How to Compress MP4 Video Files on Mac and Windows

Jack

By Jack

Update on

How to Compress MP4

If you are trying to figure out a way to compress your MP4 files, you have come to the right place. Compressing these files allows for easy uploading, saving space, sharing, and playing.

An MP4 file is quite a huge file that consumes a lot of space on your hard disk, eventually leading to your computer slowing down significantly.

Additionally, it also cannot be saved for playing on the go due to its flat body or shared with friends on the Internet easily. So, are there any ways how to compress MP4 video?

Part 1: How to compress MP4 with an all-round MP4 Compressor

Formerly known as Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate, it is easily one of the most efficient and easily-understandable MP4 video reducers that will effectively resize your MP4 videos without compromising on high compatibility (batch video compression is supported) and lossless quality.

Below, You Can See How to Compress MP4 Files.

  • Wondershare Uniconverter: The best MP4 Compressor for Mac/Windows devices
  • You can compress a video for email and compress mp4 video(large) easily and without losing out on its quality
  • MP4 files can be reduced simply by customizing the video settings like frame rate, resolution, bitrate, etc.
  • You can perform simple video editing tasks here, such as split, rotate, merge, or crop the video
  • The conversion speed is faster compared to other video converters
  • You can download videos from more than 10,000 sites, compared to other video converters online
  • You can also convert the videos, convert 4K videos to 1080P, burn a DVD, and record videos with just a single click
  • The toolbox is quite versatile and includes a screen recorder, CD/DVD burner, casting a video to TV, GIF maker, and fixing video metadata
  • The supporting OS includes Mac OS (from 10.6 to 11) and Windows (from Vista to Windows 10)
  • Before you get started, you can watch the video below to get a general idea of how to reduce the file sizes of MP4 files.

Also, click here to try the best app to put videos together.

How to Compress MP4 Files on Windows with Wondershare UniConverter?

For Windows users, you can follow the method mentioned below to compress MP4 video by customizing its video settings.

For this method to work, you will have to download and install the Wondershare UniConverter. Once you are done with the download, click on it, and follow the installation process.

Step 1: Load the MP4 Files into the MP4 Compressor

Once you have installed the Wondershare UniConverter, you need to move to the Toolbox section and choose the Compress option out of the many other choices.

video compress

A new window will open where you can add the MP4 video; to do this, you need to click on the ‘+‘ sign.

add the MP4 video

Step 2: Customizing the video settings to compress or cut down its size

The information on the added video can be seen on the top panel. In this panel, you can adjust the parameters like bitrates, file size, resolution, video format, etc., by moving the progress bar.

While making the adjustments, you can check the video quality side-by-side by clicking on the Preview button.

Customizing the video settings

Step 3: Starting the MP4 Compression

When all the settings have been completed, you can hit the Compress button and let the program take care of the rest. Your video will be compressed according to your settings and can be viewed from anywhere at any time!

Starting the MP4 Compression

However, you should remember that you can compress MP4 video only one file at a time. If you want to compress MP4 video(more than one) in a single go, you can read more below and follow the steps for your Windows computer.

Part 2: How to Compress MP4 with an MP4 Cutter for Mac to Reduce the Size of MP4 Video Files (Three methods)

With the help of Wondershare UniConverter for Mac, there are several ways by which you can compress MP4 video files on your Mac device.

You can customize the video settings to compress the file, trim it, or simply convert it into small-sized formats.

The detailed method is listed below. For this method to work, you will need to download and install the Mac version of the Wondershare UniConverter:

  • Customize the video settings such as the encoder, frame rate, bitrate, and resolution
  • Converting the MP4 file into smaller-sized formats such as WMV and FLV
  • Trimming down unwanted parts of the MP4 video to downsize the file

Method 1: How to Compress MP4 by Customizing the Video Settings such as the Encoder, Frame Rate, Bitrate, and Resolution

Step 1: Adding the MP4 Files to the Compressor

This option will allow you to compress MP4 video by changing its quality before the conversion process.

Here, you can add all the MP4 files that you want to compress by clicking on Add Files; alternatively, you can drag and drop the files here directly as well. Multiple videos can also be added with no hassles.

Add Files to UniConverter

Step 2: Customizing the Video Settings

Similar to the Windows version, you need to click on the drop-down icon labeled Convert All Files To and select Video>MP4.

Then click on the Editing icon next to one of the presents, which will take you to the Setting Window. Once here, you can select the Small Size, and the program will set the MP4 file parameters automatically.

Alternatively, you can adjust the settings like encoder, frame rate, bitrate, and resolution manually and then click on Create to start the shrinking process of the MP4 video file.

Customizing the Video Settings
  • Encoder: In the drop-down option, you can choose one or let it remain in default.
  • Resolution: You get to choose between resolutions like 640*480, 480*368, 480*272, 320*240, and 240*160. If you wish to play the video on your PSP (including PSP3), iPhone 7/7S, and iPod, it is recommended that you choose the 480*272 resolution.
  • Frame Rate: This option will allow you to choose from different values to speed up or slow down your playing speed. Normally, any value above 20 does not make much difference.
  • Bitrate: The value can range between 256kbps and 2000kbps. You can choose one according to your preferences.

Method 2: Converting the MP4 File into Smaller-sized Formats such as WMV and FLV

This is another way to compress MP4 video. Since we already know that MP4 is larger files, you can easily convert them to FLV files; FLV files are smaller in size. To do this, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Add the files to the Wondershare UniConverter.
  • Choose the WMV or FLV from the format window; alternatively, you can also select any one of the other smaller-sized formats as the final output format.
  • Click on the button Convert All to start the compression process.
start the compression process

Method 3: Trimming Down the Video of Unwanted Parts to Ddownsize the MP4 Video

If you wish to downsize your MP4 file, you can also trim it. All you need to do is cut off the unwanted segment of the video.

