3 Ways to Reduce the Size of Business Video Files

    As businesses start to utilize videos more frequently for marketing, training and a variety of other purposes – the main challenge they face tends to be storing and distributing video files. Compared to other types of files videos can be very large and take up more storage space while being more difficult to transfer at the same time.

    If you’re facing those issues, it makes sense to try to find ways to reduce the size of your business video files. That can be done using several methods, and it is important to know them all:

    • Using codecs with better compression

    The ‘format’ that your video is stored in is comprised of a container and a video codec, and the latter is what determines the type of compression that is being used. Newer codecs often have better compression rates, resulting in smaller video file sizes for videos of the same quality.

    Generally this is a good option to reduce the size of your business video files as it does not affect the quality of the video. However you will first need to assess whether or not it is an option, based on the current format that your videos are stored in.

    Additionally you will need to factor in compatibility, as newer video codecs tend to be not as widely supported as older ones.

    • Reducing the video bitrate

    The file size of videos is determined by its bitrate, which is literally the amount of data that the video uses every second (making the file size the bitrate multiplied by the video duration). By reducing the bitrate you will be able to reduce the video file size – but it can affect the quality of the video.

    Simply put videos require a certain bitrate to be displayed properly, and that varies based on the resolution and framerate especially. If the bitrate that you choose is too low then compression artifacts will start to appear when it is played.

    In short if you intend to reduce the bitrate, you should balance it with the video quality. That may require some trial and error before you find a balance that is acceptable.

    • Extracting important clips

    Technically this option won’t reduce the file size of the overall video, but in some cases that isn’t necessary. Instead, you can extract important clips from your business videos that will be a far more manageable file size to begin with.

    Typically it is best to go down this route when you have long videos but only a specific part of them is relevant. For example you could have an hour-long training video, but only 10 minutes of it might be needed by the recipient and so you could extract those parts and send them as smaller video files.

    Now that you know the three main ways to reduce the file size of your business videos – the next step is to actually pick one and use it. If you’re opting to convert the video codec or reduce the bitrate you’ll need a video converter, such as Movavi Video Converter for Mac for example. In some cases converters can extract clips as well, but in others you may need a separate tool for that.

    As a general rule, if you can convert your video to a codec with better compression that is compatible with the devices and platforms that you’re using – that should be your first resort. If not then you can look at other options that may be more suitable, but just remember to carefully assess the affect they’ll have on the video quality and content.

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    • Tom La Vecchia

      Founder of New Theory & X Factor Media

      Founder and Publisher of New Theory Magazine and Podcast. Serial Entrepreneur who loves wine, cigars and anything that allows to people to connect and share experiences.

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