Large video files can quickly become a test of patience: The upload takes forever, the mail goes on strike when sending and memory on mobile devices becomes scarce. TransferXL shows how videos can be compressed efficiently and without any visible loss of quality, introduces tools and explains what really matters when it comes to video compression – from suitable formats to typical sources of error.
Advantages of compressed videos
Compressed video not only saves space, but also time and nerves. The following advantages show why it makes sense to compress videos in many situations:
- Faster transfer: Smaller files can be uploaded and shared much faster. This saves time – especially with fluctuating or slow internet connections.
- Less storage space required: Compressed video files take up less space on the hard disk or on mobile devices. This means more storage space is available for other content.
- Greater compatibility: Many platforms and end devices only support certain formats and resolutions. Compressed videos can simply be used in the corresponding formats.
- Better handling when sending: Large files can clog up email inboxes or cloud storage. Compressed videos are easier to send and cause fewer problems.
- Optimized workflows: Those who regularly work with videos benefit from shorter loading times, faster uploads and simpler workflows. Compression thus becomes an integral part of efficient media editing.
How video compression works
Video compression is about reducing the size of a video file without compromising the visual quality. Technically, this is done using codecs such as H.264 or H.265, which encode the image and sound data more efficiently. A basic distinction is made between lossless and lossy compression. The former preserves the full quality of the original, but only brings limited savings. With lossy compression, information is removed that is barely perceptible to the human eye – the file therefore becomes significantly smaller. Three factors are decisive here: the resolution of the video, the bit rate and the format used. If you specifically adjust these parameters, you can significantly reduce the file size without any visible loss of quality. The choice of suitable video formats such as MP4 or WebM also contributes to efficiency.
Suitable video formats for compression
An efficient format is crucial when it comes to compressing a video.
- MP4 with the codec H.264 or H.265 is considered the standard for web and mobile devices: high compatibility, good quality and small file size.
- WebM is a modern, open format that is particularly suitable for integration into websites. It offers a similarly good compression rate as MP4, but cannot be played on all devices.
- The older AVI format, on the other hand, is less efficient, produces large files and is only useful for certain applications.
Anyone preparing videos for uploading to platforms such as YouTube, Instagram or for sending by email should prefer MP4. The combination of broad support and good image quality makes this format the best choice for most applications.
The best tools and programs for compressing video
There are numerous tools available for compressing videos, depending on the application and device:
- HandBrake is a popular open source program for Windows, macOS and Linux. It offers extensive setting options and supports all common formats and codecs.
- VLC Media Player can also do more than just play videos: Files can be reduced in size with just a few clicks – ideal for simple tasks.
- If you don’t want to install a program, you can use online tools such as Clideo or VEED.io. These solutions run directly in the browser and are ideal for smaller projects or spontaneous tasks.
- In addition to the well-known programs, there are now also AI-supported tools that automatically calculate the optimum settings for video compression. Tools such as Adobe Media Encoder or Kapwing, for example, offer smart functions for efficient adjustment of resolution and bit rate.
- The open source tool Avidemux is also an interesting alternative when it comes to simple cuts and compression in one step.
There are mobile apps such as Panda Video Compressor for Android or iMovie for the iPhone, which have been specially developed for mobile use. Many of these tools can compress videos for free and reliably cover the most important requirements.
Instructions: Compressing a video step by step
A practical example is the HandBrake tool, which is particularly suitable for detailed settings. The following step-by-step guide shows how to compress a video in just a few minutes:
- Select video: After starting HandBrake, the desired video file is loaded via the file browser. The tool automatically analyzes the source data and offers useful default settings.
- Set output format: MP4 in combination with the H.264 or H.265 codec is ideal for most applications. This format offers a good compromise between compatibility and file size.
- Reduce resolution: Reducing the resolution from 4K to Full HD (1080p) saves an enormous amount of storage space. The image quality is still sufficient for most purposes.
