How to compress a video
- Click the yellow area and pick the video, or drag the file onto the page.
- Choose the compression level. Recommended works for almost everything.
- If the video has to fit a limit (email, a form, a course platform), choose Target size and type the MB, or tap one of the preset values.
- Click Compress video. The bar shows the progress and how much time is left. When it’s done, the download starts on its own and you can watch the result on the page.
For an even smaller file, choose a lower resolution or tick Remove the sound (handy for screen recordings and demos without narration).
The levels
| Level | Resolution | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Up to 1080p (Full HD) | Keeping great quality while using less space |
| Recommended | 720p (HD) | WhatsApp, email, Google Drive, application sites |
| Strong | 480p | Very tight limits, watching on a phone |
| Target size | Adjusts automatically | When the site says “X MB maximum” |
One minute of 4K phone video is usually 300 to 400 MB. With Recommended, the same minute ends up around 15 to 20 MB, and on a phone you can barely tell the difference.
Why phone videos are so heavy
Phones record at high resolution (1080p or 4K), at 30 or 60 frames per second, with a generous bitrate meant for editing later. To watch on a phone or laptop screen, much of that information is more than you need.
Compression re-encodes the video frame by frame as MP4 (H.264), which plays on every device, browser, TV and social network. It lowers the resolution when it makes sense, caps the frame rate at 30 (except at Light) and picks a bitrate that keeps the picture clean. The sound becomes AAC, the MP4 standard.
What it’s for
- Sending a video by email, which usually limits attachments to 20 or 25 MB.
- Submitting assignments, video applications and practical exams on school, university and job sites with size limits.
- Sending on WhatsApp faster and using less data.
- Freeing up space on your phone or in the cloud without deleting your recordings.
- Uploading product videos to online stores and marketplaces with upload limits.
To turn just a short part into an animation, use video to GIF. To keep only the sound, use extract audio from video.
Your video never leaves your device
Typical compression sites ask you to upload the whole video, which takes ages with big files and exposes personal recordings. Here, your browser does all the work using your own computer’s or phone’s video encoder, usually with graphics-card acceleration. Nothing is uploaded, and there’s no sign-up, queue or watermark.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
It depends on your device and the resolution. On an ordinary computer, Recommended is usually faster than real time: a 5-minute video is ready in 1 to 3 minutes. Keep the tab open while it compresses.
Why did my video barely shrink?
Because it was already compressed (videos downloaded from the internet or already sent through WhatsApp usually are). Try Strong or a lower resolution.
Is the target size guaranteed?
It lands very close to the size you ask for, usually a little under. Videos with lots of motion may go slightly over; in that case, ask for a slightly smaller number.
Does it work with iPhone videos (MOV, HEVC)?
Yes, in an up-to-date Safari or Chrome. The result is an MP4 with H.264, which opens everywhere, including on Windows and Android.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes, but long videos take longer and use battery. For videos over 10 minutes, a computer is the better choice.