How to compress video while preserving useful quality

Step-by-step workflow

1. 01Inspect the source resolution, frame rate and file size.
2. 02Choose Balanced as a practical starting preset.
3. 03Avoid upscaling and keep the original aspect ratio.
4. 04Use target-size mode only when a hard limit matters.
5. 05Compare motion and fine detail in the exported preview.

Which settings affect file size most?

Video bitrate, duration, resolution and frame rate have the largest effect. Audio is usually a smaller share, although high-bitrate stereo audio still matters for long videos.

• Lower resolution when viewers do not need the source detail.
• Keep the source frame rate unless motion can tolerate less.
• Remove audio only when the video genuinely does not need it.
• Allow more bitrate for fast motion and screen recordings with small text.

Why target size is approximate

A target-size calculation divides the available bits across video and audio, but encoders spend data differently depending on scene complexity. Container overhead also varies, so the final number is an estimate rather than a guarantee.

When compression does not help

A source that is already efficiently compressed can become larger or visibly worse. If the result is not meaningfully smaller, keep the original or reduce resolution only when the viewing use permits it.

Frequently asked questions

Continue the workflow

• Remove unneeded footage first
• Prepare a vertical version
• Keep audio only