How to Compress a Video | 5 Easy Ways Without Losing Quality

Learn how to compress a video on iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows devices. Discover 5 effective ways to reduce video size without compromising quality.

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In the past, sharing a video was like giving someone a cassette tape or sending it through the mail. Today, it’s easier to record and share videos, but dealing with large file sizes can still be a problem. High-quality videos often have big file sizes, which makes them hard to upload, share, or play smoothly.

Knowing how to compress video files without losing quality is important nowadays. This skill helps with storing videos, uploading them faster, and sharing them more easily.

In this article, we’ll look at different ways to compress video files and provide simple, step-by-step instructions for various devices, like Macs, Windows PCs, iPhones, and Androids. By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your videos looking good while making their file sizes smaller.

What Is Video Compression?

Video compression is an important process for managing digital videos. When dealing with large video files, like high-definition videos, their big size can make it hard to store and share them. For example, a 60-minute standard-definition video can be as large as 70GB, so compression is needed. By re-encoding the video, compression reduces the number of bits needed to store the file, thus decreasing its size. This process involves keeping only the essential images and data, making the file more manageable.

The tools used for video compression, known as codecs, are crucial in this process. Popular codecs like H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) are designed to compress video files while keeping good quality. The choice of codec can greatly impact the balance between file size and quality. Compression techniques can be lossless, retaining all original data, or lossy, which reduces file size by discarding some data, potentially affecting quality. However, advanced algorithms ensure that quality loss is minimal and often unnoticeable.

In summary, video compression is about reducing file size without compromising quality, making it easier to store and share videos.

How Do I Compress Video Without Losing Quality?

Compressing a video without losing quality involves using techniques that preserve the original resolution, frame rate, and clarity. The key is to find a balance between reducing file size and maintaining visual and audio integrity. Here are some general tips to achieve this:

High-quality videos have more data, which contributes to crystal-clear footage — but slower upload and transmission times. By definition, reducing file size through video compression with a Video Compressor will result in the loss of some information from the file. However, with the right techniques, this loss can be minimized to the point where it’s virtually undetectable.

There are two types of compression: lossy and lossless.

1. Lossy Compression:

• Description: Permanently removes data from the file to make it smaller. This method reduces file size significantly but may affect quality.
• Example: A JPEG image format is a common example of lossy compression.
• Usage in Video: Using codecs like H.264 or HEVC (H.265), which offer high compression efficiency while retaining good quality.

1. Lossless Compression:

• Description: Keeps the picture quality the same by not losing any data. The compressed file can be decompressed back to its original size and quality.
• Example: A PNG image format is a common example of lossless compression.
• Usage in Video: Using tools and codecs that offer lossless compression, though the file size reduction may not be as significant as lossy methods.

If compression is done incorrectly, the video quality might get worse or the file could become damaged. But if you use the right tools and methods, you can compress videos without noticing any change in quality.

5 Simple Ways to Compress a Video

We will explain step-by-step how to compress a video on different devices. But first, here are some quick and simple ways to compress a video.

Depending on what you need, one of these options might work. If not, you can try a mix of methods or check out the tools in the next section for specific devices.

1. How to Compress a Video File into a ZIP File

Compressing a video file into a ZIP file is an easy way to reduce its size without affecting quality. This method is useful for storing or sharing large video files, especially via email where size limits are a concern.

Steps:

1. Locate the video file on your computer.

2. Right-click on the file:

• On a Mac: Select “Compress [file name]” from the menu.
• On a Windows PC: Select “Send to” > “Compressed (zipped) folder”.

3. Wait for the compression to complete. The ZIP file will be created in the same location as the original video.

Using a ZIP file compresses the entire video for easier storage or transfer. Note that the recipient will need to extract the ZIP file to view the video. This method is ideal for attaching large videos to emails, keeping them within size limits.

2. How to Compress a Video by Trimming It

Trimming your video by removing unnecessary parts can significantly reduce file size. This method is straightforward and can be done with basic video editing tools.

Steps:

1. Open a video editing app like iMovie, QuickTime (Mac), or Video Editor (Windows).
2. Import the video into the app.
3. Trim the unwanted sections using the trimming tool.
4. Export the edited video with the same resolution and quality settings.

Recommended Tools:

• iMovie and QuickTime for Mac: User-friendly and efficient for trimming videos.
• Video Editor for Windows: Easy-to-use built-in tool for Windows users.

Trimming is a quick way to reduce file size without losing quality, ideal for removing unnecessary footage.

3. How to Compress a Video by Changing the Resolution

Lowering the resolution of a video can greatly reduce its file size. This is ideal when high resolution is not necessary for your needs.

Steps:

1. Open your video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie).
2. Import the video file into the project timeline.
3. Go to the export settings and select a lower resolution (e.g., 1080p or 720p). If you don’t need 4K quality, reducing to 1080p or lower can significantly reduce file size.
4. Adjust other settings if needed, such as bitrate, to further compress the video.
5. Export the video. The software will render the video in the new resolution, resulting in a smaller file size.

Benefits:

• Easier storage: Lower resolution videos take up less space.
• Faster uploads: Smaller files upload quicker to platforms.
• Better compatibility: Lower resolutions work better on various devices.

