How to Use a Video Compressor to Reduce File Size Without Ruining Quality

It only takes seconds to record a video in 4K, but uploading it might take much longer. When a file is too big, it uses storage space, has a limit on attachments, and can cause a headache in sharing footage. A video compressor can reduce file size without making every clip look noticeably worse. If you’re looking to compress videos online without having to install any software, Clideo is the option for you.

The trick is knowing what to adjust, what to leave alone, and how to check the result before sharing it. If the details that make the footage worth watching disappear in the compression process, then the smaller file is no longer useful.

What actually determines a video’s file size?

There are three points that are important to note in particular: the resolution, the frame rate, and the bitrate.

1. Resolution refers to how many pixels are in each frame. High resolution videos like 4K have much more pixels than 1080p videos and do typically need more data at the same encoding parameters. But resolution is not the only factor in determining a final file size.
2. A frame rate is the number of frames that are displayed per second. Footage taken at 60 frames per second will record more frames than footage taken at 30 frames per second. This can increase file size, depending on the encoding settings.
3. Bitrate is the amount of data that is assigned to every second of video. Higher bitrates generally preserve more detail, but produce larger files.

Codec is important as well. Codecs encode and decode video, using different techniques to reduce the amount of data needed for storage and transmission. The MDN Web Docs guide to video codecs explains why compression involves a tradeoff between file size and visual fidelity.

Five practical ways to reduce video size

Changing all the settings does not necessarily mean you’ll get a smaller file. Begin with the changes that seem appropriate for your clips.

1. Choose an appropriate resolution. If your video is going to be watched regularly on phones and laptops, then 1080p can probably be enough. If there is a chance that you’ll crop the footage later or if you need fine details, use 4K.
2. Avoid unnecessarily high bitrates. Moderate bitrate reduction can achieve a tangible improvement, but excessive reductions can lead to visible artifacts such as blurring, blockiness, and other distortions. In cases where manual controls are provided, implement incremental changes.
3. Keep the original frame rate unless there is a good reason to change it. Decreasing the framerate will decrease the amount of data needed, but will make fast motion look less fluid.
4. Cut out any material that is not necessary. Eliminating unnecessary introductions, pauses, and unused endings decreases the amount of video to be stored. It will also not compromise the quality of the footage you retain.
5. Consider the output format and codec. A better codec might result in a smaller file size for the same image quality, but compatibility is important. Ensure the format is suitable for the recipient or platform.

For more technical background on encoding, bitrate and quality settings, refer to Google’s Video Compression Basics.

How to compress a video using Clideo

An online service is more convenient than downloading desktop encoding software, which is required if the compression needs to be done occasionally. Clideo offers a browser based workflow with a few compression options.

Here are the instructions on how to use it:

1. Go to Clideo’s video compression page.
2. Upload a video from a device or selected from cloud storage options.
3. Select a compression option. Clideo has three options: Basic, Strong and Superb (which needs a Pro plan).
4. Start compression and wait for processing to finish.
5. Check the preview of the result before downloading it.

There is also an estimated output size which is not a guarantee in the service. These results are based on the video source and compression parameters. A higher compression can result in a smaller file, however, it can also impact visual quality.

Privacy is an important factor to consider. Review the privacy policies of any online service before uploading video to it and be mindful of whether the video contains any sensitive personal or business information.

What are the signs of over-compression?

File size reduction is only of value if the output looks, and sounds, good enough. Never trust an image of a video just from its preview thumbnail.

Check these details before sharing:

• Fine details: Faces, text, hair and textured surfaces should be reasonably clear.
• Fast movements: Check for distracting artifacts in scenes with fast running, sports or fast camera movements.
• Dark scenes: Shadows and colour transitions can indicate compression issues.
• Audio: Ensure that the audio stays crisp and in sync with the video.

Compare the original and compressed versions, if possible. Do watch them at the size your audience is likely to use. A small difference has no significance on a phone but it can be seen on a large screen.

If the image appears to be significantly degraded, reduce the setting for the aggressiveness or keep an output quality higher. It’s often a good idea to compromise and go with a slightly larger file.

When should you avoid compressing a video?

There is some footage that should not be altered. For projects you are going to edit a lot, archive key recordings, or use clips for other projects, keep an original copy.

Lossy compression discards some visual information. When re-compressing a compressed file again, there may be further quality loss, especially if the footage is being exported at progressively lower settings.

Rather, keep the original copy and make a smaller one to upload or share. This way, you could hit file size limits without compromising the quality of your footage.

Find the right balance

The optimal compression level isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest file size. It is the one that makes your video easier to store or share while preserving the details your audience needs to see. Test the result, check playback on the intended device, and keep the original whenever quality matters.