VLC Compress Video: How to Reduce Video Size Effortlessly

Video content has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. The challenge often lies in managing file sizes without compromising quality. If you find yourself grappling with large video files that consume valuable storage space or pose challenges in sharing, the solution lies in learning how to compress video efficiently.

Among the myriad of tools available, VLC offers a straightforward and effective approach to compressing video files. By exploring the process of VLC compress video, you can effortlessly reduce file sizes while maintaining satisfactory video quality, ensuring a seamless solution to the common predicament of managing and sharing videos efficiently.

However, for those seeking a more integrated, feature-rich experience with advanced editing and easy online access, a powerful alternative is CapCut online. It offers features like AI smart compression, AI-powered bitrate optimization, and automatic quality enhancement to shrink videos while preserving clarity. Together, these tools give you seamless ways to manage, store, and share videos effortlessly.

3 ways to compress video with VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player, renowned for its versatility, is not just a video player; it's also a handy tool for compressing videos without compromising quality. Here, we'll explore three effective methods for VLC players to compress video, ensuring optimal file sizes for storage and sharing.

Change video encoding parameters

Compressing videos with VLC is straightforward. Adjust the codec, bitrate, frame rate, and quality settings to effectively reduce file size. Opt for a video codec tailored to your needs, tweak the bitrate to impact file size, and manage frame rate for optimal results. Learn the simple steps below.

STEP 1
1. Upload and initialize conversion

• Open VLC and navigate to Media > Convert/Save.
• Click +Add to upload your video, then click Convert/Save.

STEP 2
1. Select profile and access settings

• Select the desired output format from the Profile drop-down list.
• Click the Edit selected profile (wrench/spanner) icon to adjust parameters.

STEP 3
1. Define encoding parameters

• Go to the Video codec tab and choose Encoding parameters.
• Adjust the codec, bitrate, quality, and frame rate, then click Save.

STEP 4
1. Set output and start conversion

• Click Browse to choose the output folder and rename the resulting file.
• Click Start to begin the video conversion process.

Transcode to a different format

Another effective way for VLC compress video is by transcoding it into a more efficient format. Follow these steps:

STEP 1
1. Open VLC and access Convert/Save

• Launch VLC Media Player.
• Go to Media → Convert/Save from the top menu.

STEP 2
1. Import the video file

• Click on Add to import the video you want to compress.

STEP 3
1. Select compression format

• In the Profile dropdown, choose "H.265 + MP3 (MP4)" format for better compression.
• (Optional) Click the wrench/icon to customize bitrate or resolution.

STEP 4
1. Start compression

• Choose destination file name and folder.
• Click Start to begin transcoding and compressing your video.

Crop and save

VLC also allows you to compress video by cropping unnecessary portions, effectively reducing its dimensions and file size. Follow these steps:

STEP 1
1. Open video effects

• Launch VLC Media Player.
• Go to Tools → Effects and Filters.

STEP 2
1. Enable cropping

• In the Adjustments and Effects window, open the Video Effects tab.
• Check the Crop box.

STEP 3
1. Apply crop settings

• Enter your crop values to remove unwanted areas.
• Click Close to apply the changes and reduce video size.

The alternative way to VLC compress video: CapCut video editor

CapCut video editor emerges as a compelling alternative to VLC compress video when it comes to video compression, offering a user-friendly interface and efficient compression capabilities.

• User-friendly interface

CapCut's user-friendly interface revolutionizes video compression, empowering users of all levels. This design solves the problem of complexity, ensuring even beginners can navigate effortlessly. Whether you're a novice or an experienced editor, CapCut's intuitive layout simplifies the compression process, making it accessible to everyone.

• Efficient compression

CapCut's efficiency in video compression addresses the challenge of managing large files. For users grappling with storage limitations or seeking faster uploads, CapCut's compression algorithms offer a solution. Now, compressing videos becomes a seamless process, allowing you to maintain optimal quality while efficiently reducing file sizes.

• Wide format support

CapCut's extensive format support tackles the problem of compatibility. In scenarios where users work with various video formats, CapCut ensures a versatile solution. Whether it's the common MP4 or more specialized formats, CapCut's broad support enhances its utility, accommodating diverse user needs in the realm of video editing.

By leveraging these features in CapCut, users can compress videos efficiently while retaining control over output quality. This alternative method to "VLC compress video" proves useful for those seeking diverse customization options beyond traditional video compression tools.

How to compress video with CapCut

Compressing videos with CapCut is a straightforward process, offering a range of customization options to tailor your videos according to your needs.

STEP 1
1. Upload video

• Log in to CapCut and from the homepage, click "Create new" to start project.
• Import from your computer, mobile via QR code, or cloud storage (CapCut Cloud, Google Drive, Dropbox).
• You can also drag and drop files, use CapCut's video library, or record clips directly.
• Multiple upload options give you flexibility and ease of use.

