation”). These offer preconfigured settings designed for specific output formats and devices, perfect if you want to achieve a standardized size or quality for a specific target. If you are not using a preset you will have to customize all parameters, so choose one if you want a faster configuration process.
5. Configure Output Settings: If you are not using a preset, manually configure the parameters, otherwise skip this step:
   • Format: Under the “Format” section select MP4 to use H.264 codec, or MKV if you want to keep it in another container.
   • Video Tab: Go to the “Video” tab and choose the following:
     • Video Encoder: Select the desired codec, the recommended choice is H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) if you need higher quality for less file size.
     • Quality: Choose an output quality for the compression, Constant Quality (RF) mode is highly recommended, and a value between 20 and 23 is usually enough for almost all videos. If you want to use Bitrate, select Average Bitrate (kbps), and enter a target bitrate, lowering this value will lower the quality and the size of the video file. Note that lower bitrates will need longer conversion times, try with smaller increments before going to drastically lower values.
     • Frame Rate: In the Frame Rate (FPS) field you can use Same as Source to keep original frame rate, or select a lower rate if you do not need high framerate videos.
     • Encoder Preset: Choose a preset (Slow, Medium, Fast). Slower presets will take longer to process, but give higher quality with the same file size, use Medium as starting point, or Faster preset for quicker processing.
   • Dimensions Tab: Go to the Dimensions tab. Here you can configure the resolution.
     • Resolution: You can keep original resolution or resize the video by setting a target width (the height will automatically adjust for aspect ratio). 1920×1080 for Full HD, or 1280×720 for HD are common target resolution.
   • Audio Tab: Go to the Audio tab:
     • Codec: Select the preferred codec (AAC is widely compatible), or keep the same source codec.
     • Bit Rate: You can lower the Bitrate to reduce file size at the cost of slightly lower audio quality. Usually 128 kbps for voice only or 192 kbps for music or complex sounds is sufficient.
6. Choose an Output Location: In the “Save As” section at the bottom, choose the location and file name where you want to save the compressed video.
7. Start Compression: Click the “Start Encode” button at the top to begin the compression process. The time it takes will depend on your video’s length and the settings you chose.
8. Check the Result: Once the process is completed, open the output video and compare quality and size with the original to make sure the compression settings meet your requirements. If not you can repeat the process with different settings.

Using VLC Media Player

1. Open VLC Media Player: Launch the application.
2. Open Media and Convert/Save: Go to the “Media” menu and select “Convert / Save…”.
3. Add Files: Click the “Add…” button, then select the video file you wish to compress.
4. Click Convert/Save: Click the “Convert / Save” button at the bottom.
5. Profile: Select the output format you want from the “Profile” dropdown (e.g., “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)”).
6. Edit Profile: Click the settings icon next to the profile to configure bitrate, resolution, and codec. This allows you to fine-tune the compression further.
7. Output Destination: Choose the destination for the compressed file.
8. Start: Click “Start” to begin the compression process.

Using Online Converters

1. Visit the Website: Open your browser and go to your desired online video compressor (e.g., OnlineConvert, Clipchamp).
2. Upload File: Click the “Upload” or similar button and select your video file from your computer.
3. Configure Settings: Depending on the tool you’re using, you may be able to select the output format (MP4, etc.), target resolution, and bitrate. Usually you will only have limited settings.
4. Compress: Click the “Compress” or “Start” button to begin the compression.
5. Download: Once completed, click the “Download” button to save the compressed video on your computer.

Tips for Effective Video Compression

Here are a few tips to help you get the best results from video compression:

• Start with a Copy: Always work with a copy of your original video to avoid accidentally losing the original high-quality file if the compression settings do not produce the intended results.
• Test with Small Segments: If you have a long video, start by compressing a short segment to test your settings before processing the entire thing. This helps make adjustments quicker.
• Use Appropriate Resolution: Don’t compress a 4K video down to 240p unless you really need it, or intend to share it on platforms where it may not be feasible to stream higher resolutions. Aim for a suitable balance for quality and size. For sharing on social media or messaging apps 720p (HD) or 1080p (Full HD) are recommended values.
• Adjust Bitrate Carefully: Lowering the bitrate will drastically reduce file size, but also reduce quality. Use bitrate reduction progressively, and keep an eye on the final quality. If possible use Constant Quality encoding.
• Choose the Right Codec: For broad compatibility, use H.264 (MP4). Use H.265 (HEVC) for more efficiency but be aware that is not supported by some older devices.
• Balance Quality and Size: The key is to find the right balance of file size and video quality. Experiment with different settings to see what works best for your specific needs.
• Consider Audio: Lowering audio bitrate can also save space and may be needed when targetting very low file sizes, like in the cases of social networks, messaging platforms, or when you are bandwidth limited.

Conclusion

Compressing video files is essential for managing storage space, speeding up uploads, and sharing videos effectively. By understanding the factors that impact file size and utilizing the right tools and techniques, you can reduce the size of your videos without significantly compromising their quality. Whether you choose online converters for quick compressions or dedicated software for more control, with this detailed guide you’ll be well equipped to compress your video files efficiently and effectively. Happy compressing!