How to Reduce A Video Size on Android

In today’s digital age, videos have become a popular form of media for sharing and consuming content. However, one common issue that many users face is the large file size of videos. Large video files not only take up valuable storage space but also pose challenges when it comes to sharing or uploading them. This is particularly true for those using Android devices, as limited storage and slow internet speeds can make dealing with large video files a cumbersome task. Thankfully, there are several methods available to reduce the size of videos on Android, making them easier to manage. In this blog post, we will explore these methods and provide step-by-step instructions for each, ensuring that you can effortlessly reduce the size of your videos on Android.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Reduce a Video Size on Android

Reducing the size of videos on Android can offer numerous benefits. Here are some reasons why you might need to reduce the video size:

1. Storage Space: Large video files can quickly fill up your device’s storage capacity, leaving you with limited space for other apps, files, or media. By compressing videos, you can free up valuable storage space and ensure that you have sufficient room for all your needs.

2. Sharing and Uploading: Uploading or sharing large video files can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you have slow internet speeds. By reducing the video size, you can significantly decrease the time it takes to share or upload videos, making the process much more efficient.

3. Streaming and Playback: For those who regularly stream or watch videos on their Android devices, reducing the size of videos can enhance the viewing experience. Smaller video files load faster and require less buffering, resulting in smoother playback and a reduced risk of interruptions.

4. Compatibility: Some platforms or apps may have limitations on the maximum file size they can handle. By compressing videos to a smaller size, you can ensure compatibility and avoid any potential issues when uploading or using videos on various platforms or apps.

Now that we understand why reducing the size of videos on Android is essential let’s explore the various methods to achieve this.

Method 1: Using Video Compressor Apps

Video compressor apps are specifically designed to reduce the size of video files while maintaining a good balance between quality and file size. These apps typically utilize advanced compression algorithms to shrink videos without significant loss in visual quality. Here’s how you can use a video compressor app to reduce a video size on Android:

Step 1: Download and install a video compressor app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include Video Compressor, VidCompact, and Video Dieter.

Step 2: Launch the video compressor app and grant the necessary permissions it requires, such as access to your media files.

Step 3: Select the video you want to compress from your device’s gallery or file manager within the app.

Step 4: Choose the desired compression level or bitrate. Higher compression levels result in smaller file sizes but may sacrifice some video quality.

Step 5: Once you’ve selected the compression settings, tap on the "Compress" or "Reduce Size" button to start the compression process.

Step 6: Wait for the app to compress the video. The time taken will depend on the length and size of the original video file.

Step 7: After compression is complete, the app will provide you with the compressed video file. You can choose to save the file as a new video or overwrite the original file.

Pros:
1. Easy to use, even for beginners.
2. Maintains a good balance between video quality and file size.
3. Offers customization options for compression settings.
4. Multiple apps to choose from, catering to different user preferences.

Cons:
1. Limited control over specific compression parameters.
2. Quality may still be slightly compromised, especially with higher compression levels.
3. Some apps may include ads or offer limited features in the free version.

Method 2: Via Video Editing Apps

If you already have a video editing app installed on your Android device, you can use it to reduce the size of videos. Video editing apps often include features for trimming, cropping, and exporting videos in different formats and resolutions. Here’s how you can reduce a video size using a video editing app:

Step 1: Open your video editing app (e.g., Kinemaster, PowerDirector, or Adobe Premiere Rush).

Step 2: Create a new project or open an existing project if you have already worked on the video.

Step 3: Import the video into the app’s timeline or media library.

Step 4: Trim and remove any unnecessary portions of the video to reduce its overall length and size.

Step 5: Adjust the export settings to reduce the video size. Look for options such as resolution, bitrate, or file format, and choose settings that result in a smaller file size.

Step 6: Preview the video to ensure it meets your requirements and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 7: Export the video using the chosen compression settings. Specify the desired file name and location on your Android device.

Pros:
1. Offers greater control over the video editing process.
2. Can trim and remove unwanted parts of the video.
3. Provides options to adjust resolution, bitrate, and file format.
4. Allows for customization and creativity beyond just video compression.

Cons:
1. Requires a video editing app, which may not be available to all users.
2. May involve a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with video editing software.
3. Exporting a video with high-quality settings may result in longer processing times.

Method 3: Using Online Video Compressor Websites

If you prefer not to install any additional apps on your Android device, you can utilize online video compressor websites to reduce the size of your videos. These websites allow you to upload your videos, which are then compressed and made available for download. Here’s how you can reduce a video size using an online video compressor website:

Step 1: Open a web browser on your Android device and search for "online video compressor."

Step 2: Choose a reputable online video compressor website, such as Clideo, Online UniConverter, or FileZigZag.

