FilePDQ

How to make a video file smaller to send

Updated 4 min read

Quick answer

Trim off what you don’t need first, then compress. Lowering the resolution to 720p usually cuts the size dramatically and still looks fine on a phone.

Compress videoFree, no sign-up, and your files never leave your device.

Open the tool

Step by step

  1. If the clip has dull bits at the start or end, cut them with Trim video first.
  2. Open Compress video and add the file (up to 5 GB).
  3. Set Resolution to Up to 720p, and select Compress video. Keep the tab open while it works.
  4. Download the result and check it plays.

Tips

  • Length matters most: half the length is roughly half the size.
  • 720p is plenty for phones; 1080p for watching on a computer or TV.
  • For very large files a computer is much faster than a phone.

If something goes wrong

My iPhone video won’t open in Chrome.

Newer iPhone videos often use HEVC, which Chrome usually can’t decode. Try in Safari, or set the iPhone camera to Most Compatible.

It’s taking a long time.

Video work uses your device’s own processor. Larger files take minutes, and the tab must stay open.