How to compress a video without losing quality

Compressing a video means storing the same picture with less data per second. With the right settings the difference is barely visible on a phone screen, and the file gets several times smaller.

Step by step

1. Open Video Compressor and choose the file (MP4, MOV or WebM, up to 2 GB).
2. Pick the compression: Light keeps more detail, Balanced fits almost everything and Smallest saves the most space.
3. Need to fit a limit? Use Max size and type the MB, or tap a shortcut (16 MB WhatsApp, 10 MB Discord, 25 MB email).
4. Optionally lower the resolution to 1080p, 720p or 480p and remove the audio.
5. Tap Compress, watch the result and download it.

What makes a video heavy

File size is the data rate (bitrate) times the duration. Phone videos are usually recorded at a very high bitrate, meant for editing rather than sending. Lowering the bitrate is what shrinks the file most.

Resolution sets how many pixels each frame has to describe. 720p has less than half the pixels of 1080p, so it looks good with far less data. For watching on a phone, 720p is usually enough.

Audio is light compared to the picture: about 0.7 MB per minute. Removing it only helps for short videos with a tight limit.

Tips

• With a max size, the estimate tells you upfront whether the limit is possible. If the video is too long for the MB you asked for, lower the resolution or trim the video first.
• Compressing an already compressed video rarely helps. If the result isn't smaller, the tool tells you and you keep the original.
• Keep your original video. Every compression throws away detail that doesn't come back.