Why compress videos and how to do this compression? Reducing file size makes it easy to share, store, stream, and edit videos. Just choose a video compressor, upload the target video, adjust the compression level, and start the compression process.

Video compression refers to reducing the size of video files while maintaining the basic visual quality of the video. This technology can achieve efficient storage, transmission, and playback on various devices and streaming platforms.

How to Compress a Video

Are there any methods that beginners can easily master? Below are 2 handy options.

  1. Use MiniTool Video Converter
  2. Use YouCompress

How to apply these 2 methods? Below is a common and detailed compression guide.

Fast Steps:

  • Choose one of the compressors
  • Upload a video
  • Adjust the compression level
  • Begin compressing
  • Check the result

Method 1: Use MiniTool Video Converter

MiniTool Video Converter is an all-in-one video toolbox for Windows. It includes an excellent video compressor that can help you compress videos to the size you want. Moreover, this free video compressor has no limit on the number of videos. It supports batch compression of up to 5 video files, improving your efficiency. If you want to condense a video file size, just follow the steps below to compress a video for free with MiniTool Video Converter:

1. Download and Install MiniTool Video Converter

Install the latest version of MiniTool Video Converter on your desktop. You can click the download button below and follow the on-screen instructions to install it quickly. Then, launch this application.

MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

2. Upload the Target Video

Select the Compress Video tab on the left menu. Then, click Add Files, select one or more files you want to compress in the Import Media window, and click Open.

3. Customize the Compression Percentage

Click the gear icon on a video file to open the Compression Settings window. Then, drag the red dot on the slider to adjust the video compression percentage. If you have a specific size you want to compress to, you can adjust the compression percentage based on the Estimated file size above the slider.

MiniTool Video Converter Compression Settings window showing how to set the compression level in the Compress Video tab.

After adjusting the video compression percentage, expand the Format option to select an export format (MP4, WEBM, or MKV). Then, you can click the Preview button to view 10 seconds of the compressed video and check the quality. Finally, click the OK button to save your changes.

MiniTool Video Converter Compression Settings window showing how to set the output format in the Compress Video tab.

4. Start the Compression

Click the Compress button to start compressing the video.

5. Check the Compressed Video

After the video is compressed, the interface will automatically jump to the Completed tab. You can click the play icon to play the compressed video directly. You can also click the folder icon to navigate to the location where the compressed video is saved.

This video compressor supports importing multiple mainstream video formats, such as MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, etc. In addition, the compressed videos will not have watermarks.

Method 2: Use YouCompress

YouCompress is an online video compressor that supports compressing MP4, MOV, and MP3 files online for free. This online tool has no limit on the number of compressed files. You can compress as many files as you want. Moreover, the compressed video will not have a watermark. You just need to select the file and upload it, and YouCompress will use the best parameters to reduce the file size. Now, you can follow these steps to compress video for free with YouCompress:

1. Go to YouCompress’s Compression Interface

Choose any browser on your computer and visit www.youcompress.com.

2. Add Your Video and Compress It

Without logging in, just click the Select file button to upload the file you want to compress. When the title of the video appears in the blank text box, click the Upload File & Compress button to start compressing.

YouCompress interface with the Select file option and the Upload File & Compress option selected.

3. Download the Compressed Video

After the video is compressed, a link will show the size comparison of the file before and after compression. Click the link to download the compressed video to your computer.

All uploaded and compressed files will be automatically deleted from YouCompress’s servers after a few hours. So, you must download the compressed file in time, otherwise the compressed video will disappear.

How to compress a video without losing quality? MiniTool Video Converter and YouCompress can help! Use it to compress your video files to your desired size, without a watermark, and for free!Click to Tweet

Why You Need to Compress Videos?

Video compression reduces file size, making videos easier to store, share, and stream. Here are some situations where you might want to compress your video:

  • Sharing video files: There are limits on the size of files that can be shared via email or some instant messaging apps. Compressing videos makes it easier to share files.
  • Storing files: By reducing video size, you can save storage space on your computer, phone, or cloud storage like Google Drive.
  • Streaming videos: Compressing videos makes them easier to share on streaming platforms and reduces buffering. Without compression, some online platforms and devices cannot handle large video files.
  • Editing videos: Editing high-resolution videos can be resource-intensive. Compressing videos can make the editing process smoother.

Factors that Affect Video Size

Many factors affect the size of video files, among which the most influential are video length, frame rate, resolution, and bitrate. In addition, the audio bitrate also affects the size of the video. Below, I will explain these factors one by one:

  • Resolution: A video’s resolution determines the number of pixels in each frame. A higher resolution results in a larger file size.
  • Frame Rate: Frames represent the number of individual static images displayed on the screen per second. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video and the larger the file size.
  • Bitrate: Bitrate refers to the amount of data used to encode the video per unit time. A higher bitrate results in better video quality and a larger file size.
  • Length: The longer the video, the more data it contains and the larger the file size.
  • Audio Bitrate: The audio bitrate indicates the amount of data contained in one second of audio. A higher audio bitrate means better sound quality, but a larger video file size.

Final Words

This article shows how to compress videos with 2 reliable video compressors, including the offline MiniTool Video Converter and the online YouCompress. It also explains why to compress a video with 4 reasons.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems while using MiniTool Video Converter, please email MiniTool at support@minitool.com.

People Also Ask

Will video compression permanently damage my original video?
Usually not. Some compression tools generate a new output file after compression. The source video is unaffected.
Can compression remove unwanted parts of a video clip?
No. Video compression can only reduce the amount of data. It cannot cut, trim, or delete any part of a video clip.
Why is my compressed video file still so large?
The reasons are varied. It’s likely because you're maintaining high resolution, high frame rate, high bitrate, or using an inefficient codec. Consider lowering these parameters appropriately.
Can I compress the same video multiple times?
It’s not recommended. Multiple compressions mean re-encoding the video multiple times, which will continuously degrade image quality.
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