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In the era of digital content, video content has become increasingly popular and significant in business, education, and social media promotion. However, large-size video files like MP4 could become difficult to transmit and share, occupying too much memory space, even interrupting the flow of media streaming.
Therefore, the solution of MP4 compression without loss of quality storage and display is an urgent need. This blog post aims to present some practical methods to shrink MP4 video without compromising on quality, to make your video-sharing experience more convenient and efficient.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
In order to shrink MP4 Video without losing quality, you will need:
- A computer or laptop
- An internet connection
- A suitable MP4 compression software or tool
- An MP4 video that you wish to compress
What requires your attention is…?
Before you start to shrink MP4 video, a couple of aspects require your attention:
- The reduction rate you expect, because the more compressing you apply, the lower the quality will be.
- The compressed video format must be compatible with various media players.
- The final video size should match the platform requirements (such as Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
- The time you take to compress the video, because the bigger the video, the longer the compression time will be.
Method 1: Using CloudConvert
If you are looking for an online and user-friendly solution to compress MP4 video without losing quality, using CloudConvert is the best option. It is an online file conversion platform that is available for free.
Steps:
Step 1: Go to cloudconvert.com and create an account
Step 2: Upload the video that you want to compress. Then select MP4 as input format and destination output format.
Step 3: Tap on the “Settings” button and adjust the compression rate to your preference while maintaining the video quality.
Step 4: Finally click “Start Conversion”
Pros:
- It does not require any installation or download.
- Accessible from anywhere, anytime, and through any device.
- Easy-to-use interface
- Most compression is done on the server-side, thus freeing your device.
Cons:
- It is only available for a free 24-hour period. After this time, users have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee.
- It requires an internet connection to use.
- The quality of the compressed video may be slightly inferior compared to other tools.
Method 2: Using HandBrake
HandBrake is an open-source video compression software that enables users to reduce the file size of videos and convert them into various video formats, including MP4, without losing the quality.
Steps:
Step 1: Download and install the HandBrake software on your computer
Step 2: Open HandBrake and import the MP4 video you want to compress.
Step 3: Select the output format to be "MP4."
Step 4: Click on the "Video" tab and adjust the settings to reduce the video quality size as per your preference.
Step 5: Click on the "Start" button to initiate the compression process.
Pros:
- It is available for free and supports Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
- It is open-source and can be customized based on user requirements.
- It offers advanced settings, which allows users to choose the video codec, adjust the compression rate, and set the bitrate according to their preferences.
Cons:
- The user interface may be difficult for beginners to navigate at the beginning.
- It may take some time to compress a larger MP4 video.
- It does not support some advanced video or audio formats.
Method 3: Using Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional video editing software that allows users to create high-quality videos with advanced features. It also has a built-in compression tool that allows users to reduce the file size of videos and save them in MP4 format.
Steps:
Step 1: Open Adobe Premiere Pro and import the MP4 video you want to compress
Step 2: Drag the video clip to the timeline, which opens the “Export Settings” box.
Step 3: Click on the “Format” drop-down menu and choose “H.264” as the video codec.
Step 4: Set other parameters, like the compression rate, resolution, and frame rate.
Step 5: Click on the "Export" button to save the compressed video to your computer.
Pros:
- Offers advanced settings, which allows users to choose the video codec and adjust the compression rate according to their requirements.
- Supports a wide range of video formats
- Produces high-quality, compressed videos, suitable for professional use
Cons:
- Adobe Premiere Pro is an expensive software that requires a monthly subscription.
- It may not be suitable for beginners as it is a complex software that requires some level of expertise.
- It may take some time to compress a large MP4 video file, depending on the computer’s processing power.
Why Can’t I Shrink MP4 Video Without Losing Quality?
Before reducing the size of MP4 videos, it’s essential to recognize the reasons why it’s sometimes impossible to shrink them without losing quality:
- The original MP4 video has a low resolution: When the video has a low resolution, it is not possible to compress the video to a considerable degree, as it will affect its quality.
- The video bitrate is already low: If the bitrate of the original video is relatively low, compressing the video further will reduce the quality of the video.
- The compression rate is too high: There is a relationship between the amount of compression and the loss of quality. The higher the compression rate, the more likely the quality of the video will suffer
To fix these issues, choose a video with a higher resolution and bit rate to avoid further compression. Also, be mindful of adjusting compression rates lower to maintain the video’s quality.
Implications and Recommendations
Compressed MP4 videos are effective tools to optimize video-quality and save storage space, making video-sharing more sustainable and efficient. However, the process of shrinking MP4 videos can negatively affect the quality of the video. Therefore, it is imperative to consider several tips such as the original file’s bitrate, resolution, and desired compression rate.
If you’re unsure which method to use, try various options until you get the ideal tool that suits your requirements. Always ensure to test the compressed video to ensure quality preservation.
5 FAQs of Shrink MP4 Video Without Losing Quality.
Q: How much can I compress an MP4 video without losing quality?
A: It depends on the size and quality of the original video. A rule of thumb is to reduce 20-30% of the video’s bitrate with minimum loss of quality.
Q: What is the best MP4 compressor?
A: There is no ultimate MP4 compressor. It all depends on your personal preferences, such as required resolution, output formats, or the compression speed required.
Q: Will reducing the video’s frame rate help to compress the MP4 file without losing quality?
A: No. Reducing the frame rate will lower the bitrate and reduce the quality of the video.
Q: How to compress videos for social media platform requirements?
A: Check the recommended file size, resolution, and length guidelines for the social media platforms you will use, such as Instagram or YouTube. Then, adjust your video compression rate to match the recommended specifications.
Q: Can I use the compressed video for professional video production?
A: It all depends on the level and quality of compression, as well as the impact of video quality reduction on the intended audience.
Conclusion
In recent years, the importance of video content has rapidly increased. However, managing and sharing large-sized MP4 video files can become challenging. This is why you need to know how to reduce the MP4 files’ size without compromising its quality. In this blog post, we have highlighted three different methods to help you compress an MP4 video without losing quality, along with essential tips and FAQs.
Whether you choose to use CloudConvert, HandBrake, or Adobe Premiere Pro, always remember to keep the file resolution, format, and compression rate within the appropriate range, and always test the compressed file’s quality to ensure optimized video-sharing experience.