Shrink video file size - privately
This tool re-encodes your video at a smaller resolution and bitrate entirely inside your browser using the MediaRecorder API. Unlike most online video compressors, your video is never uploaded to a server - it stays on your device, so even a large file compresses privately and works on a slow connection.
It's useful for shrinking a phone recording before emailing it, fitting a video under a platform's upload size limit, or saving storage space without needing separate video editing software.
How to use the Video Compressor
- Select a video file (MP4, WebM, MOV or OGG) or drop it into the box.
- Choose the output scale - lower for a smaller file, higher for better quality.
- Choose WebM or MP4, then press Compress Video. It plays once in the background while it re-encodes, then download the result.
Choosing the right output scale
The scale controls both resolution and bitrate together. 50% is aggressive compression - good for videos being sent over chat apps or email where size matters most. 75% is a balanced default that noticeably shrinks the file while keeping the video watchable on most screens. 100% keeps the original resolution but still re-encodes at an efficient bitrate, which can still meaningfully reduce file size for videos recorded at very high bitrates, like raw phone camera footage.
Why the video plays while compressing
Because there's no server doing the work, your browser has to actually play the video once in the background while it draws each frame to a canvas and records the result - the same real-time process behind screen recording software. A 2 minute video takes about 2 minutes to compress.
Common uses
- Shrinking a phone video so it fits an email or messaging app's size limit
- Reducing storage space used by video files on your device
- Preparing a smaller file for faster uploads on a slow connection
- Compressing screen recordings before sharing them
Frequently asked questions
Is this video compressor free?
Yes - completely free with no signup, no watermark and no limit on how many videos you compress.
Is my video uploaded to a server?
No. The video is re-encoded entirely inside your browser, so it never leaves your device.
Why does the video play while compressing?
There is no server involved, so the browser re-encodes the video in real time as it plays once in the background. A 1 minute video takes about 1 minute to compress.
What format is the compressed video?
You choose - WebM or MP4 - from the dropdown before compressing. WebM has the widest browser support; MP4 is used where your browser can record it directly, and the tool falls back to WebM with a clear note if MP4 recording isn't available there.
How much smaller will my video get?
It depends on the output scale you choose and the original video's bitrate, but 40-70% size reduction at 75% scale is typical for a normal smartphone video.