When it comes to video files, bigger is not always better. In fact, large video files can often cause a real headache for those who work with them. Whether you’re a professional videographer or just someone trying to share a video with friends and family, dealing with big video files can be a real challenge.
Compression Tricks to Follow
Let’s look at the tips and tricks for compressing your videos and significantly reducing their size. Whether you are on Mar, Windows, Android, or iOS, these small secrets will come in handy.
Pick the Right Compression Tool
Choosing the best free video compressor can make all the difference. There are a variety of compression tools available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. To select the best tool for your needs, there are several factors to consider:
- The type of files you will be compressing;
- The level of compression you require;
- Source and target video file formats (you can use a video converter to change the format if necessary);
- Ease of use;
- The cost of the compression tool.
Instead of picking a random program, choose a compression tool that meets your specific needs and helps you optimize your file storage and sharing capabilities.
Adjust Compression Settings Wisely
There are a few key settings that can greatly impact the quality and size of the final video:
- Bitrate — A higher bitrate results in better quality but a larger file size. Constant Quality mode automatically adjusts the bitrate to maintain a consistent quality level
- Resolution — Lowering the resolution (e.g. from 1080p to 720p) reduces file size but also quality. Choose a resolution that balances your needs.
- Frame rate — Reducing the frame rate (e.g. from 30fps to 24fps) can lower file size but may cause choppiness. Maintain the original frame rate when possible.
Use the Right Codec
The codec you choose will impact the quality of your video, as well as its file size and compatibility with different devices and platforms:
- H.264 is currently the most common and efficient video codec for web streaming and sharing. It provides a good balance of compression and quality.
- VP9 and AV1 are newer codecs that offer better compression efficiency than H.264, resulting in smaller file sizes at the same quality level.
Choosing the right codec for your video content is essential for ensuring that it looks and sounds its best.
Choose the Appropriate Compression Level
It’s important to choose the appropriate compression level to ensure that the video retains its quality.
- Avoid over-compressing, which can lead to noticeable quality loss, lags, and pixelation.
- For video sharing on platforms like YouTube, use a medium compression level to balance file size and acceptable quality.
- For professional video editing, use lossless compression or very light lossy compression to preserve quality.
Consider the platform where the video will be uploaded and the purpose of the video before deciding on the compression level.
Let’s Wrap up
When it comes to sharing content online, videos are king, with an average person spending around 100 minutes per day watching videos online. They can be compressed like superpowers. It’s not only about shrinking them; it’s also about improving their functionality. Now, you know how to optimize your videos without sacrificing quality and get the best out of your multimedia content.
