Compress Video Online Free
Choose a video output that the destination can play
The smallest codec is not useful if the recipient cannot decode it. Start with the destination, then tune bitrate and dimensions to reach the size target.
| Output | Choose it when | Compatibility | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4 / H.264 | The file must play almost anywhere | Highest | Usually larger than newer codecs at equal visual quality |
| MP4 / H.265 | Apple and modern-device playback is known | Mixed | Smaller than H.264, but browser and licensing support varies |
| WebM / VP9 | The video is primarily for modern browsers | Strong on the web | Less reliable in native players and messaging apps |
| AV1 | Minimum size matters and the target explicitly supports it | Growing | Slowest encode and weakest older-device support |
| GIF | A short silent loop needs broad legacy support | Very broad | Very inefficient for normal video; reduce duration, dimensions, and FPS |
How to finish the file
- 01
Load the video here
Use the file drop at the top of this page to load MP4, MOV, WebM, GIF, animated WebP, or APNG. It opens the compressor with the file ready and keeps the media on your device.
- 02
Choose format and codec
Select your output format. MP4 with H.264 is the safest choice for compatibility. WebM with VP9 is great for web use. For the smallest files, use H.265 or AV1 if your target platform supports them.
- 03
Adjust compression settings
Choose an initial bitrate based on the content and destination, reduce resolution if appropriate, and trim the video to remove unnecessary sections. Preview the result before exporting.
- 04
Export with fit-to-size
If you need to hit a specific file size, use fit-to-size. FastEdit estimates a bitrate, checks the encoded result, and makes additional attempts when needed; verify the final size shown before sharing.
Benefits
- Accepts MP4, MOV, WebM, GIF, animated WebP, and APNG; MOV is input-only and exports use MP4, WebM, or an animation format.
- Multiple codec options: H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9, AV1. Pick the best for your use case.
- No hard upload caps. Cloud tools often cap at 500MB or 1GB; FastEdit is limited by your device instead.
- Trim, crop, and resize during compression to remove unnecessary data.
- Local processing avoids the upload, processing queue, download, and remote-retention questions of a server compressor.
- Completely free with no watermarks, time limits, or signup.
Compression Tips
- For broad compatibility, start with MP4 and H.264, then test the actual destination when its player or upload requirements are known.
- Reducing 4K footage to 1080p can lower the bitrate needed for a clean result, but the size change depends on the bitrate and codec you export with.
- Trim unused footage before compressing. Shorter duration gives the remaining frames more of the available size budget; FastEdit re-encodes the export.
- Reduce one variable at a time and preview the result. Start with bitrate, then dimensions, then frame rate so you can see which change actually helped.
- For a size-constrained social upload, 720p is a useful starting point. Raise or lower bitrate after checking motion, text, and fine detail in the preview.
Shrink the file, keep the quality in sight, and never hand over the original.
Compress in FastEdit