STEP 2
1. Edit video

• Crop, trim, or cut clips to remove unnecessary parts and reduce size.
• Enhance your footage with transitions, filters, and recordings.
• These edits help improve the video while keeping the file lightweight.

STEP 3
1. Compress and share video

• Navigate to the Export settings.
• Adjust the "Quality" settings to control the compression level (find the balance between file size and visual quality).

• With a single click, seamlessly share the compressed video to social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Go beyond video compression and explore rich editing capabilities

CapCut isn't just a video compression tool; it's a comprehensive video editor offering powerful editing capabilities.

• User-friendly and free

CapCut distinguishes itself as an innovative and user-friendly video editing platform, providing a seamless and free-to-use experience.

Moreover, the model of CapCut addresses financial concerns that users might encounter with premium editing software. By providing a robust set of editing features with free plan available, CapCut democratizes the video editing landscape, making advanced editing tools accessible to a broader audience.

• Free cloud storage space and collaborative editing

The inclusion of free cloud storage space is a game-changer for users dealing with the perennial issue of storage constraints. CapCut provides a seamless solution, enabling users to store their edited videos effortlessly in the cloud. This not only alleviates concerns about running out of local storage but also ensures that users can access their content from anywhere, fostering flexibility and convenience in their creative workflow.

Collaborative editing takes center stage as CapCut recognizes the evolving nature of content creation, often involving multiple contributors. With this feature, users can engage in real-time collaboration with team members, whether they are in the same room or miles apart.

By offering Free Cloud Storage Space and collaborative editing, CapCut caters to the contemporary needs of content creators, enabling them to work seamlessly across devices, share their projects effortlessly, and collaborate with team members regardless of geographical barriers.

• Powerful editing tools

CapCut transforms into a robust video editing tool, offering transitions, text, filters, and more. It empowers users creatively, addressing limitations found in other platforms.

• One of its standout features is seamless screen recording, providing an intuitive platform for crafting tutorials, gameplay videos, and engaging demos. If you want to record a video, don’t miss this feature!
• The one-click background removal feature redefines visual storytelling, making it effortless to create dynamic and captivating content.
• Delve into the realm of video color adjustment, where you have precise control over colors, brightness, contrast, and more, ensuring your videos exude the desired visual aesthetics.
• CapCut's automatic subtitle generation feature adds a layer of accessibility, saving valuable time with accurate and synchronized subtitles. Break language barriers with translated subtitles, enabling you to connect with a global audience effortlessly.
• Additionally, CapCut's AI text-to-speech allows you to effortlessly convert your written text into a natural, professional-sounding voiceover. You can choose from a wide variety of voices, languages, and accents to give your content a consistent and polished audio track without manual recording.
• The motion tracking feature automatically tracks the movement of a person or object in your video, allowing you to flawlessly attach text, graphics, or effects that follow the subject throughout the frame, adding professional-grade dynamism to your content.
• To further enhance your videos, CapCut offers an array of filters and stickers, allowing you to infuse creativity and personalization into every frame.

CapCut is not just a video editor; it's a comprehensive creative hub, that empowers you to explore new dimensions in your video editing journey.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of video compression is essential for managing large files and ensuring seamless sharing. We have explored the straightforward, yet manual techniques of VLC compress video—by adjusting encoding parameters, transcoding to a more efficient format like H.265, or cropping the video dimensions.

However, for those who require a more modern, integrated, and feature-rich experience, CapCut emerges as a superior solution. CapCut not only offers an intuitive and user-friendly platform for simple and efficient video compression, but it also provides a comprehensive editing suite that goes far beyond basic size reduction.

By leveraging CapCut's advanced features like customizable compression settings, cloud storage, and powerful editing tools, you can effortlessly achieve the perfect balance of small file size and high visual quality for all your content creation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
1. How do I reduce the size of a video in VLC?

To reduce the size of a video using VLC, follow these steps:

Steps:

• Open Media → Convert/Save.
• Add your video and click Convert/Save again.
• Choose a lower-bitrate profile (e.g., low-resolution MP4).
• Click Start to export a smaller version.

2
1. How do I use a VLC compressor?

VLC does not have a dedicated, single-click "compressor" tool. The size reduction is achieved through the manual Convert/Save function described above.

• VLC's Method: You compress in VLC by manually reducing the video bitrate via the Convert / Save function.
• Solution: For a more direct, user-friendly compression experience with additional editing features, an external tool like CapCut is often recommended as an alternative.

3
1. Which is the best video size converter?

While the VLC Convert/Save feature is a good, free, and built-in option, dedicated tools often provide more versatile and easier-to-use compression and conversion options.

• Recommended converter: CapCut is highly praised for its comprehensive editing suite and easy-to-use compression features, offering a robust solution that goes beyond basic conversion.
• Key benefits of alternatives: Dedicated tools often provide better control over compression settings and are designed specifically for creative editing and size reduction.