Compress

Reduce file size using CRF/bitrate and optional resize.

  1. Upload your video file.
  2. Container: Select an output container (mp4, mkv, mov, webm or even gif).
  3. Video codec: Choose a video codec for output (hint: h264 is most common).
  4. Audio codec: Choose an audio codec for output (hint: aac or mp3 is most common. Not supported for .gif output).
  5. Compression mode: Choose between CRF (scale of 18-32) or Bitrate (selection).
    • CRF: Scaled quality setting. 18 = lowest compression but largest filsize. 32 = highest compression but smallest filsize. 23 is most common.
    • Bitrate - video bitrate: Higher bitrate = better quality, bigger filesize. Guidance: social media clips (2000 kbps), 720p/1080p short clips (3000 kbps), 1080p (5000 kbps).
    • Preset: Alternatively, in either CRF or bitrate, choose a preset. veryfast outputs fastest, but least compression (largest filesize).
  6. Resize width: Resize the exported frames, if needed. Common sizes: 1024, 1280, 1440.
  7. Audio bitrate: Affects the quality of the audio and therefore filsize. 192 is a good balance of quality/size for most needs.

Examples

  • If you have downloaded a webm file, convert to the more-widely adopted mp4.
  • Create a gif from a video, to share via messaging apps.

Troubleshooting & tips

  • Adjust the quality settings to get to the filesize you need.
  • CRF values of 23-28 are a good balance of quality vs filesize.