- Set bit rate: A bit rate of 2,000 to 3,000 kbps is often ideal for HD videos. It significantly reduces the file size without visibly reducing the image quality.
- Export video: After completing the settings, simply click on “Start” to compress the video. Depending on the file size and computer performance, the process only takes a few minutes.
If you want to compress videos with a Mac, you are also on the safe side with HandBrake – alternatively, you can also use QuickTime with reduced export quality.
Note: For certain platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram or email, there are sometimes strict size restrictions. A maximum size of 100 MB is recommended for WhatsApp videos and usually less than 25 MB for email attachments. In such cases, it can be helpful to reduce the resolution to 720p or even 480p and further reduce the bit rate. The aspect ratio should be retained in order to avoid display problems.
Common mistakes when compressing and how to avoid them
When compressing videos, it is easy for errors to creep in that can severely impair the quality of the file. The most common stumbling blocks can be easily avoided with a little attention:
- Too much compression: if the bit rate is reduced too much, the image quality suffers noticeably. It is better to start with medium values and check the result visually.
- Unsuitable formats: Outdated codecs or container formats can lead to problems during playback. It is recommended to use common standards such as MP4 with H.264.
- Incorrect picture and sound parameters: Aspect ratio, frame rate or audio compression are often overlooked. Incorrect settings can lead to stuttering, sound errors or a stretched image.
- No test output: Without a preview, it is difficult to judge whether the result meets expectations. A short test run on the target device helps to avoid disappointment later on.
Sending compressed videos with TransferXL
If you want to send compressed videos or images, you can transfer large files quickly and securely with TransferXL. The service supports the transfer of up to 100 GB – free of charge, encrypted and without registration. Several files are automatically packed into a ZIP file, which makes uploading even easier. TransferXL not only helps with sending large videos, but is also a practical solution for sharing large video files or images efficiently.
FAQ
How can videos be compressed for WhatsApp or Instagram?
For social networks such as WhatsApp and Instagram, a maximum resolution of 720p in MP4 format with H.264 codec is recommended. To avoid compatibility problems, the file size should be less than 100 MB if possible.
How can I compress a video for free?
Free programs such as HandBrake or VLC Media Player offer powerful video compression functions. Alternatively, online tools such as Clideo or VEED.io allow you to quickly reduce the file size directly in the browser – without any installation.
Which format is best suited for compression?
MP4 with the H.264 or H.265 codec is ideal as it offers a high level of compatibility with almost all devices. At the same time, it provides good image quality with a significantly smaller file size than older formats such as AVI or MOV.
Can videos also be compressed on smartphones?
Yes, both Android and iOS users can make use of a variety of apps such as Panda Video Compressor or iMovie. These apps are specially designed for mobile use and can be operated intuitively even without prior technical knowledge.
How much can a video be compressed?
Depending on the source file, format and settings, the file size can be reduced by 50 to 90 percent. Particularly high compression is possible if the resolution is also reduced and the bit rate optimized.
Which settings have the greatest influence on the file size?
The resolution, the bit rate and the codec used have a direct influence on the file size. Deliberately reducing these values can significantly reduce the file size, but should always be done with the desired playback quality in mind.
How can a video be reduced to less than 25 MB for e-mail attachments?
We recommend a lower resolution, e.g. 480p, combined with a bit rate below 1,000 kbps. This allows short clips to be sent in a space-saving way without exceeding the usual size limits of many e-mail services. Alternatively, TransferXL also offers the option of sending larger video files up to 5 GB free of charge via e-mail link – without any loss of resolution or video quality.
Glossary: Important video compression terms
- Bit rate – The amount of data that is processed per second in the video. A lower bit rate results in smaller files, but can affect the quality.
- Codec – Compression methods such as H.264 or H.265, which encode video and audio data. Modern codecs ensure high quality with a smaller file size.
- Container format – The file format that bundles video, audio and metadata, e.g. MP4 or AVI.
- CRF value – Constant Rate Factor, a setting in tools such as HandBrake for quality control. Lower values = higher quality = larger file.
