Reduce MP4 Video File Size: A Comprehensive Guide
Do you find your MP4 video files taking up too much space on your device? Are you looking for ways to compress these files without sacrificing quality? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to reduce MP4 video file size, ensuring that you can save space and still enjoy your videos.
Understanding MP4 Video File Size
Before diving into the methods to reduce MP4 video file size, it’s essential to understand what contributes to the file size. An MP4 video file consists of three main components: video, audio, and metadata. The file size is influenced by the following factors:
- Resolution: Higher resolutions, such as 1080p or 4K, result in larger file sizes.
- Frame rate: A higher frame rate, such as 60 frames per second, increases the file size.
- Bitrate: The bitrate determines the amount of data used per second, with higher bitrates leading to larger file sizes.
- Codec: Different codecs compress video and audio data differently, affecting the file size.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the factors that contribute to MP4 video file size, let’s explore the methods to reduce it.
Method 1: Resize the Video
One of the most straightforward ways to reduce MP4 video file size is by resizing the video. By lowering the resolution, you can significantly decrease the file size. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the video file in a video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
- Select the video track and choose the “Transform” or “Scale” option.
- Adjust the resolution to a lower value, such as 720p or 480p.
- Export the video with the new resolution.
Keep in mind that lowering the resolution may result in a decrease in video quality. To maintain quality, consider using a resolution that is close to the original.
Method 2: Change the Frame Rate
Another way to reduce MP4 video file size is by changing the frame rate. A higher frame rate, such as 60fps, can be reduced to 30fps or even 24fps without a significant impact on the video quality. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the video file in a video editing software.
- Select the video track and choose the “Properties” or “Settings” option.
- Adjust the frame rate to a lower value.
- Export the video with the new frame rate.
As with resizing, changing the frame rate may result in a slight decrease in video quality. However, this method is generally less noticeable than lowering the resolution.
Method 3: Adjust the Bitrate
Adjusting the bitrate is another effective way to reduce MP4 video file size. By lowering the bitrate, you can decrease the amount of data used per second, resulting in a smaller file size. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the video file in a video editing software.
- Select the video track and choose the “Properties” or “Settings” option.
- Adjust the bitrate to a lower value, such as 1,500 kbps or 2,000 kbps.
- Export the video with the new bitrate.
Keep in mind that lowering the bitrate too much may result in a noticeable decrease in video quality. Experiment with different bitrate values to find the right balance between file size and quality.
Method 4: Use a Video Compression Tool
Video compression tools are designed to reduce MP4 video file size without requiring any video editing skills. Some popular video compression tools include HandBrake, FFmpeg, and VLC Media Player. Here’s how to use HandBrake to reduce MP4 video file size:
- Download and install HandBrake from the official website.
- Open HandBrake and click on the “Open Source” button to import your MP4 video file.
- Select the desired output format (e.g., MP4) and codec.
