Video is the most popular multimedia medium in today’s content-centric world, primarily because consumers prefer visuals over text. Moreover, videos facilitate individuals to captivate the minds and attention of the audience within seconds. Video is the medium chosen by filmmakers, content creators, advertisers, etc., for numerous purposes.
However, even a minute-long full HD video features a massive file size, which makes it harder for individuals to manage and use top-quality video clips. Thankfully, there is an efficient process called video compression which facilitates users to optimize the file size of videos. This article will shed light on video compression, the methods following which macOS and Windows users can compress videos, and cover numerous aspects related to the video compression process. Let us dive right into it:
What is Video Compression?
Techopedia defines video compression as the process of encoding a video in such a method that the file consumes less storage space than its original version. Since the file size of the video gets reduced, it becomes easier for the users to transmit the video over the Internet or other networks. In the video compression process, the size of video file formats is reduced due to the elimination of non-functional data present in the original file of the video.
Video compression is performed using a codec that functions on one or multiple compression algorithms. When a video file gets compressed, all the repetitive images, sounds, and scenes are removed. Once the compression process is complete, the original format of the video is changed into another format, depending on the codec utilized for the compression process. Only the video player compatible with the codec can run the compressed video file.
How to Compress a Video on macOS and Windows:
Both macOS and Windows offer multiple methods, following which creators, filmmakers, video editors, etc., can conveniently compress any video they want with ease. Here is a detailed look:
macOS – If you are a macOS user and wish to compress a video, you can do it using third-party tools like Permute. It is an all-in-one converter application that offers compression tools. All you need to do is open the app, drag and drop the video you wish to compress, click on the settings icon, adjust the bitrate, adjust the format, and click on the “Start” icon. Besides this, users can also use CameraBag Pro or Capto to reduce the file size of videos. If you wish to use a native utility to compress videos, you can opt to use iMovie. For more detailed insight about compressing videos on a Mac, click https://setapp.com/how-to/compress-video-on-mac.
Windows – Windows users who wish to compress video files without degrading their visual quality can conveniently do it in multiple ways. For instance, users can use the popular VLC Media Player to compress video. All they need to do is click on the Media menu, click on the “Convert/Save” option, add the video file by clicking on the “Add” option, adjust the settings in the “Convert” tab, and hit the “Save” button. Besides this, users can also opt to compress videos virtually using online video compressors such as VEED.
Advantages of Compression Video Files:
Here are two of the most prominent advantages of video compression:
Since the video compression process eliminates all the redundant data in a video file, the file size gets significantly reduced. This facilitates users to store them without hassle. This feature also contributes to cost-cutting. Hence, individuals who work with many video files greatly benefit from compressed video files.
Since compressed video files occupy lesser storage space, it becomes easier for the user to transfer or share them with other users. Downloading a compressed video file also facilitates the recipient to save bandwidth.
Video Compression Tips and Tricks:
If you are a video creator or editor, keep the following tips in mind to ensure that the video compression remains smooth and efficient:
If possible, ensure that your video does not feature low contrast or saturation. Whenever a video has low levels of contrast or saturation, it becomes harder for codecs to identify and preserve detail.
When compressing a video file, it would be best to work using a high-bitrate master. Professionals recommend using at least 20 Mbps. Even though using a higher bitrate master requires users to store a large video file, it promises guaranteed higher quality post compression.
If you plan on releasing a mute video, ensure that you save additional storage space by removing the video’s audio track. Doing so will not only facilitate reducing the video’s file size but also increase the upload and download speed.
Try shooting in slow motion since it helps in reducing the perceived quality reduction, which becomes evident as a result of compression. Doing so will enable your codec to reuse more pixels between concurrent frames.
Compressing video files is beneficial to individuals in numerous ways. If you work with tons of videos daily, refer to the video compression tips mentioned above.
Read Also:
One thought on “Compressing Videos – A Beginner’s Guide”