Before you start
- The video file on your computer
- A free tool: HandBrake, Clipchamp (Windows) or QuickTime Player (Mac)
Method 1 Use HandBrake (Windows, Mac, Linux)
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Step 1: Install HandBrake
Download HandBrake from the official site, handbrake.fr. It’s free and open source.
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Step 2: Open your video
Click Open Source (or drag the file in) and choose the video.
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Step 3: Choose a preset
From Preset, pick Fast 1080p30 for full HD, or Fast 720p30 for a much smaller file. Don’t choose a resolution higher than the original.
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Step 4: Use H.265 for smaller files
On the Video tab, set Video Encoder to H.265. It makes files roughly half the size of H.264 at similar quality, though very old devices may not play it. Keep Constant Quality at about RF 20–24 for 1080p; a higher number means a smaller, lower-quality file.
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Step 5: Start
Under Save As, give the new file a different name, then click Start Encode. Large videos can take several minutes.
Method 2 Use Clipchamp on Windows
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Step 1: Open Clipchamp
Clipchamp is built into Windows 11. Open it from the Start menu and create a new video.
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Step 2: Add your video
Import the file and drag it onto the timeline.
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Step 3: Export smaller
Click Export and choose 720p or 480p for a smaller file, or 1080p to keep full HD.
Method 3 Use QuickTime Player on Mac
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Step 1: Open the video
Open the file in QuickTime Player.
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Step 2: Export at a lower resolution
Click File > Export As and choose 1080p, 720p or 480p.
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Step 3: Pick the format
For 1080p, tick Use HEVC if offered for a smaller file, then click Save.
Method 4 Record smaller videos on your phone
A minute of 4K video at 60 fps can take around 400 MB, while 1080p at 30 fps takes far less.
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Step 1: iPhone
Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose High Efficiency. In Record Video, choose 1080p at 30 fps instead of 4K.
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Step 2: Android
In the camera app’s settings, set video size to 1080p, and turn on HEVC or High efficiency video if available.
| Change | Effect on size | Effect on quality |
|---|---|---|
| Lower resolution (4K to 1080p) | Large saving | Small on phones and laptops |
| H.264 to H.265 | Around half the size | Little or none |
| Higher RF number | Smaller | Visible if pushed too far |
| Lower frame rate (60 to 30 fps) | Moderate saving | Less smooth motion |
Troubleshooting
The compressed file won’t play
Some older TVs and phones can’t play H.265. Encode again with H.264.
The file is still too big for email
Most email services limit attachments to around 20–25 MB. Lower the resolution to 720p or 480p, or upload the video to cloud storage and share a link.
Frequently asked questions
Are online video compressors safe?
Many work, but they upload your video to someone else’s server and often add watermarks or size limits. For private videos, use HandBrake or your computer’s built-in tools.
Does zipping a video make it smaller?
Barely. Videos are already compressed, so ZIP saves almost nothing. Re-encoding is what reduces the size.
Summary
For the best balance of size and quality, use HandBrake with a 1080p or 720p preset, the H.265 encoder and RF around 22. For quick jobs, export at a lower resolution from Clipchamp on Windows or QuickTime Player on a Mac, and record in High Efficiency format on your phone.
