Guide1 min readUpdated August 11, 2026
How to compress a video
Short answer
To compress a video, lower its bitrate, drop the resolution if you do not need it, use an efficient codec, and trim unused parts. Each step cuts file size; the biggest wins are usually bitrate and resolution.
What actually shrinks a video
A video's size is driven mostly by its bitrate (data per second) and resolution (pixels per frame), then by the codec and length. You rarely need to touch all four — pick the ones that matter for how the video will be watched.
Steps
- Trim to what you needLength scales size directly. Cutting dead air at the start and end is the easiest win before compressing anything.
- Match the resolution to the screen1080p is plenty for most sharing; 720p is fine for messaging and previews. Downscaling a 4K clip to 1080p can cut size dramatically.
- Lower the bitrate / pick a quality levelBitrate is the biggest lever. Step the quality down until the file is small enough but still looks acceptable for its purpose.
- Use an efficient codec if support allowsH.264 plays everywhere; H.265, VP9, or AV1 make smaller files when your playback target supports them.
Compress from the best sourceRe-compressing an already-compressed clip loses more quality. Start from the highest-quality original you have, and compress once.
Try it: Video CompressorPick a quality target and export a smaller MP4 locally in your browser.Open tool
Related edits that reduce size
- Remove the audio track if the video does not need sound
- Cut the clip to the section you actually use
- Resize down when the full resolution is not needed