  • Step 1: Add the MP4 file to the WondershareUniConverter interface and click on the Trim icon.
  • Step 2: You will be redirected to the trimming editing window. Click on the cut button and choose the start and end times of the section you want to clip. Click on delete to remove these segments. Once done, click on Merge All Segments and click on Save. The trimmed video is ready. If you dislike the trimmed video, you can click on the Cancel button anytime.
cut off the unwanted segment of the video
  • Step 3: Once you are done with the trimming, you can choose MP4 as the output format and click on the button called Convert All.
how to compress mp4 with UniConverter

Part 3: How to Compress MP4 with Other Optional Methods of Compressing MP4 Files

While Wondershare UniConverter is a great MP4 compressor for both Windows and Mac, here are some other free video compressors that can answer the question of how to compress MP4:

Windows Movie Maker

This is one of the easiest applications for compressing MP4 files. All you have to do is launch the software and then import the MP4 file that needs compressing.

Even after being compressed, the file will retain the quality of the original file. This app is available only for Windows users.

Windows Movie Maker

Any Video Converter

This is another online video-size compressor that is perfect for people who are looking for more compression options.

The videos can be compressed and converted into several different formats. So, it is definitely one of the best tools for compressing MP4 videos.

how to compress mp4 online with Any Video Converter

VSDC Video Converter

VSDC Video Converter is a great video compressor, especially for mobile users who do not need the HD resolution of MP4 files.

Compression offers a lot of duration, and the users can choose between different output formats. It is great if you are looking to compress MP4 video files for your mobile device.

how to compress mp4 with VSDC Video Converter

Part 4: Four Different MP4 Compressors Comparison Table

Below, we have listed down a table of all four above-mentioned MP4 compressors and compared them with metrics like the supported input format, supported output format, burning the MP4 file into a DVD, etc.

With this comparison table, you will be able to make a choice of which of these MP4 compressors you should opt for.

Software nameWondershare UniConverterWindows Movie MakerAny Video ConverterVSCD Video Converter
Supported input format1,000+ formats, mostly all the regular formatsWMV, MTS, M2TS, AVI, MOV, MP4, ASF, WM, MPEG, WMV, H264, MP4, MP3, AVI, MOV, and WMAMP4, MPEG, VOB, WMV, 3GP, 3G2, MKV, MOD, M2TS, RMVB, AVI, MOV, FLV, F4V, DVR-MS, TOD, DV, MXF, OGG, WEBMDVD, AVI, MPEG, WMV, ASF, FLV, SWF, MOV, MP4, M4V, RM, RMVB, 3GP, AMV
Supported output format1,000+ formats, mostly all the regular formatsMPEG, WMV, H264, MP4, MP3, AVI, MOV, and WMAWMV, MPG, MP4, AVI, ASF, M2TS, 3GP, 3G2, FLV, MKV, SWF, WEBM, HTML5 WEBM, HTML5 OGG, HTML5 MP4MPEG, WMV, H264, MP4, MP3, AVI, MOV, and WMA
Quality after compressionHighMediumHighMedium
Convert MP4 to other formatsYesNoYesYes
Compress MP4 by trimming videosYesNoYesNo
Burn MP4 to DVDYesNoYesNo
Download MP4 from YouTube and other sitesYes, 10,000 sites are supported.Not supportedYes, 100+ sites are supported.Not supported
Convert MP4 by customizing the video settingYesNoYesNo

Additional Tips for Optimizing Video Compression

In addition to the best practices mentioned above, here are some additional tips to optimize the compression of MP4 video files:

  1. Trim Unnecessary Footage: If your MP4 video contains unnecessary sections or footage, consider trimming them before compression. This will reduce the overall file size without compromising the quality of the essential content.
  2. Adjust Video Resolution and Bitrate: Lowering the video resolution and bitrate can significantly reduce the file size. However, find the right balance to maintain acceptable visual quality.
  3. Utilize Codecs and Formats Efficiently: Different codecs and formats have varying compression efficiencies. Explore different options and choose the most efficient codec and format combination for your specific needs.
  4. Consider Batch Compression for Multiple Files: If you have multiple MP4 video files to compress, utilize batch compression features available in some software. This will save you time and effort by compressing multiple files simultaneously.

FAQs

  1. Can I compress MP4 video files without losing quality?
    • While compression typically involves some loss in quality, you can minimize it by using lossless compression methods. However, lossless compression may not achieve significant file size reduction compared to lossy compression.
  2. What is the recommended video compression software for Mac?
    • Some popular video compression software options for Mac include HandBrake, Adobe Media Encoder, and Compressor. Each offers different features and user interfaces, so choose one that suits your needs.
  3. How much space can I save by compressing an MP4 file?
    • The amount of space saved depends on various factors, including the original file size, compression settings, and the desired level of quality. Compressed MP4 files can save anywhere from a few percentage points to significant proportions of the original file size.
  4. Will compressed MP4 files play on all devices?
    • Compressed MP4 files should play on most modern devices and media players. However, some older devices or specific software may have limitations with certain compression settings or formats. It’s advisable to test the compressed file on your target devices or platforms.
  5. Can I compress MP4 files on a mobile device?
    • Yes, there are mobile apps available for both iOS and Android platforms that allow you to compress MP4 video files directly on your mobile device. Search for video compression apps on your respective app store to find suitable options.

Conclusion

From the above table, we can conclude that Wondershare UniConverter is one of the best choices if you are looking for an MP4 converter that will compress MP4 video easily and not lose out on the high quality.

You will not ask any other questions related to how to compress MP4. If you wish to try the app, you can download it for free.

Or, simply, you can learn about the other three online MP4 compressors if Wondershare UniConverter is not your cup of tea.

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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