Compress Video
Make a video file lighter as an MP4 — encoded on our video service, up to 1 GB
Files up to 1 GB · MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI, WMV, FLV, and more · converted on our video server · the uploaded video is deleted when processing ends, the result once it has been downloaded, or after 15 minutes
Click or drop a video file hereChoose a video file
About Compress Video
Compress Video reduces the size of a video file by encoding it again as an MP4. You choose one of three compression levels, the codec (H.264, which plays on almost every device, or H.265 and AV1, which give smaller files but need a recent phone, computer, or browser) and, if you want, a maximum height from 1440p down to 240p. It takes MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI, WMV, FLV, MPG, TS, 3GP, and other video files that have a picture track. ffmpeg does the encoding on our video service, so your browser only sends the file and receives the result. It does not cut or crop: use Trim Video or Resize Video for that.
How to compress a video
- 1Choose or drop a video file; the settings appear once it is loaded.
- 2Pick a "Compression level" ("Balanced" is selected first) and, if you want, a "Resolution" limit.
- 3Keep "Codec" on H.264 for a file that plays everywhere, or choose H.265 or AV1 for a smaller one; a number in "Exact quality (CRF), optional" replaces the level.
- 4Click "Compress video" and follow the upload, the waiting line when the service is busy, and the encoding percentage.
- 5Compare the "Before" and "After" sizes, play the result, and click "Download" to save the MP4.
Formats and limits
- Input formats
- MP4, M4V, MOV, WebM, MKV, AVI, WMV, FLV, OGV, 3GP, 3G2, MPG, MPEG, TS, MTS, M2TS (a picture track is required)
- Output
- MP4 with H.264, H.265 (HEVC) or AV1 video and AAC sound at 96 kbps
- Maximum file size
- 1 GB per video, on a computer as on a phone
- Length
- Our video service sets a maximum duration and a time limit per encoding; a video over either is refused or stopped with a message
- Usage limits
- A set number of videos per hour and per day for each internet connection, shared by every tool that uses our video service; no account
Where your file is processed
Your video goes in pieces straight from this page to our video service (ffmpeg on Railway). The service deletes the original when the compression ends and the MP4 once this page has downloaded it; an unfinished job is removed after 15 minutes. Its logs keep the operation, a size range, the job's status, and timings, never the file name or content. A shown error sends us its cleaned text, the error type, the tool name, your browser and its version, the file extension, and a size range.
Frequently asked questions
Does H.265 or AV1 really give a smaller file?
Yes. On a 1080p camera clip measured on October 3, H.265 and AV1 files were about 40 to 50% lighter than H.264 at the same visual quality (VMAF): about 40% for H.265, about 50% for AV1. On animation H.265 was still lighter, while AV1 was heavier but much sharper. H.264 stays the safest choice for old phones and TVs.
Can the compressed video be larger than the original?
No, unless you type an exact CRF. With a level, a result that is not at least 2% smaller is encoded once more at the next, stronger level; if that still fails, you get no file and the page says the video is already well compressed. "Strong" has no stronger level. An exact CRF is encoded once and delivered as it comes out.
Is the sound kept?
Yes. The first audio track is encoded again as AAC at 96 kbps. Other audio tracks, subtitles, and the file's metadata, such as its recording date or location, are not copied into the compressed MP4.
Can I compress a video on my iPhone?
Yes. The encoding happens on our video service, so Safari on iPhone and iPad works like a computer browser. A video picked from the Photos library reaches the page already shrunk by iOS; save it to the Files app first and pick it there to compress the original.
How many videos can I compress?
One at a time, up to 1 GB each, within a set number per hour and per day for your internet connection. The count is shared with the other tools that use our video service. When it is reached, the page says so and you can try again later; no account is needed.
Tips and tricks
- ✓If the page says the video is already well compressed, choose a lower "Resolution" instead of a stronger level.
- ✓Cut the part you need with Trim Video first: a shorter video uploads sooner and ends up lighter.