Table of Contents
Are you one of those who get frustrated with the large video files sizes that occupy large storage space on your Mac? You’re not alone. A lot of people face the dilemma of having to deal with large video files that are difficult to store and share.
The good news is, there are several methods to shrink video file size on Mac. By doing so, you not only save ample storage space on your device, but also make your videos more accessible by reducing the time it takes to upload and download them.
In this article, we’ll show you several easy to follow methods that will help you reduce the size of your videos without compromising on the quality.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Shrink Video File Size on Mac
Users often face challenges when trying to shrink the size of their video files, especially on Mac. Often, it can be difficult to decide which method to use, how to use it, and what option to choose. This can be further complicated by the kind of video file and the format they are in.
In addition, some methods may be time-consuming or may not deliver the desired results, leaving users even more frustrated than before.
But not to worry, we’ve examined this topic thoroughly and come up with the most efficient solutions to help with your video compression.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we proceed with the methods to shrink video file sizes on Mac, there are a few things that you should have in place.
Firstly, ensure that you have enough storage space on your device. This is important because video compression involves creating a new file that is smaller in size. If you don’t have enough storage space, your device will be unable to complete the compression process.
Secondly, make sure you have a reliable video compression tool installed on your Mac. Some of the tools we’ll be highlighting in this article include, iMovie, Handbrake, and VLC Player.
Finally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different video file formats and what each one represents. This will help you better understand the method and tool to use.
Method 1: Using iMovie
iMovie is a powerful video editing tool that comes pre-installed on Mac devices. One of the standout features of iMovie is its ability to compress video files without affecting the quality of the video.
Step 1: Open iMovie on your Mac device
Step 2: Click on "Import Media" to select the video file you want to compress
Step 3: Drag the video file from the "Import" section to the timeline
Step 4: Click on "File" and select "Share"
Step 5: Choose "File", in the pop-up menu you can choose the saving format and resolution according to your needs. Then click on Next.
Step 6: Name your video and choose a location to save it on your device
Step 7: Click on "Save" to start compressing the video file.
Pros:
– iMovie is free and comes pre-installed on your Mac device
– Video quality is preserved while reducing file size
Cons:
– The process can be time-consuming, especially with large video files
Method 2: Using Handbrake
Handbrake is a popular open-source software tool that allows users to compress video files with custom options.
Step 1: Download and install Handbrake on your Mac device
Step 2: Open Handbrake and load the video file you wish to compress
Step 3: Set your preferences for compressing video, such as codec, bitrate, resolution, and frame rate.
Step 4: Click "Start" to compress the video file.
Pros:
– It’s a free open-source software
– Customizable preference selections
Cons:
– It may be confusing to use for first-time users
Method 3: Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is known for its ability to play almost any type of video file. Another useful feature of this software is video compression.
Step 1: Download and install VLC Media Player on your Mac device
Step 2: Open VLC Media Player
Step 3: Click on "File" and select "Convert / Stream"
Step 4: In the "Source" panel, click on "Add" and select the video file you would like to compress
Step 5: Choose the format you prefer for your compressed video
Step 6: Adjust resolution, aspect ratio, and the quality preferences for the compressed video in the "Video Codec" panel
Step 7: Click "Start" to compress the video.
Pros:
– It’s free
– You can compress to different output formats
Cons:
– It may take some time to figure out how to navigate the features because there are many.
Method 4: Utilize Cloud Storage Service
Cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive allow for files to be uploaded and shared seamlessly with other users, therefore avoiding the need for compressing the file.
Step 1: Sign up for a cloud storage service such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive
Step 2: Upload the video file to the cloud storage service
Step 3: Share the link with your intended audience
Pros:
– Cloud storage services offer easy access to video files
– No need to learn how to compress video files
Cons:
– May require payment for large storage space
– Some services have file size restrictions
Why Can’t I Shrink Video File Size on Mac
There can be several reasons why you may not be able to shrink video file size on your Mac. Some common reasons are:
Q: 1. Why are my compressed videos losing quality?
A: Compressing a video file often results in a loss of quality. However, if the compression ratio is too high, the video quality will be significantly reduced.
Q: 2. Why won’t my video file compress?
A: Sometimes, the video file may be corrupted, or the file format may not be compatible with the compression software.
Q: 3. Why is the compressed file size still too large?
A: The compressed file size may still be too large if there were no changes made to the compression settings, or if the compression rate was too low.
Additional Tips
– Don’t compress beyond what is necessary because doing so can significantly reduce video quality.
– Keep the original file to compare the quality
– Close all unnecessary programs on your computer before starting compression
5 FAQs about Shrink Video File Size on Mac
Q: Do I need to purchase a software tool to compress videos?
A: There are free and paid software options available. However, even free options have features and functionality that will allow you to compress the videos with ease.
Q: Can I compress videos without losing quality?
A: Video compression always results in some loss of quality, but by adjusting the compression settings, you can minimize the loss of quality while still achieving a significantly smaller file size.
Q: How long does it take to compress a video file?
A: The time it takes to compress a video file depends on the size of the video and the hardware specifications of your computer. A smaller video file will take less time to compress compared to a larger video file.
Q: Can I compress videos to multiple formats?
A: Yes. You can compress videos to multiple formats using software tools like Handbrake or VLC Media Player.
Q: Can I compress videos to any resolution?
A: Yes, you can compress videos to any resolution that is compatible with the software being used for compression.
In Conclusion
These are the top four methods to compress video files on your Mac. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages but the choice depends on the user’s preferences and the video’s end purpose. iMovie and VLC Media Player are best for simple compressions such as resizing the video. However, Handbrake allows for personalized compression. Cloud storage service comes in handy when you don’t have the software installed or the video file doesn’t need any editing. Choose the method that suits you and saves you time and storage space.