How to Compress Video Files

Digital video and online video have rapidly increased in popularity, but online video sites like Youtube and others have limits on video file sizes and raw video. HD video can take up huge amounts of hard drive space. Compress the video files to reduce the space necessary to store videos and cut down the size so videos can be uploaded online. Video file compression may sound complex, but it can be done by using a program that comes preinstalled on many home computers.

Things You'll Need

• Windows Movie Maker

Instructions

1. Open Windows Movie Maker.

2. Click "Video" under "Import" on the left pane of the program and browse to find the video clip you want to compress. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the clip into Move Maker.

3. Drag the clip inside Move Maker from imported media area down to the "Video" time line toward the bottom of the Window.

4. Under the "Publish To" field click on "This Computer."

5. Type in a name for the new video and select a save location, then click "Next."

6. Click the circle next to "Compress To," and then highlight the number field and type in the size you want the video to be in Megabytes.

7. Click "Publish" and wait until the video is done being compressed before doing other tasks with your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of using "Compress To," you can choose "More Settings" and compress the video to different standard compressions such as 720p WMV, DVD quality video or VHS quality.

• Other video editing programs will likely have the ability to export video in different compressions.

References

• Compressing Video Files
• Video File Compression

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish