10 Tips for Shrinking Your Video File Size

Are you looking to free up some space on your computer or mobile device? One way to do that is by reducing the size of video files. Large video files can take up a lot of storage space, making it harder to store other files or to run your device smoothly. It can also be difficult to share videos with others if they are too large. Luckily, there are several techniques you can use to make your video files smaller without sacrificing the quality of your footage.

If you’re wondering how to make a video file smaller, there are a few different approaches you can try. Some methods involve editing the video itself, while others rely on compressing the file size through various software tools. Depending on your reasons for reducing the file size, you can experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you. Whether you’re looking to save space or make it easier to share videos, read on to learn some helpful tips for decreasing video file size.

1. Compress Your Video Using Video Editing Software

Video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro have built-in compression tools that can reduce the size of your video without compromising its quality. You can simply import your video into the software, select the compression settings, and export your video in a smaller size. However, keep in mind that compression can reduce the quality of your video, so experiment with different settings to find the right balance between size and quality.

2. Trim Your Video

One of the easiest ways to reduce the size of your video is to simply trim it. Editing out unnecessary parts can significantly reduce the file size of your video. You can do this using any video editing software or even online video editors like Kapwing or Clideo. Keep in mind that trimming your video may affect the overall story or message you want to convey, so be sure to keep the important parts intact.

3. Change the Video Resolution and Bitrate

The resolution and bitrate of your video can significantly affect its size. If you’re not concerned with the video’s quality, lowering the resolution or bitrate can reduce its file size. For example, if your video is in 1080p, reducing it to 720p or 480p can make a significant difference in file size. The same goes for lowering the bitrate – the lower the bitrate, the smaller the file size.

4. Use Video Compression Tools

There are many online tools available to compress your video files. Some popular ones include HandBrake, Any Video Converter, and VLC. These tools allow you to adjust the compression settings and preview the output, so you can find the right balance between size and quality. However, keep in mind that these tools may take longer to compress your video compared to video editing software.

5. Reduce the Frame Rate

If you don’t need your video to be in a high frame rate, reducing the frame rate can significantly reduce its file size. For example, reducing a 60fps video to 30fps can result in a smaller file size. However, keep in mind that reducing the frame rate can also affect the overall quality of your video, so use this with caution.

6. Use the Right Video Codec

The codec you use for your video can also affect its file size. Codecs like H.264 and HEVC are known for their ability to compress video files without sacrificing their quality. On the other hand, codecs like AVI and WMV tend to produce larger files. Be sure to choose the right codec when exporting your video.

7. Convert Your Video to a Different Format

Converting your video to a different format can also reduce its file size. For example, converting an MOV file to an MP4 can sometimes result in a smaller file size. However, keep in mind that not all file formats support all video and audio codecs, so be sure to choose a format that works for your video.

8. Use Cloud-Based Video Compression Services

If you have a large video file that you need to compress quickly, using cloud-based video compression services like CloudConvert or OnlineConvert can be a great option. These services allow you to upload your video file and compress it without the need for any software installation. However, keep in mind that some of these services may charge for their services and may not provide the same level of customization as video editing software.

9. Delete Unnecessary Audio Tracks

If your video has multiple audio tracks, deleting the unnecessary ones can significantly reduce its file size. For example, if you have both a commentary track and a music track, deleting the commentary track can make a significant difference in file size.

10. Use External Storage

If all else fails, storing your video files on external storage devices like hard drives or USB drives can be a good option. These devices can store large files and allow you to keep your computer’s storage space free. However, keep in mind that external storage devices may not be as accessible as your computer’s storage, and you may need to carry them around with you.

10 Ways to Make Your Video File Smaller Without Losing Quality

If you’ve ever had to send a video file to someone, you’ve probably come across issues with the file size being too large. Large files are difficult to send via email or upload to social media platforms without running into issues. Fortunately, there are many ways to make the video file smaller without losing quality. In this article, we’ll take you through 10 ways to make your video file smaller without sacrificing quality.

1. Trim Your Video

One easy way to reduce the size of your video file is to trim it. By removing unnecessary footage from your video, you’re getting rid of data that would typically make the file size larger. Many video editing software tools offer this option, and it can drastically decrease the size of your video file.

