Shrink That File! How to Make an MP4 File Smaller in Windows 10

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Are you tired of dealing with large MP4 files that take up too much space on your computer or slow down your uploads? You’re not alone! As video content becomes more prevalent, file sizes are getting bigger and bigger. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the size of your MP4 files without sacrificing quality. In this article, we’ll explore the best methods to make an MP4 file smaller in Windows 10.

Why Do You Need to Compress MP4 Files?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why compressing MP4 files is essential. Here are a few reasons:

  • Storage Space: Large video files can quickly fill up your hard drive, slowing down your computer and making it difficult to store new files.
  • Upload Time: Uploading large files can take hours, even with a fast internet connection. Compressing your files can significantly reduce the upload time.
  • Sharing: Compressed files are easier to share via email or messaging apps, which often have file size limits.
  • Streaming: Compressed files can be streamed more efficiently, reducing buffering and lag.

Method 1: Using the Built-in Video Editor in Windows 10

You don’t need to download any third-party software to compress your MP4 files. Windows 10 comes with a built-in Video Editor that can help you reduce the file size. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Open the Video Editor app on your Windows 10 computer. You can find it in the Start menu or by searching for it in the Search bar.
  2. Click on the “New Video Project” button to start a new project.
  3. Click on the “Add” button to import your MP4 file.
  4. Select the video file you want to compress and click “Open.”
  5. Click on the “Video” tab at the top of the screen.
  6. Click on the “Export” button in the top-right corner of the screen.
  7. In the “Export” window, select the “MP4” format and choose a lower resolution, such as 1080p or 720p, to reduce the file size.
  8. You can also adjust the quality settings by clicking on the “Advanced” button.
  9. Click “Export” to start the compression process.

Method 2: Using HandBrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder that can compress your MP4 files quickly and efficiently. Here’s how to use it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Download and install HandBrake from the official website.
  2. Open HandBrake and click on the “Source” button to select your MP4 file.
  3. Choose the file you want to compress and click “Open.”
  4. In the “Summary” tab, select the “MP4” format and choose a lower resolution, such as 1080p or 720p, to reduce the file size.
  5. You can also adjust the quality settings by clicking on the “Video” tab.
  6. Click on the “Encode” button to start the compression process.
  7. HandBrake will take a few minutes to compress your file, depending on the size and complexity of the video.

Method 3: Using FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful, command-line based video processing tool that can be used to compress MP4 files. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Download and install FFmpeg from the official website.
  2. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell on your Windows 10 computer.
  3. Navigate to the folder where your MP4 file is located using the “cd” command.
  4. Use the following command to compress your MP4 file: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -crf 18 output.mp4
  5. Replace “input.mp4” with the name of your MP4 file, and “output.mp4” with the desired name of the compressed file.
  6. The -crf 18 parameter sets the quality of the output file. Lower values will result in higher quality, but larger files. Higher values will result in lower quality, but smaller files.

<h2_Method 4: Using Online Compression Tools

If you don’t want to download any software, you can use online compression tools to reduce the size of your MP4 file. Here are a few options:

These tools allow you to upload your MP4 file and download a compressed version. They often have limitations on file size and quality, but they’re convenient and easy to use.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few additional tips to help you compress your MP4 files:

  • Use a lower resolution: Reducing the resolution of your video will significantly reduce the file size.
  • Use a lower bitrate: A lower bitrate will reduce the quality of the video, but it will also reduce the file size.
  • Use a faster codec: Codecs like H.264 and H.265 are more efficient than older codecs like MPEG-4.
  • Remove unwanted parts: Trim your video to remove unwanted parts, such as intros or credits, to reduce the file size.
  • Use a consistent framerate: A consistent framerate will help to reduce the file size and improve playback.

Conclusion

Compressing your MP4 files is a great way to free up storage space, reduce upload time, and make sharing easier. Whether you use the built-in Video Editor in Windows 10, HandBrake, FFmpeg, or online compression tools, there’s a method that’s right for you. Remember to experiment with different settings and codecs to find the perfect balance between quality and file size. Happy compressing!

What is the best method to shrink an MP4 file?

The best method to shrink an MP4 file depends on the desired outcome and the tools available. In this article, we discussed using the built-in video editing software in Windows 10, Video Editor, to trim and split the video to reduce its size. We also explored using third-party software, such as HandBrake, to compress the video file.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Trimming and splitting the video using Video Editor is a quick and easy method, but it may not result in a significant reduction in file size. On the other hand, using HandBrake to compress the video file can significantly reduce the file size, but it may require more time and technical expertise.

Do I need to install any additional software to shrink an MP4 file?

If you want to use the built-in Video Editor in Windows 10 to shrink your MP4 file, then no additional software is required. However, if you want to use a more powerful compression tool like HandBrake, then you will need to download and install it on your computer.

HandBrake is a free, open-source software that can be downloaded from its official website. It’s a relatively small software that can be installed quickly, and it’s available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.

How much can I shrink an MP4 file?

The amount of shrinkage you can achieve depends on the original file size, resolution, and quality of the video. Generally, you can expect to reduce the file size by 50-70% using Video Editor, and up to 90% using HandBrake.

However, the exact amount of shrinkage will also depend on the quality settings you choose. If you want to maintain a high-quality video, you may not be able to shrink the file as much. On the other hand, if you’re willing to sacrifice some quality, you can achieve more significant file size reductions.

Will shrinking an MP4 file affect its quality?

Yes, shrinking an MP4 file can affect its quality. When you reduce the file size, you’re essentially compressing the video data, which can lead to a loss of quality. The amount of quality loss depends on the compression settings you choose.

However, modern compression algorithms used in software like HandBrake are designed to minimize quality loss while achieving significant file size reductions. If you’re careful with your compression settings, you can achieve a good balance between file size and quality.

Can I shrink an MP4 file without losing video quality?

It’s challenging to shrink an MP4 file without losing some video quality, but it’s not impossible. If you have a very high-quality video, you may be able to reduce the file size without noticeable quality loss.

To minimize quality loss, it’s essential to use the right compression settings and tools. For example, HandBrake allows you to adjust the quality settings, bitrate, and resolution to achieve the best possible balance between file size and quality.

How long does it take to shrink an MP4 file?

The time it takes to shrink an MP4 file depends on the file size, the method you’re using, and the hardware specifications of your computer. Trimming and splitting the video using Video Editor is usually a quick process that takes only a few minutes.

On the other hand, compressing the video file using HandBrake can take longer, especially if you’re working with large files. The compression process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the file size and the complexity of the compression settings.

Can I shrink an MP4 file on a Mac?

Yes, you can shrink an MP4 file on a Mac using similar methods described in this article. While Video Editor is exclusive to Windows, you can use iMovie, a free video editing software that comes with Macs, to trim and split your video file.

Alternatively, you can use HandBrake, which is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. The process of shrinking an MP4 file on a Mac using HandBrake is similar to the process on a Windows PC.

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