Understanding Compression Settings
Master VideoSOS compression settings to achieve the perfect balance between file size and video quality. This comprehensive guide explains every option and when to use it.
How Video Compression Works
Video compression reduces file size by removing redundant information and using efficient encoding algorithms. Understanding the basics helps you make informed decisions about your compression settings.
Lossy Compression
Removes visual data your eye won't notice. Achieves 60-90% file size reduction with minimal perceived quality loss.
Codec Selection
Different algorithms (H.264, H.265, VP9) offer varying compression efficiency and compatibility trade-offs.
Bitrate Control
Determines how many bits per second of video. Lower bitrate = smaller file, but too low causes quality degradation.
Quality Presets Explained
High Quality
Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps for 1080p |Compression: 30-50% size reduction
Best For:
- • Professional archiving and storage
- • Videos you plan to edit or reprocess later
- • High-quality presentations or portfolio work
- • Preserving detailed textures and subtle gradients
Medium Quality (Recommended)
Bitrate: 2-5 Mbps for 1080p |Compression: 60-70% size reduction
Best For:
- • General-purpose video sharing
- • Social media uploads (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok)
- • Website video embeds
- • Balancing quality and file size for cloud storage
- • Videos viewed on typical screens (laptops, phones)
Low Quality
Bitrate: 0.5-2 Mbps for 1080p |Compression: 80-90% size reduction
Best For:
- • Email attachments (file size limits)
- • Quick sharing via messaging apps
- • Limited bandwidth or data caps
- • Temporary or disposable videos
- • Preview or draft versions
Output Format Comparison
MP4 (H.264)
Recommended✓ Advantages
- • Universal compatibility (99.9% of devices)
- • Plays on all browsers, phones, TVs, and media players
- • Supported by all social media platforms
- • Hardware acceleration on most devices
- • Excellent quality-to-size ratio
✗ Disadvantages
- • Older codec (less efficient than H.265/AV1)
- • Larger files than WebM for similar quality
- • Patent licensing concerns (not relevant for end users)
WebM (VP9)
Web Optimized✓ Advantages
- • 30-50% better compression than MP4/H.264
- • Open-source and royalty-free
- • Excellent for web streaming
- • Native support in Chrome, Firefox, Edge
- • Smaller file sizes with similar quality
✗ Disadvantages
- • No support on Safari/iOS (requires fallback)
- • Limited compatibility with older devices
- • Not supported by many video editing tools
- • Slower encoding/decoding than H.264
AVI
Legacy Format✓ Advantages
- • Compatible with very old software/systems
- • Simple container format
- • Supported by legacy Windows applications
- • Can contain various codecs
✗ Disadvantages
- • Outdated format with poor compression
- • Much larger files than MP4/WebM
- • Limited mobile device support
- • No streaming optimization
- • Not recommended for modern use
Advanced Compression Concepts
Resolution Scaling
Reducing resolution is one of the most effective ways to reduce file size. Modern displays can often handle lower resolutions without visible quality loss.
| Resolution | Use Case | File Size Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 4K (3840×2160) | Professional displays, future-proofing | Very Large |
| 1080p (1920×1080) | Standard HD, most screens | Large |
| 720p (1280×720) | Mobile, tablets, web streaming | Medium |
| 480p (854×480) | Older devices, slow connections | Small |
Frame Rate (FPS)
Frame rate determines how many images per second your video displays. Higher framerates create smoother motion but increase file size.
24-30 FPS
Standard for most content. Natural cinematic look. Smallest file size.
60 FPS
Smooth motion for gaming, sports. Larger files but worth it for fast action.
120+ FPS
High-speed camera footage. Massive files. Only for slow-motion playback.
Bitrate Control
Bitrate is the amount of data used per second of video. It's the most direct control over file size vs. quality trade-off.
Recommended Bitrates (1080p, 30fps):
- High Quality:6-10 Mbps
- Medium Quality:3-6 Mbps
- Low Quality:1-3 Mbps
- Minimum Acceptable:0.5-1 Mbps
Quick Decision Guide
| Your Goal | Quality Setting | Format | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email to friends | Low | MP4 | 720p |
| Upload to YouTube | Medium-High | MP4 | 1080p |
| Website embed | Medium | WebM | 720p-1080p |
| Instagram/TikTok | Medium | MP4 | 1080p |
| Professional archive | High | MP4 | Original |
| Cloud storage | Medium | MP4/WebM | 1080p |
Compression Best Practices
Do This
- ✓ Always keep your original uncompressed file
- ✓ Test output quality before deleting originals
- ✓ Use Medium Quality as your starting point
- ✓ Consider your audience's viewing devices
- ✓ Compress once from the highest quality source
- ✓ Match resolution to intended display size
Avoid This
- ✗ Don't compress an already compressed video
- ✗ Don't use Low Quality for important content
- ✗ Don't upscale resolution (e.g., 720p to 1080p)
- ✗ Don't judge quality on small phone screens only
- ✗ Don't use AVI unless specifically required
- ✗ Don't skip quality verification step