How To Compress Video Files For Free (2 Methods)


Author: Ezriah Zippernowsky
Published inhow-to-guides August 14 2023


Hello, fellow primates! Are your video files as big as a gorilla and just as hard to handle? Well, you’ve swung to the right branch. Today, we’re going to learn how to compress video files for free. It’s as easy as peeling a banana, I promise! So, let’s stop monkeying around and get started.

Table of contents

Video guide showing how to compress videos files into a zip file using a web browser.

How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller

VideoSmaller is a free online service that allows you to reduce video file size without losing quality. It’s like a magic trick, but instead of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, we’re shrinking videos down to size!

  1. Swing over to VideoSmaller: Navigate to VideoSmaller. No need to download anything - it all happens in your browser.

    How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller: Step 1

  2. Select your video file: Click on Browse… to select the video file you want to compress. The file size should be less than 500MB, so no King Kong-sized videos, please!

    How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller: Step 2

    How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller: Step 2

  3. Set compression level: (Optional) If you want the best quality, check the box Use low compression level (best quality). It’s like choosing the ripest banana from the bunch.

    How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller: Step 3

  4. Scale video width: (Optional) You can choose to reduce the video width from the dropdown menu. If you don’t want to scale the video, select Do not scale. It’s like choosing how big you want your banana to be.

    How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller: Step 4

  5. Remove audio: (Optional) If you want to remove audio from the video, check the box Remove audio from video. It’s like enjoying a quiet afternoon in the jungle without the squawking parrots.

    How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller: Step 5

  6. Upload Video: Click Upload Video. It may take some time depending on the video length, so grab a banana and hang tight!

    How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller: Step 6

    How To Compress Video Files Using VideoSmaller: Step 6

    Once the video is compressed, you can download it. With VideoSmaller, you can easily make your video files smaller for free, leaving you more time for monkey business!

How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source multimedia player that can also compress video files. It’s like a monkey that can not only swing from trees but also juggle bananas!

  1. Download VLC Media Player: Swing over to the VLC Media Player website and download the software. It’s available for both Windows and Mac.

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 1

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 1

  2. Open VLC Media Player: Once installed, open VLC Media Player. It’s as simple as climbing a tree.

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 2

  3. Open Media: Click on Media in the menu, then select Convert / Save. It’s like choosing which banana to eat.

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 3

  4. Add your video file: In the File tab, click Add to select the video file you want to compress. It’s like picking the perfect banana from the bunch.

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 3

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 3

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 4

  5. Choose output settings: Click on Convert / Save, then choose your desired output format under Profile. MP4 is a popular choice. It’s like deciding whether to eat your banana now or save it for later.

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 5

  6. Start conversion: Click Start to begin the compression process. It might take some time, depending on the size of the video. It’s a good time for a banana break!

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 6

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 6

    How To Compress Video Files For Free Using VLC Media Player: Step 6

    And there you have it! Your video file is now compressed, just like a squashed banana. With VLC Media Player, you can easily make your video files smaller for free, leaving you more time for monkey business!