Introduction
Ever recorded a video on your iPhone only to realize it’s too large to send or upload? Whether you’re emailing, sharing on social media, or freeing up storage, compressing a video makes life easier. The good news? Your iPhone gives you several ways to reduce file size—quickly and without losing much quality.
Why Compress a Video on iPhone?
Here’s why compression is essential:
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Save storage space on your iPhone.
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Make videos easier to share via email, AirDrop, or messaging apps.
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Meet platform limits for social media uploads (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube).
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Improve upload speed for cloud storage or online sharing.
Understanding Video Compression
Compression reduces the file size of your video by lowering resolution, frame rate, or bit rate. While some quality loss is inevitable, the right settings help keep videos sharp while making them smaller.
How to Compress a Video Using the Photos App
Though Photos doesn’t directly “compress,” you can export videos in lower quality to reduce file size.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
Go to Photos and select the video you want to compress.
Step 2: Duplicate the Video
Tap Share → Duplicate to create a copy (so you keep the original).
Step 3: Use the Export Option for Lower Quality
When sharing (e.g., via Mail), choose a smaller size. The iPhone automatically compresses before sending.
How to Compress a Video Using iMovie
iMovie offers more control over video resolution and file size.
Step 1: Install and Open iMovie
Download iMovie (free from the App Store) and launch it.
Step 2: Import Your Video
Tap Create Project → Movie → Select your video.
Step 3: Adjust Resolution Settings
When exporting, tap Share → Save Video → Choose a lower resolution like 720p or 540p.
Step 4: Export in Compressed Format
This new file will be significantly smaller than the original.
Best Third-Party Apps to Compress Videos
For advanced options, try these apps:
Video Compress – Shrink Vids
Lets you choose the exact size and resolution.
Video Slimmer
Reduces size and can trim videos at the same time.
Compress Videos & Resize Video
Fast and easy compression with different quality presets.
How to Compress a Video Without Losing Quality
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Avoid very low resolutions (stick to 720p or higher).
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Use H.264 or HEVC codecs for better compression efficiency.
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Edit out unnecessary parts before compressing.
Best Compression Settings for Sharing
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Email: 480p or 720p to meet attachment size limits.
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WhatsApp: Keep under 16MB per file (use trimming + compression).
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Social Media: 1080p for YouTube, 720p for Instagram or TikTok.
How to Reduce Video File Size for iCloud Storage
Compress videos before uploading to iCloud to save space or use the Optimize iPhone Storage feature in Settings → Photos.
Tips to Maintain Good Quality After Compression
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Use HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Codec) if your iPhone supports it.
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Avoid compressing multiple times.
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Start with the highest quality original for best results.
Compression for Different Purpose
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Social Media: Choose the platform’s recommended resolution.
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Email: Use iMovie or third-party apps to create lighter versions.
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Cloud Storage: Optimize for smaller size without huge quality drops.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Compressing Videos
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Over-compressing and losing too much quality.
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Forgetting to save a copy of the original file.
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Using untrusted apps that degrade video.
How to Check the New File Size After Compression
Go to Files → Locate the video → Tap Info to view the new size.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Compression Fails
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Restart your iPhone.
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Free up storage before saving the compressed file.
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Try a different app if one doesn’t work.
Conclusion
Compressing videos on your iPhone doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use the Photos app, iMovie, or third-party tools, you can easily make videos smaller while keeping them watchable. So next time you need to share or store a video, you’ll know how to optimize it like a pro.
FAQs
1. Does compressing a video reduce its quality?
Yes, but using the right settings minimizes noticeable loss.
2. What’s the best free app for compressing videos on iPhone?
Video Compress and iMovie are great options.
3. Can I compress videos without losing quality?
Completely lossless compression isn’t possible, but you can reduce size with minimal quality loss.
4. What format should I use for compressed videos?
HEVC (H.265) is highly efficient for smaller file sizes.
5. How do I compress videos for email?
Use iMovie or third-party apps to lower resolution and export in a smaller size.