Video 2 min read
How to Compress a Video for WhatsApp (Under 16 MB) for Free
Make a big video small enough to send on WhatsApp or email, without uploading it anywhere, and how to pick the right settings.
Videos from a phone are often hundreds of MB, which is too big for email and slow on WhatsApp. You can shrink one in your browser, without uploading it.
How to compress a video
- Open Compress Video.
- Choose your video (MP4, WebM or MOV).
- Pick Target file size and choose 16 MB for WhatsApp, or 25 MB for email.
- Choose a resolution. 720p is a good balance, and 480p is better for long videos.
- Click Compress video, keep the tab open, and download the result.
Compress Video
Compress a video in your browser. Your video is not uploaded.
Which settings should I use?
- Balanced: good quality and a clearly smaller file. A good first try.
- Smallest file: lowest quality, for when size matters most.
- Target file size: you choose the size and the tool picks the quality. Best for the WhatsApp or email limit.
Why does it take as long as the video?
To keep your video private, the browser plays it and records it again at a lower quality. That happens in real time, so a 2-minute video takes about 2 minutes. Keep the tab open and in front, because switching tabs can pause it.
MP4 or WebM?
Choose MP4 for WhatsApp, iPhone and most apps. WebM can be smaller but some phones do not play it.
Privacy
Your video is compressed on your own device and is never uploaded, which matters for family videos and work recordings.
Frequently asked questions
Does compressing reduce quality?
Yes, a little. Smaller files always lose some detail. At 720p most people will not notice on a phone.
Why is my compressed video not much smaller?
If the video is already small, there is little left to save. Try Smallest file or a lower resolution.
How big a video can I compress?
Up to 1 GB, as long as your browser can play it.
