How to Reduce the Size of an MP4 in 4 Simple Ways

By reducing the size of an MP4 file, you can upload your video files to any platform like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and more. If this is what you want, there are various tools and methods you can use to compress videos and reduce video file size.

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Jane Zhou

Updated on May 24, 2024

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Being compatible with almost all platforms and operating systems, MP4 is one of the most commonly used formats nowadays. That's why we see and edit MP4 video files now and then. In our previous guide, we talked about how to download videos in MP4. So in today's guide, we're going to change a topic and discuss how to reduce the size of an MP4. 

The Simplest Way to Reduce the Size of an MP4

You can reduce the size of MP4 videos by utilizing various programs or web services, and this video compressor and converter- EaseUS Video Converter is one of the best options. It is an all-in-one toolkit that can satisfy all your video creativity requirements. This includes:

You can gain many great features you can gain from EaseUS Video Converter. Now, give it a try!

Step 1. Download and launch EaseUS Video Converter on your computer. Select "Video Compressor" from the left side pannel. 

Choose Video Compressor

Step 2. Click "Choose Files" to select video files you wish to compress. You can choose any video format like MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, MOV, WebM, and more. Then, import the video by clicking "Open."

Add files

Step 3. Click the gear icon next to your video information to customize your video size, targeted output format, bitrate, resolution, and more. Then, you can click "Preview" to preview your video. Once done, click "OK," and then click "Compress" or "Compress All" to start compressing.

Choose file size

Step 4. Once the process is completed, you can go to the "Finished" tab to check the compressed videos.

Compress completed

Reduce the File Size of an MP4 Video with Handbrake

Many people may know that Handbrake is a DVD ripper and transcoder, but very few know its compression feature. That is because the HandBrake compresses videos secretly in contrast to other video compressors. Simply, it lacks a button for direct compression, and HandBrake compression only occurs during conversion. Therefore, utilizing HandBrake video compression could be confusing for new users.

But don't worry too much because the following instructions will show you exactly how to use HandBrake to compress video files. Go on reading!

Step 1. Download and install Handbrake on your computer from "http://www.handbrake.fr."

Step 2. Launch Handbrake and load the video you wish to compress. An automatic browse window would appear, allowing you to choose your source file. Once the video is loaded into the compressor, click "Open."

Step 3. From the format option drop-down menu on the left, select "MP4" as the output file. Choose a built-in preset by clicking on it below the "Presets" tab on the right.

Step 4. Select the location where you want the compressed file to be saved by clicking the "Browse" button.

Step 5. Ensure the H.264(X264) codec is selected when you click the "Video" icon.

Step 6. To enable HandBrake to compress video, click the green "Start Encode" button. The red "Stop" button will replace the green button until the compression is finished. It will turn green once more when the reduction is completed.

click browse

Compress an MP4 File Using VLC

VLC Media Player is a highly influential player that can resize, trim, and convert videos in addition to playing music and video. However, not many of us know VLC's potential for video compression. Here, we'll go over three specific ways to utilize VLC to shrink videos and a superior alternative to VLC that you can use as a guide.

Step 1. First, download and install the VLC Media Player on your computer and open it.

Step 2. Go to "Menu" and click on "Media" > "Convert/Save" and select the video you need clicking on "Add" > "Convert/Save" when you are done.

Step 3. Select the type of profile you want to convert the video to.

Step 4. Start VLC video compression and select the "Start" button.

vlcmediaplayer

Shrink an MP4 File with Online Compressor

The online video editing application VEED provides a free, quick, and simple online video compressor. You don't need a specific laptop or desktop model to utilize it because it's an online application, nor do you need to burn up valuable storage space because it's cloud-based.

In addition to being the quickest compressor we've used, VEED also enables amateurs to produce videos that look professional.

Step 1. Please visit veed.io/video-compressor.

Step 2. Select a video file. You can choose from your computer or another device, drag it there, or do both.

Step 3. Choose your compression settings, or let VEED decide for you. We'll automatically decide on the ideal quality to file size ratio for your video.

Step 4. Then you can save it on your computer or share the newly compressed video file with your followers and friends by downloading it. You can also YouTube it, email it, and more!

Conclusion

Even if it's convenient to reduce the size of MP4 video files online, you can't do this work offline if the internet is unavailable or occasionally isn't reliable enough to support your conversion. We still advise utilizing EaseUS Video Converter if you need to reduce the size of the MP4 video file. This tool allows you to convert your MP4 video to various formats in addition to compressing your MP4 video. Don't pass it up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Video Compression

Check the below questions and answers to learn more about video compression.

1. How to reduce the size of an MP4 video on Google Drive?

Step 1. In Google Drive, select the "files/folders" you want to include in your compressed file.

Step 2. Once your "files/folders" are selected, Right-click and click "Download."

Step 3. You can see the progress on the bottom right side of your browser. After it's done, a "compressed .zip file" will be downloaded to your computer.

2. How do I reduce the size of an MP4 without losing quality?

By using Quick Time Player, you can reduce the size of the MP4 video file without losing quality.

Step 1. Click "File" to open your video.

Step 2. Click "Export As."

Step 3. You'll next get a list of options, but you're limited to just four: 4k, 1080p, 720p, and 480. To compress your file, select a "smaller file format" than the original file."

Step 4. Then click on the "Start" button to start the compression. As it is finished, it will be automatically saved.

3. How do I reduce the MB size of a video?

You can use an online tool named Clideo to finish this task.

Step 1. Open "Clideo" and upload a file. (Up to 500 MB)

Step 2. Wait for a while, and the "file" will be compressed.

Step 3. Click "Download" to save the compressed video on your computer.

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