How can you compress video files for iPhone, Mac, and more | Blog
In the digital world the digital age, less is more. Sure, creatives and video professionals alike are always looking for bigger pixel counts and more RAW file sizes. The trick everyone wants is to make those big files smaller and more manageable (while still keeping the same high quality).
And how does that happen you might ask? Compression, of course!
Let's look at the mysterious and dark art of compression, and how you can specifically utilize its power to enhance your videos. We'll go over the ways to compress videos on a variety of devices (like iPhone, Android, Mac and PC) as well as explore several of the top video compressors available online.
In this article
- What is video compression?
- Do I have to compress my video in order to share it?
- What is an HTML0 codec and why do I need to understand it?
- What are all the formats of files available?
- Learn from our video tutorial on how to compress a video
- How do you compress video files within iOS and on Macs
- How can I compress video files on Windows 10
- How to compress a video on an Android
- How can you compress online a video
- Do you want to learn more about HTML0?
- More video compression FAQs
What is video compression in the first place?
That's an excellent topic! Like compression itself it is the process of reducing the size of a video clip. This is done by using an algorithm for compression that is specifically designed that reduces the number of bits needed for each frame (or image) included within the video footage.
If done correctly, a good video compressor will reduce the size of the video file to nearly 1,000 times smaller than its original. If done with an improper software, or the wrong manner, video compression can sometimes corrupt a file and make it unusable -- so you want to make sure that you're using the correct software and following the right procedures.
Today, in the modern technology for video production Video compression is frequent and is essential as the vast majority of video files you'll have to handle must be minimized to make workflows possible.
If you record video on your smartphone for example you can be sure that it's compressed immediately and will be compressed even more throughout your transfer, editing, exporting and uploading.
In the end, compression of video allows you to share your files among a multiple sources. In the case of this example recording video by your phone is likely require compression in order to move the file onto cloud storage your computer for editing, or even to another person through email or messaging.
Do I need to compress my video in order to make it available for sharing?
It's a great one. While the answer is probably no, you don't have to compress your video to share it. In the majority of instances, you'll need to compress your videos before sharing it.
If you're not working in professional video production at a high level Uncompressed video can dramatically slow down workflows and make data management nearly impossible when you add in larger and larger uncompressed videos.
What is a codec, and why do I have to understand it?
In the next section, while discussing video compression, it is important to talk about codecs. What are codecs , and what is their significance? Codecs are a particular algorithmic device or software that can compress video (and audio) information. Its name stands for "compressor-decompressor" as it can be used to encode or decode a data stream or signal.
Codecs are a vital component of compression of videos as they are used in the majority of editing and sharing processes, as well as streaming. Although you may not be familiar with codecs, you're actually most probably employing them regularly but you don't realize they exist. The majority of operating systems and computers come preloaded with the majority of the codecs that are required to play and managing various kinds of video files.
What's the difference between lossy and lossless codes?
A different aspect to take into consideration in evaluating video compression is the difference between lossy and lossless codescs. Take a brief glance at what the two terms mean and what you need to consider for your compression needs.
Lossy these are small files in general and are suitable for all types of digital delivery and transfer. Lossy files are compressed using a method which is meant to be imperceptible to human eyes, which means that they are a great option for any video being streamed online. But they aren't ideal and may not be the best choice for those who want to perform any more advanced editing, effects or color grading.
Lossless These are bigger file sizes, but they are still compressible which is beneficial in speeding the transfer process and distribution. However, unlike Lossy, these files are compressed following an approach that is designed to preserve all the original data. This obviously increases the files size and results in delay in playback. However, it also gives more details to those who want to use raw data.
What are all the kinds of files that are available?
We'll now look over some of the various formats of file that you may encounter when working with video compression. It is important to know the distinctions when making your decisions as to how you want to compress your videos and when and how they might be used.