Step 3: Access the website and look for an option to upload your video file. Some websites may require you to create an account or provide an email address, while others allow for anonymous file uploads.

Step 4: Once you’ve uploaded the video, the website will offer various compression options. These options may include adjusting the resolution, bitrate, or file format.

Step 5: Select the desired compression settings to reduce the video size.

Step 6: Start the compression process by clicking a button such as "Compress" or "Reduce Size."

Step 7: Wait for the website to compress your video. The time taken will depend on your internet connection speed and the size of the video file.

Step 8: After compression is complete, the website will provide you with a download link for the compressed video. Click on the link to save the file to your Android device.

Pros & Cons:

Method 4: Via Built-in Video Settings on Android Devices

If you prefer not to rely on third-party apps or websites, you can explore the built-in video settings on your Android device. Although the available options may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer and Android version, most Android devices offer basic video compression settings. Here’s how you can reduce a video size using the built-in video settings:

Step 1: Open the default video player or gallery app on your Android device.

Step 2: Locate the video you want to compress and open it.

Step 3: Look for the settings or options menu within the video player or gallery app. This may be represented by three dots, a gear icon, or an overflow menu.

Step 4: Select the video settings or options.

Step 5: Look for an option related to video quality or size. This may be labeled as resolution, quality, or compression.

Step 6: Adjust the selected option to reduce the video size. Lower resolutions or quality settings typically result in smaller file sizes.

Step 7: Once you’ve adjusted the settings, exit the menu and save the changes.

Pros:
1. No need to install additional apps or rely on external websites.
2. Easily accessible through the default video player or gallery app.
3. Most Android devices offer basic video compression options.
4. Can be a convenient and straightforward method for casual users.

Cons:
1. Limited control over specific compression parameters.
2. Available settings may vary depending on device manufacturer and Android version.
3. Higher levels of compression may result in noticeable loss of video quality.

What to Do If You Can’t Reduce a Video Size on Android

If you are unable to reduce a video size using the methods mentioned above, there are a few possible fixes you can try:

1. Check available storage space: Ensure that you have enough free storage space on your Android device to accommodate the compressed video. If storage space is limited, consider deleting unnecessary files or apps to free up space.

2. Update your apps and software: Outdated apps or system software may have compatibility issues or limitations when it comes to video compression. Make sure that all your apps and Android OS are up to date to optimize performance and compatibility.

3. Use alternative compression tools: If the methods described earlier do not yield satisfactory results, consider using alternative video compression tools or software. Look for apps, websites, or software specifically designed for video compression that may offer more advanced features or customization options.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to help you further optimize the compression and management of video files on your Android device:

1. Backup original videos: Before compressing or modifying any videos, always make a backup of the original files. This ensures that you have a copy of the uncompressed video in case you need it later.

2. Use cloud storage: To save storage space on your Android device, consider leveraging cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Upload your videos to the cloud, and then access them on-demand without occupying local storage space.

3. Consider alternative video formats: When compressing videos, experiment with different video file formats to find the one that offers the best balance between quality and size. Formats such as MP4 and HEVC (H.265) typically provide efficient compression without significant loss in quality.

5 FAQs

Q1: Can I reduce the size of videos without compromising their quality?

A1: While it is challenging to reduce video sizes without any loss in quality, using advanced compression algorithms or opting for higher-quality settings can help minimize the noticeable loss.

Q2: How much can I reduce the video size?

A2: The amount you can reduce the video size depends on various factors like the original file size, resolution, bitrate, and compression method used. Generally, you can expect to reduce the video size by 30% to 70%.

Q3: Will reducing video size affect its resolution or playback quality?

A3: Reducing the video size often involves decreasing the resolution, bitrate, or both. While this may result in a slight decrease in quality, choosing the right compression settings can minimize the impact on resolution and playback quality.

Q4: Can I compress videos on older Android devices?

A4: Yes, video compression is possible on older Android devices. However, the available options and performance may vary depending on the device’s specifications and software capabilities.

Q5: Are there any risks involved in using third-party video compression apps or websites?

A5: When using third-party video compression apps or websites, ensure that you choose reputable and trustworthy options. Additionally, be cautious when providing personal or sensitive information as part of the compression process.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with large video files on Android can be a cumbersome task, but with the right methods and tools, you can easily reduce their size. Whether you choose to use video compressor apps, video editing apps, online compression websites, or the built-in video settings on your Android device, each method offers its own advantages and considerations. Experiment with different compression techniques and settings to find the best balance between video size and quality for your specific needs. By reducing the size of your videos on Android, you can enjoy benefits such as saving storage space, improving sharing and uploading efficiency, enhancing streaming and playback experiences, and ensuring compatibility across various platforms and apps.