2. Decrease the Frame Rate

The higher the frame rate, the larger the video file. Lowering your video’s frame rate can make a significant impact on its size. For example, dropping it from 60 frames per second to 30 frames per second can make a noticeable difference in file size without affecting the quality of the video too much.

3. Reduce the Video Resolution

Another way to make your video file smaller is by reducing its resolution. If you’re not planning on playing your video on a large screen, you might not need to keep the high resolution. Lowering the resolution to 720p or 480p can decrease the file size without sacrificing much of the quality.

4. Use a Video Compressor

There are many video compressor tools available that can help reduce the file size of your video without sacrificing quality. They use compression algorithms to decrease the video data, making the file smaller. Some popular tools include Adobe Media Encoder, Handbrake, and MPEG Streamclip.

5. Use HEVC Codec

HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Compression) is a video codec that compresses video data more efficiently than its predecessors. It’s an excellent option for reducing the file size of your video without sacrificing too much quality. Many modern devices support HEVC, including Apple devices, Android devices, and some cameras.

6. Use Cloud Storage

If you’re struggling to send a large video file via email, consider uploading it to a cloud storage service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive. These platforms allow you to upload large files and send a link to the recipient to download the file directly. It can save you a lot of space and make the transfer more manageable.

7. Optimize Audio Settings

When exporting your video file, you can optimize the audio settings to reduce the file size. Reducing the bit rate or using a compressed audio format like AAC can make the file smaller without affecting the quality too much.

8. Utilize Editing Software’s Save for Web Option

Many video editing software tools have a “Save for Web” option. This option optimizes the video file for the web, reducing its size without sacrificing quality. It’s an excellent option if you’re planning to upload your video to social media or a website.

9. Try a Proxy Workflow

A proxy workflow involves creating a lower-resolution version of your video for editing purposes. This allows you to work on the video with a smaller file size, then switch back to the high-resolution version when you’re ready to export the final video. It can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth considering if you’re working with large video files regularly.

10. Cut Your Video into Smaller Parts

If you have a long video file, consider cutting it into smaller parts. Splitting the video into shorter chunks can make it easier to upload or share, and it can also reduce the file size. Additionally, it can give you more control over which parts of the video you want to share or keep.

In conclusion, there are many ways to make your video file smaller without losing quality. By applying the above tips and tricks, you should be able to send and upload your video files with ease. Remember to experiment and see which method works best for your needs.

Compression Software

When looking for ways to reduce video file size, there are a variety of compression software available to use. Some are free, like Handbrake, while others require a purchase or subscription, like Adobe Premiere Pro. Here are some popular options to consider:

When using compression software, it’s important to keep in mind that the smaller the file size, the lower the video quality. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a balance between file size and quality that works for your needs.

Handbrake:

If you’re looking for a free and easy-to-use option, Handbrake is a good choice. It’s open-source software that’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. While it doesn’t have as many advanced features as paid software, it still offers a range of options for reducing file sizes. You can choose from pre-set options like “Fast 1080p30” or “Super HQ 1080p30 Surround,” or customize your own settings. Handbrake also provides a preview window so you can see how the changes will affect the video.

Adobe Premiere Pro:

For professional-grade software with a wide range of advanced features, Adobe Premiere Pro is a popular choice. It’s a subscription-based service, meaning you’ll need to pay a monthly fee to use it. However, it offers a variety of tools to compress video files while maintaining high quality. You can adjust the bitrate, frame rate, and resolution to achieve the desired file size. Additionally, Premiere Pro has a range of editing features that Handbrake and other free software don’t offer, making it a good option for those working on more complex video projects.

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe:

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is a paid software that offers fast conversion speeds and support for a variety of file formats. It doesn’t offer as many editing features as Premiere Pro, but it still provides enough options to compress video files effectively. You can customize the resolution, bitrate, and frame rate to achieve the desired file size. Additionally, WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe offers options to trim the video or adjust the volume.

Other Options:

While these are three popular options for compressing video files, there are a variety of other software available as well. Some other options to consider include Movavi Video Converter, Any Video Converter, and iMovie (for Mac users). When selecting a program, be sure to read reviews and compare features to find the one that best fits your needs.

That’s a wrap!

Making video files smaller is a great way to save space and speed up those uploads. We hope that our tips have helped you out and that you can start putting them into action. Don’t forget to thank us later! If you need any more tech- or video-related advice, feel free to come back and visit us again. Until then, happy creating!