iPhone users love to capture precious moments with their devices. To ensure storage space is not an issue, video compression comes in handy. However, condensing the file size of video files on an iPhone can be challenging. Why? The native video format on an iPhone is high-quality and takes up a larger amount of storage space than other video formats. In this blog post, we will explore several methods on how to condense video file sizes on an iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
Method 1: Use the iPhone’s Built-in Video Editor
The iPhone’s built-in video editor has a variety of options for editing and compressing video files. The editor can be accessed through the "Photos" app. To compress a video file, follow these steps:
1. Open the "Photos" app on your iPhone
2. Find and select the video file you want to compress
3. Tap the "Edit" button in the top right corner of the screen
4. Tap the crop and rotate icon, which looks like two overlapping right angles
5. Select the "Crop" button
6. Drag and crop the video to your desired length
7. Tap the "Done" button
8. Save the edited clip as a new video file or replace the original file
Pros:
- Quick and easy to use
- No additional app downloads are necessary
- You can retain the quality of the original file if you don’t crop too much
Cons:
- You can only crop the video, so the compression rate is limited
- If you crop too much, the video quality may be affected
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Video Compressor App
If you want to compress your video file further, you can install a third-party app to do so. The App Store has a variety of apps that can compress video files. Here are some apps you can try:
1. Video Compressor – This app is known for its ease of use and high compression rate.
2. Video Dieter 2 – This app allows you to select the level of compression you want, depending on your storage needs.
3. Video Slimmer – This app offers multiple ways to compress video files, such as reducing the frame rate and bit rate.
To compress a video file using a third-party app, follow these general steps:
1. Download and install the app from the App Store on your iPhone
2. Open the app and select the video file you want to compress
3. Select the compression settings you want. For example, you can reduce the frame rate or bit rate.
4. Preview the compressed video file to ensure it looks good.
5. Save the compressed video file as a new file or overwrite the original file.
Pros:
- You have more control over the compression rate
- You can compress the video file further to save more storage space
- Some apps may provide additional editing features such as trimming or adding filters
Cons:
- You need to download and install an additional app
- Compression rates may vary depending on the app and settings you choose
Method 3: Use Cloud-Based Video Compression Services
If you don’t want to install an app on your iPhone, you can use a cloud-based video compressing service. These services are accessible through a web browser and can compress video files without the need for an app.
One popular cloud-based video compression service is Clipchamp. Here are the steps to compress a video file using Clipchamp:
1. Go to the Clipchamp website using your preferred web browser.
2. Sign up for a free account (if you don’t already have one).
3. Click the "Create a video" button.
4. Select the "Compress a video" option.
5. Select the video file you want to compress.
6. Choose the desired compression settings.
7. Preview the compressed video file.
8. Download the compressed video file or upload it to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Pros:
- No app installation required
- You can access the service from any device with a web browser
- Many cloud-based services offer free video compression options
Cons:
- Compression rates may not be as high as some third-party apps
- You need an internet connection to access the service
Why Can’t I Compress My Video File?
There may be times when your video file cannot be compressed using the methods we’ve outlined. Some reasons why this might occur include:
1. Corrupted Video File
If your video file is corrupted, it may not be possible to compress it. In such situations, try to recover the file by repairing it or restoring it from a backup.
2. Built-In Compression Limits
The iPhone’s built-in video editor and compression settings may be limited in their capacity to decrease a file’s size. In such cases, try using a third-party app or cloud-based service to compress the video file further.
3. Hardware Limitations
If you have an older iPhone model with limited storage space, compressing the video file may still not free up the necessary storage space. In such cases, consider upgrading to a newer iPhone model with higher storage capacity.
Additional Tips for Condensing Video Files on iPhone
There are a few additional tips you can follow to help condense your video file sizes on an iPhone:
1. Record in a Lower Resolution
When capturing a video, try recording in a lower resolution. Lower resolution videos take up less storage space on your iPhone. To adjust the resolution settings, go to "Settings > Camera > Record Video."
2. Use External Storage
If you find that your iPhone’s internal storage is not enough, you can use external storage devices such as USB drives or cloud storage to store your video files.
3. Delete Unnecessary Files
Regularly deleting old and unnecessary video files can free up more storage space on your iPhone for new files.
Four FAQs about Condensing Video Files on iPhone
Q1. How much storage space can I save by compressing a video file?
A1. The amount of storage space you can save varies depending on the duration and quality of the video file. Generally, you can save between 50% and 90% of the original file size.
Q2. Will compressing the video file affect its quality?
A2. Yes, reducing the file size of a video may reduce its quality. To minimize quality loss, it’s essential to select the right compression level.
Q3. Can I reverse the compression process?
A3. No, compressing a video file is an irreversible process. It’s essential to keep a copy of the original video file if you plan to edit or use it in the future.
Q4. Will using a third-party app or cloud-based service to compress my video files damage my iPhone?
A4. No, compressing your video files using a third-party app or cloud-based service will not damage your iPhone.
In Conclusion
Condensing video files on an iPhone can be challenging, but it’s necessary to save storage space. Using the built-in video editor, a third-party app, or a cloud-based compression service are all viable options for achieving the desired compression rate. It’s essential to keep in mind the file’s quality and compression rate to maintain the original video’s integrity. Follow the additional tips to help you save more storage space and keep your video files organized.