Video Compressor
Reduce video file size by adjusting resolution, quality, and bitrate — entirely in your browser
*MP4 output requires browser support for MediaRecorder with H.264. WebM is universally supported.
How to Use
- Upload a video by clicking the drop zone or dragging a video file onto it. MP4, WebM, MOV, and more are supported.
- Choose a target resolution — downscaling from 1080p to 720p or 480p significantly reduces file size.
- Adjust the video quality slider to set the target bitrate. Lower values produce smaller files with some quality trade-off.
- Select the output format — WebM is universally supported in browsers; MP4 depends on your browser's encoding capabilities.
- Optionally remove audio to save even more space if you only need the video track.
- Click "Compress Video" and wait for processing. Compare the original and compressed previews side by side.
- Download your compressed video with the download button.
What Does This Tool Do?
The Video Compressor re-encodes your video at a lower bitrate and/or resolution to reduce file size. It uses the browser's built-in MediaRecorder API to process everything locally — your video is never uploaded to any server. This makes it ideal for shrinking clips before sharing on social media, attaching to emails, or uploading to platforms with file size limits.
Compression Tips
| Setting | Impact on Size | Impact on Quality | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | High | Noticeable if scaled down far | 720p is a great balance for most use cases |
| Bitrate | High | Moderate — artifacts appear at very low values | 2-3 Mbps for 720p, 4-6 Mbps for 1080p |
| Remove Audio | Moderate | None (no audio) | Use for silent clips, GIF-like loops, or b-roll |
| Format | Moderate | WebM/VP8 comparable to MP4/H.264 | WebM for web, MP4 for wider device compatibility |
FAQ
Does my video get uploaded to a server?
No. Everything happens in your browser using the Canvas API and MediaRecorder API. Your video file never leaves your device.
What video formats can I compress?
Any format your browser can decode — typically MP4 (H.264), WebM (VP8/VP9), and OGG. Support varies by browser; Chrome and Edge tend to have the widest support.
Why is my compressed file larger than the original?
This can happen if the original was already highly compressed at a low bitrate, or if you set the target bitrate higher than the source. Try lowering the bitrate slider or reducing the resolution.
How much can I reduce the file size?
Typically 40-80% for high-bitrate source videos. Downscaling resolution provides the biggest savings. A 100 MB 1080p clip can often become 15-30 MB at 720p with 2 Mbps.
Can I compress very long videos?
Yes, but browser memory limits apply. Videos under 15-20 minutes typically work well. For very long videos, you may run into memory limitations depending on your device's RAM.
Why does compression take so long?
The video must be decoded frame-by-frame, drawn to a canvas, and re-encoded in real time. Processing speed depends on your device's CPU. The "Balanced" speed option processes faster than "Quality" mode.