For example, if you’re not viewing on a 4K screen, switch to 1080p. This change maintains good quality while making the file more manageable. Many tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and iMovie make it easy to adjust resolution during export.

4. How to Compress a Video by Changing the File Type

Different video formats have varying levels of efficiency. Converting your video to a more efficient format can reduce its size without significant quality loss. For example, an MP4 file typically takes up less space than an AVI or MOV file.

MP4 is a lossy format, meaning some quality is sacrificed for smaller file size, while AVI and MOV are lossless formats. Ensure that the compressed MP4 file still looks good on your device.

Steps:

1. Open video editing software or an online converter.
2. Import the video file.
3. Choose a more efficient format, like MP4 with H.264 codec.
4. Convert and save the video in the new format.

Switching to a more efficient format like MP4 can significantly reduce file size. Always verify that the final video maintains acceptable quality and is compatible with your playback devices.

5. How to Reduce the File Size of a Video with an Online Video Compressor

Online video compressors offer a quick and easy way to reduce video file size directly from your browser. Here’s how to do it:

Steps:

1. Choose an online compressor:

• Simplified Video Compressor
• Riverside
• Clideo
• FreeConvert

1. Upload your video file: Follow the website’s instructions to upload your video.
2. Adjust compression settings: Select your desired resolution, bitrate, and format.
3. Download the compressed video: Save the smaller file to your device.

Benefits:

• User-Friendly: Easy to use with no technical skills needed.
• Accessible: Available on any device with a browser.
• No Installation Required: Saves device storage space.

Considerations:

• Limited Control: Fewer customization options than dedicated software.
• Privacy Concerns: Be cautious with sensitive content.
• File Size Limits: Free tools often have upload size limits.

Online compressors are perfect for quick, on-the-go compression needs, balancing convenience and functionality.

How to Compress a Video on Different Devices

Let’s talk about some common ways to make videos smaller, no matter if you use a Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, or Android.

1. How to Compress a Video on a Mac

There are many video editing tools for Mac devices, from simple ones to professional-grade options. One of the easiest video compression tools for Mac is iMovie. It comes pre-installed on most Mac devices and is user-friendly.

Here’s how to compress a video using iMovie. The steps might be a little different depending on the version you have, but this is the general process:

• Open iMovie and import your video by selecting “File > Import Media”.
• After you finish editing your video, go to “File > Share > File”. You can then change the resolution, quality, and compression options.
• Export the video and save it as a new file.

2. How to Compress a Video on a Windows PC

There are a lot of software tools you can use to make videos smaller on Windows, but the Video Editor app that comes with Windows 10 and 11 is a really good choice.

Note: If you have an older version of Windows, this software used to be called Windows Movie Maker.

Here’s how you can make your video smaller using the Video Editor app:

1. After you’ve added your video to the app, look for “Finish Video” or “Export” (it depends on which version you have) in the top left corner.
2. Choose the option that says how much you want to compress the video.
3. Export and save your new video file.

3. How to Compress Video on an iPhone or Android

Both iPhones and Android phones have some challenges when dealing with video files. Since mobile devices have limited storage space, videos can use up a lot of room. Plus, neither iPhones nor Androids come with built-in ways to make videos smaller. But there’s good news! You can find plenty of apps in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store that can help shrink your videos down.

Highly-Rated Video Compression Apps for iPhone:

• Video Compress
• Compress Videos and Resize
• Video Compressor & Editor

Highly-Rated Video Compression Apps for Android:

• Video Compress
• VidCompact
• Video Transcoder

These apps have different features that let you change how big your files are, how clear they look, what type of file they are, and more. Each app works in a similar way to iMovie and Windows Video Editor when you want to shrink and send out video files.

Most camera apps also let you pick how clear your videos are when you record them on your phone. Remember this if you’re using an iPhone or Android. If you make sure your video isn’t clearer than you really need, it’ll start off smaller and easier to deal with.

By using these apps and methods, you can shrink videos on your phone, save space, and make it easier to share your videos with others.

Video Compression FAQs

1. How do I compress a video for email?

If you want to send a video through email, one easy way is to make the video file smaller by putting it into a ZIP folder.

On a Mac computer, you can do this by right-clicking on the video file and choosing ‘Compress [file name].’ If you’re using a Windows PC, right-click on the file and select ‘Send to’ > ‘Compressed (zip) folder.

2. How do I reduce the MB and GB of a video?

Megabytes (MB) and Gigabytes (GB) measure how big a file is, like videos. Video compression helps make these files smaller. You can do this by:

1. Putting it in a ZIP file
2. Cutting the video shorter
3. Changing how clear it looks
4. Switching its type
5. Using special software for compressing videos

3. What is the best format to compress a video in?

Some file formats like MOV or AVI offer very high quality but take up a lot of space. MP4 files are smaller yet still provide good quality, suitable for most videos.

If you don’t need a specific format for compatibility or extremely high quality, starting with MP4 is a good idea.

Conclusion

Video compression is an essential skill for managing large video files efficiently. By understanding and utilizing the methods outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce video file sizes without compromising quality. Whether you’re a content creator, marketer, or casual user, these techniques will help you store, share, and enjoy your videos more effectively.