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Do you have too many large MP4 files on your Mac and it’s taking up too much storage space? Are you having trouble sending videos through email because of their large size? Worry no more, because in this blog post, we will provide you with 4 useful tricks to reduce MP4 size on a Mac.
Having large video files can be a constant problem, especially if you’re someone who likes to document your everyday life or if you’re someone working in a creative industry. This is where the need to compress your MP4 files comes in. There are different ways to go about this, but we will be outlining 4 of the best methods for you to choose from.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To compress your MP4 files, you would need a reliable tool that can do the job efficiently without compromising the video quality. These tools can be in the form of software applications or online platforms. There are several free and paid video compressing tools that you may choose from depending on your needs and budget.
What Requires Your Focus?
Before we proceed to the different methods to reduce MP4 size on a Mac, it’s important to keep in mind that the compression may affect the video quality. For instance, the more you compress the file, the more you risk having a blurry or pixelated video. That being said, you must ensure that you strike a balance between reducing the file size and retaining video quality.
Different Methods to Reduce MP4 Size on a Mac
Method 1: Using HandBrake
HandBrake is a free, open-source software that allows you to easily compress your MP4 files on a Mac. Here’s how you can use HandBrake to reduce MP4 size:
1. Download and install HandBrake from their official website.
2. Open HandBrake and drag the MP4 file you want to compress into the application.
3. Choose the appropriate preset for your video. You may choose from presets that cater to different devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.
4. Adjust the settings to your liking. You may decrease the video quality as necessary.
5. Click Start to begin the compression process.
Pros:
– Free to use
– Offers presets for easy compression
– Allows for customization of settings
Cons:
– May take some time to master navigation
– May result in a lower video quality
Method 2: Using VLC
VLC is a popular media player that also has video compression capabilities. Here’s how you can use VLC to reduce MP4 size on a Mac:
1. Download and install VLC from their official website.
2. Open VLC and click File > Convert/Stream.
3. Click Add to select the MP4 file you want to compress.
4. Click the wrench icon to access settings.
5. Choose the codec that you want to use for compression. We recommend H.264.
6. Adjust the settings to your preference. You may decrease the video quality as necessary.
7. Click Save to begin the compression process.
Pros:
– Free to use
– Has multiple codec options
– Allows for customization of settings
Cons:
– Navigation may be overwhelming for some users
– May result in a lower video quality
Method 3: Using iMovie
iMovie is a video editing software that comes pre-installed on Macs. Apart from editing, iMovie also allows you to compress your MP4 files. Here’s how you can use iMovie to reduce MP4 size:
1. Open iMovie on your Mac.
2. Click File > Import Media to import the MP4 file you want to compress.
3. Drag the imported file to the timeline.
4. Click File > Share > File.
5. Choose the appropriate settings for the compressed video, including the resolution and quality.
6. Click Save to begin the compression process.
Pros:
– Pre-installed on Macs
– User-friendly interface
– Allows for customization of settings
Cons:
– User must have basic video editing knowledge
– May take longer to compress
Method 4: Using Online Tools
There are various online platforms that offer video compression services. One of the most popular ones is CloudConvert. Here’s how you can use CloudConvert to reduce an MP4 size:
1. Go to CloudConvert’s official website.
2. Click on Select Files to upload your MP4 video.
3. Choose the output file format and compression settings.
4. Click on Start Conversion to begin the compression process.
5. Download the compressed video to your Mac.
Pros:
– Can be used from any device with internet access
– No need to download any software
– Can compress multiple files at once
Cons:
– Requires a stable internet connection
– May pose a privacy risk with sensitive information
Why Can’t I Reduce My MP4 File’s Size?
1. Compatibility issues with compression software: Some video compression tools may not be compatible with certain video file formats, which may result in an error.
Fix: Check the compatibility of your MP4 file with the software before attempting to compress the file.
2. Already compressed file: Video files that have been compressed before may not be able to be reduced in size further.
Fix: Check to see if the MP4 file has been compressed before. If so, consider deleting the current file and re-ripping the original video.
3. High-resolution video: Videos that have a high resolution will require more storage space and may be difficult to compress further without losing quality.
Fix: Consider converting the video to a lower resolution before compressing it.
Implications and Recommendations
When compressing an MP4 file, it’s essential to consider the video quality. A compressed video with low quality may not be suitable for certain purposes. Additionally, some video compression tools may result in a loss of quality, which may affect the overall viewing experience. Therefore, it’s crucial to test different compression settings before settling for one.
5 FAQs about Reducing MP4 Size on a Mac
Q: Will compressing an MP4 reduce its quality?
A: Yes, reducing the size of an MP4 file may result in a decrease in video quality. It’s important to strike a balance between file size and video quality.
Q: Can you compress an MP4 file without using software?
A: Yes, there are various online platforms that offer video compression services. However, these platforms may pose a privacy risk with sensitive information.
Q: Is it possible to restore the original quality of a compressed video?
A: No, it’s not possible to restore a compressed video to its original quality. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the compression settings carefully.
Q: Can you compress multiple MP4 files at once?
A: Yes, some video compression tools allow you to compress multiple files at once. For instance, CloudConvert can compress up to 25 files simultaneously.
Q: Are there any disadvantages to compressing an MP4 file?
A: Yes, compressing a video too much may result in a substantial loss of quality, making it unsuitable for certain purposes.
In Conclusion
Compressing MP4 files is an essential process that can help you save storage space and make video sharing easier. There are various ways to go about this, including using software applications, online platforms, and built-in tools. However, it’s important to test different settings to strike a balance between file size and video quality. Keep in mind that compressing your MP4 file too much may result in a loss of quality, which may affect the overall viewing experience.