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How to Make a Video Smaller on iPhone: The Definitive Guide

Want to shrink those hefty video files clogging up your precious iPhone storage? You’ve come to the right place. Making a video smaller on your iPhone primarily involves reducing its file size through a few key methods: using the built-in editing tools to trim the video, utilizing iMovie for compression, adjusting the recording settings for future videos, or leveraging third-party apps designed for video compression. Each method offers varying degrees of control and convenience, allowing you to choose the best approach for your specific needs. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding Video Compression on iPhone

Before we jump into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand what’s happening behind the scenes. Video compression works by reducing the amount of data needed to represent the video. This can be achieved through several techniques:

Lowering the resolution: Reducing the number of pixels (e.g., from 4K to 1080p) directly decreases the file size.
Reducing the frame rate: The frame rate is the number of frames displayed per second (fps). Lowering it (e.g., from 60fps to 30fps) reduces the amount of data needed to store the video.
Using a more efficient codec: Codecs (coder-decoders) are algorithms used to compress and decompress video data. Some codecs are more efficient than others, allowing for smaller file sizes with minimal loss of quality. H.264 is a common codec, but newer codecs like HEVC (H.265) offer better compression.
Reducing the bitrate: Bitrate refers to the amount of data used per second of video. Lowering the bitrate directly reduces the file size, but it can also affect video quality.

Methods for Compressing Videos on Your iPhone

1. Trimming the Video

The simplest way to reduce a video’s file size is to trim unnecessary footage. The shorter the video, the smaller the file.

How to Trim:

Open the Photos app.
Select the video you want to trim.
Tap Edit in the top right corner.
Use the yellow sliders at the beginning and end of the timeline to select the portion of the video you want to keep.
Tap Done, then choose “Save Video” or “Save Video as New Clip” to preserve the original.
Choosing “Save Video as New Clip” is highly recommended as it leaves the original video untouched and only saves a copy of the trimmed version.

2. Using iMovie for Compression

iMovie, Apple’s free video editing app, offers more control over compression.

How to Compress with iMovie:

Download iMovie from the App Store if you don’t already have it.
Open iMovie and create a new project by tapping the + icon and selecting Movie.
Select your video from your camera roll and tap Create Movie.
Tap the Share icon (square with an up arrow) at the bottom of the screen.
Choose a lower resolution (e.g., 720p instead of 4K). iMovie will display the estimated file size for each resolution.
Tap Save Video. The compressed video will be saved to your Photos app.

3. Adjusting Camera Recording Settings

Preventatively reducing video sizes starts with the camera settings themselves. Lowering the recording quality from the outset means smaller file sizes.

How to Adjust Recording Settings:

Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Camera.
Tap Record Video.
Choose a lower resolution and frame rate (e.g., 1080p at 30 fps instead of 4K at 60 fps).
Consider turning on “Auto FPS”. This automatically adjusts the frame rate in low light conditions to improve video quality.

4. Utilizing Third-Party Video Compression Apps

The App Store is brimming with apps specifically designed for video compression. These apps often offer advanced features and granular control.

Popular Options:

Compress Videos & Resize Video: (Example App) These apps offer features such as batch processing, custom bitrate settings, and the ability to remove audio tracks to further reduce file size.
Video Compress – Shrink Videos: (Example App) Many have preset compression profiles for different platforms and uses (e.g., email, social media).

How to Use a Third-Party App:

Download and install your chosen app from the App Store.
Grant the app access to your Photos library.
Select the video you want to compress.
Adjust the settings (resolution, bitrate, codec) according to your needs.
Start the compression process.
Save the compressed video to your Photos app or other desired location.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Compressing Videos on iPhone

1. Will compressing a video reduce its quality?

Yes, compression inherently involves a trade-off between file size and quality. However, with careful adjustment of settings, you can often achieve significant size reductions with minimal noticeable quality loss. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance for your needs.

2. What’s the best video resolution to use after compression?

The ideal resolution depends on the intended use. For sharing on social media, 720p or 1080p is usually sufficient. If you plan to view the video on a large screen, preserving a higher resolution (e.g., 4K) might be preferable, even if it means a larger file size.

3. Should I choose HEVC or H.264 for compression?

HEVC (H.265) generally offers better compression than H.264, resulting in smaller file sizes for the same quality. However, HEVC is not universally supported. H.264 is more widely compatible with older devices and platforms. Consider the recipient’s device or the platform where you’ll be sharing the video when making your choice.

4. How can I compress a video for email?

Email services often have strict file size limits. Use a video compression app and aim for a very small file size, often below 10 MB. Reducing the resolution to 480p or even 360p may be necessary. Consider sending a link to a cloud storage service (like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox) if the file is still too large.

5. What does “bitrate” mean, and how does it affect compression?

Bitrate refers to the amount of data used per second of video. A lower bitrate means less data is used, resulting in a smaller file size, but it can also lead to a lower quality video with more noticeable artifacts (e.g., pixelation).

6. Can I compress multiple videos at once on my iPhone?

Yes, some third-party apps offer batch processing, allowing you to compress multiple videos simultaneously. This can save you a significant amount of time when dealing with a large number of files.

7. Is there a way to compress videos directly within the iPhone’s Photos app?

While the Photos app allows you to trim videos, it doesn’t offer direct compression options beyond that. You’ll need to use iMovie or a third-party app for more advanced compression.

8. Will compressing a video damage the original video file?

When you use the “Save Video as New Clip” option in iMovie or a third-party app, the original video remains untouched. The compressed version is saved as a separate file. However, if you choose to overwrite the original file, it will be permanently altered.

9. How do I know how much space I’m saving by compressing a video?

iMovie and many third-party compression apps display the estimated file size before you save the compressed video. This allows you to compare the original size with the compressed size and make informed decisions about your settings.

10. What are the best settings for compressing a video for YouTube?

YouTube recommends specific encoding settings for optimal upload quality. Generally, uploading at the original recorded resolution and aspect ratio is ideal. However, if you need to reduce file size, 1080p at 30 fps with a bitrate of 8-10 Mbps is a good starting point.

11. How do I compress a video without losing too much quality?

Experiment with different settings. Start by lowering the bitrate slightly and see if the quality is acceptable. Avoid drastic reductions in resolution. Using an efficient codec like HEVC (if compatibility allows) can also help preserve quality.

12. Why is my video still large even after compression?

Factors such as the original video’s length, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate all contribute to the final file size. A very long video, even at a lower resolution, may still be relatively large. Ensure you’re using an efficient codec and have experimented with bitrate settings.