What is video compression?
Video compression reduces the file size of video content by eliminating redundant or unnecessary data. While it makes files smaller and easier to store or stream, over-compression can lead to a loss of quality.
What does compression do to a video?
Compression reduces a video’s file size by removing redundant data, making it easier to store and transmit.
What are the disadvantages of video compression?
Disadvantages include potential loss of image quality, reduced sharpness, and less detail due to data removal.
What video compression should I use?
Use H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) for a good balance of quality and file size, widely supported across platforms.
What are the results of compressing a video too much?
Over-compression leads to noticeable quality loss, pixelation, and artifacts in the video.
Does compression ruin image quality?
Yes, compression can degrade image quality, especially if it's applied too aggressively.
Does video compression affect sound?
Yes, compression can affect sound quality, particularly if the audio is compressed along with the video.
How long does video compression take?
Compression time varies based on video length, resolution, and the system's processing power. It can range from minutes to hours.
How to use Riverside to compress videos
Riverside has an online video compressor that you can use to compress videos. You can choose the codec, the compression method, and if you want to make it compatible with old devices.
Upload your video:
Drop or upload an existing video file that you want to compress.
Choose the video codec:
Select between H265 and H264. The H265 codec can reduce video size by 20-75% more than H264, particularly for high-resolution videos.
Select the compression method:
- Choose “Target a File Size (Percentage)” to reduce the file size by a certain percentage.
- Choose "Target a file size (MB)" to get an exact output file size.
- Choose "Target a video quality" when quality is important. You can select the quality (CRF) when you pick this option. A higher CRF value means more compression, but it also reduces video quality.
Choose the compression speed:
Choose from various compression speeds, with “Very Fast” being the default. A slower compression speed means you get better compression and quality. We recommend you stick to the default compression speed to balance quality and speed.
(Optional) Choose backward compatibility:
Check this box to make a video compatible with old devices. This is also a good idea if you have playback issues. But remember that this will not result in optimal compression.