- MP4 is one of the most popular video file format types. MP4 is the abbreviation for MPEG-4 Part 14 and is the standard format used by every Apple device. It's also quite popular for video and audio generally and can be an excellent choice for uploading videos to various social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
- AVI Another popular video file format type. AVI stands for Audio Video Interleave and is the preferred format for any Windows device. It's compatible with the vast majority of operating platforms (Windows, iOS and Linux) along with the majority of the top web browsers as well as social media platforms. AVI is among the higher quality formats for video, but can also be more large in terms of file size.
- FLV: a less-common but popular Flash video format. FLV is the preferred format used in Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR for decompressing and compressing audio and video streams online. There are two primary FLV formats: F4V along with H.264. It is important to know that FLV is not compatible with Mac devices.
- MOV is one of the top video formats available for the web and TV. MOV (also known as QuickTime Movie) is one of the file types that are larger that is ideal for high-quality video or audio as well as other file type playback. MOV is designed for QuickTime on Windows however it also supports all social platforms, as well as streaming.
- WMV Another larger, but quality format for video files. WMV stands for Windows Media Viewer and is obviously made for Windows devices. WMV is comparable to MOV with regard to file size with similar high-quality playback. Mac devices are able to play WMV movies, but they can't play them using Windows Media Player.
Learn from our tutorial video on how to compress videos.
Learn by watching? Watch this instructional video, or look up these step-by-step instructions that follow.
How to compress video files in iOS and on Macs
We'll now look at a few of the tools that are that are available on your computer, smartphone or your preferred video sharing, hosting and platform for services.
These are the steps to take when compressing your video with QuickTime using your Mac:
- Start QuickTime on your Mac
- Select and play your video
- Navigate through File > Export As > Choose
- Choose the format of file you'd prefer for your video
- Choose your output file name and location
- Hit the Save button
A quick trick for working with video compressed on your iPhone is to go into your settings, go to Camera, navigate to"Record Video" and then "Record Video" section and pick a smaller resolution.
How do I reduce a video in Windows 10
For compressing a video on a Windows PC or laptop, using the built-in Windows Video Editor is a excellent alternative. These are the steps you'll have to follow:
- Open Video Editor
- Make a video-related project on a brand new card
- Include the video file you'd like to compress.
- Hit the "Finish Video" button.
- Choose the format you'd prefer for your video
- Hit Export
How do you compress a video on an Android
As we did with the process of creating video files that are smaller for your iPhone it is possible to follow a similar process with your Android devices too. All you need to do is follow these steps:
- Open your Android Device
- Click on"Application Menu "Application Menu"
- Click on the camera icon
- Click"Resolution." Click on the "Resolution" icon
- Select your preferred recording format
How do you compress online a video
With the other options mentioned above, you also have many compression applications and platforms to choose from online. Here are the steps you should follow to use FreeConvert.com:
- Go to freeconvert.com/video-compressor
- You can upload your video (up to 1GB unless you would like to sign up for an account)
- Choose your Video Codec as well as the compression method and target Size
- Now Click Compress!
There are a lot of other free video compression services accessible on the internet. Other examples are:
Are you ready to continue learning?
Hopefully these definitions, insights and resources have helped you gain a solid knowledge of the fundamentals regarding video compression. It's likely that you've been working with different file formats and codecs your whole life at this point, but you've never realized.
Additionally, there are many options for video compression to think about here at . The information we've provided is only a few of the fundamentals it's a good idea to find out more about video compression and how it functions when you upload, render and playbacks, make sure to read our full videos and sound compression guideline.
Should you want to continue expanding your knowledge and honing your skills in video, here are some excellent articles worth checking out on the Blog:
More video compression FAQs
What can I do to reduce the size of the files of the video?
It is possible to reduce the size of a video through a myriad of means such as using video editing software or an online converter, or by making changes to your camera's settings. How can I compress a video with a huge size?
You can compress a large video through opening it up in a video editing software or playback program then exporting it to a smaller file type. Do you have the ability to make a video compressable using your smartphone?
You will be required to upload your video file to an online converter or use an application for editing videos. What can I do to make a video compressable ?
The video can be compressed from by simply choosing the "download file" option. Then, select the file format and size which you prefer.