iPhones are renowned for their exceptional video recording capabilities, with the latest iPhone 13 series boasting advanced features like upgraded cameras and a cinematic video recording mode. However, the impressive video quality comes at a cost: large file sizes that can quickly fill up your storage space and make sharing them a hassle. While Apple has yet to introduce a built-in video compression feature, there are several ways to shrink those hefty video files and free up valuable storage. This article will explore a practical approach to compress videos on your iPhone, utilizing a reliable third-party app.
How to Compress Videos on Your iPhone
Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t equipped the iPhone with a default video compression tool. Fortunately, there are dedicated apps available on the App Store that can efficiently compress your videos without compromising the quality too much. For this article, we’ll be using a reputable application called Video Compress.
Compressing Videos with Video Compress
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to compress videos using Video Compress:
- Download and Install: Begin by downloading the Video Compress app from the App Store.
- Launch the App: Once installed, open the Video Compress app. You’ll be greeted with a homepage featuring a prominent "+" sign.
- Grant Permissions: The app will request access to your photos library. Tap "OK" to grant the necessary permissions. Video Compress will then display a list of all the videos available in your Camera Roll.
- Select Videos: Tap on the video you want to compress. You have the option to select multiple videos for simultaneous compression.
- Choose Compression Level: You’ll be presented with different compression levels, each offering a compromise between file size and quality. Video Compress offers presets like Full-HD quality, which compresses to 28.6MB per minute, and the most compressed option at 360p, resulting in a file size of 3.6MB per minute. Select your desired compression level.
- Select Destination Album: Video Compress will ask you to choose a Destination Album for your compressed videos. If you don’t see a suitable option, you can create a new album by tapping on "Add New Album" at the bottom of the screen.
- Compression Process: Once you’ve selected the destination, the video compression process will commence. This usually takes around 30 seconds, depending on the video length and compression level.
- Final Touches: Upon completion, the app will inquire if you want to keep the original video or delete it. You now have a compressed video file stored in your chosen Destination Album and your Camera Roll.
Recording Videos at Lower Quality:
If you would like to avoid having large video files from the start, adjusting the recording quality during video capture is an excellent strategy. Simply navigate to Settings > Camera > Record Video and select a lower resolution like 1080p or 720p.
Why Compress Videos?
Here are some compelling reasons to consider compressing your videos:
- Free Up Storage Space: Videos, especially those shot in high resolutions like 4K, can consume a significant amount of storage space. Compressing them allows you to free up valuable storage for other important files, apps, and photos.
- Faster Sharing: Compressed videos can be shared more efficiently, especially via email, which often has limits on file size attachments. Compressing your videos ensures you can send them without encountering any size-related obstacles.
- Online Uploads: Many social media platforms and video hosting websites prefer videos to be compressed to ensure faster loading times for viewers. By compressing your videos, you contribute to a more seamless online experience for your audience.
- Backup and Archiving: Compressing videos can make them easier to manage and back up, particularly when you have a large collection of video content. Compressed files occupy less storage space while retaining enough quality for future use.
Tips for Choosing the Right Compression Level:
The ideal compression level depends on your specific needs. Consider these factors:
- Intended Use: If you’re sharing the video online or via email, a higher compression level might be suitable to reduce file size. For personal viewing or backup purposes, slightly lower compression might maintain acceptable quality.
- Content Complexity: Videos with complex visuals or rapid movement might benefit from a lower compression ratio to retain details and avoid noticeable quality degradation.
- Desired File Size: If storage space is a primary concern, prioritize a higher compression level.
Beyond Video Compress
While Video Compress offers a simple and effective solution, numerous other video compression apps are available on the App Store. Experiment with different apps to find one that suits your needs and preferences best.
Conclusion
Compressing videos on your iPhone is an essential practice for efficiently managing storage space, facilitating easier sharing, and improving the online viewing experience. With readily available tools like Video Compress, you can effortlessly optimize your video files without compromising quality significantly. Remember to carefully consider the compression level required for your specific needs and explore different apps to discover the ideal solution for your video compression requirements.
