How To Compress a Video on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you decrease video size on Android, the file is easier to share, upload, and archive. By strategically reducing resolution and frame rate, compression keeps your content looking sharp while making the file more manageable. 

Whether you're uploading to social media, sharing videos via email, or saving space on your phone, learning how to compress a video on Android helps you create convenient, shareable content without compromising quality.

Understanding Video Compression

Video compression reduces a file’s size by removing unnecessary data, making videos easier to store, post, and send. It also improves online performance, leading to faster load times and effortless playback. 

Compression uses algorithms to remove redundant information while retaining as much quality as possible. Here are the main ways it reduces file size:

• Decreasing resolution — Compressing videos removes a small amount of pixels in each frame. 
• Reducing framerate — This decreases the number of individual images shown per second, called frames per second (FPS).
• Lowering bitrate — Compression reduces the amount of data transmitted per second.

All of these points have a chance of reducing visual and audio clarity, but if you compress videos with high-quality programs, these changes are mostly undetectable.

Why Should You Compress Videos?

Video compression improves upload speeds, makes storage and archiving more convenient, and helps you share content via messaging and email. Reducing file size also makes it easier for people to load and enjoy your content, especially if they’re using a slower internet connection or an older device.

You can sidestep compression by using your phone’s settings to reduce the quality before you film a video, but it’s not recommended. Different platforms (like Instagram and YouTube) have unique compression standards, and filming each video in optimal quality lets you tailor videos to each site’s requirements.

How To Resize Videos on Android

If you’re using an Android, reducing video size is straightforward. Here’s how to shrink a video’s file size with Captions’ content studio and built-in smartphone tools.

How To Compress Android Videos With Captions

Captions’ Video Compressor effortlessly reduces file size, changes formats, and adapts your content to any platform. Adjust the size and quality, then compress multiple videos in batches to speed up the process.

Here’s how to compress a video in Captions:

• Launch Captions — Download Captions, then start a new profile or sign in with your Google, Microsoft, or Apple account.
• Import your videos — Drag and drop your files into the editor. Add as many videos as you need to edit.
• Choose your parameters — Use the slider to adjust the output quality and select your preferred video dimensions. For example, choosing 1080 x 1920px with an aspect ratio of 9:16 makes your content suitable for TikTok feeds and Instagram Stories.

Compress and download —- Tap “Compress,” download your videos, and start sharing.

How To Compress Videos Using Built-in Tools

Android phones also have built-in editing tools that let you compress files. While this is a fast solution, the end results won’t be as sharp as using Captions.

Here’s how to compress a video with built-in Android software:

• Open the app — Open the Gallery app and choose the video you want to compress. Tap the editing icon (which looks like a pencil on most devices).
• Trim the video — Use the snipping tool to cut unnecessary footage, such as gaps between speech or extra space at the beginning and end.
• Adjust the size — Tap the three dots in the corner and choose “Size and Format.” Under “Resolution,” select 720 x 1280px. Then, click “Video Codec” and select HEVC.
• Save your video — Finish editing and save your video.

Tips To Compress Videos Without Sacrificing Quality

Reducing video size is important, but it isn’t worth compromising top-notch audio and visuals. Here are a few tips to maintain quality in compressed files.

Choose the Right File Format

Different video formats use unique compression methods, and some maintain quality better than others. We recommend using MP4 or HEVC, which compress easily and efficiently without noticeable quality loss.

Try to avoid compressing AVI and MOV files. They’re naturally large and high-resolution, so they aren’t significantly smaller even after compression.

Adjust Resolution and Frame Rate

Reducing resolution and frame rate can shrink your file size without impacting quality. For example, lowering the resolution from 4K to 1080px and the frame rate from 60 to 30 won’t change the look of your video too much.

Keep your content type and purpose in mind. If you’re creating cinematic content or you need detailed copy for complex editing, it’s best to use higher resolutions. However, a slightly lower resolution is fine if you’re creating social media videos.

Use Variable Bitrate

Many videos use constant bitrate (CBR), which uses a consistent amount of data throughout. Variable bitrate (VBR) changes throughout the video based on the complexity of each scene. This means sections with fast-moving objects and detailed textures use more data, and minimalist, static ones use less. Using VBR ensures you use data and space where you need it and reduce it wherever possible without sacrificing quality.

Optimize Video Compression and Editing With Captions

Compressed videos accelerate your content creation, letting you upload and share quality content faster. Reduce video sizes and maintain crisp, high-definition visuals with Captions’ professional content studio.

Our AI Video Editor makes it effortless to add compelling music, sounds, and transitions to your posts before compressing them — no editing experience required. Create content that’s visually stunning and unique to your brand while keeping file sizes lightweight and manageable.

Use Captions and run your own creative studio without the hassle.

FAQ

How Do You Compress Videos on Android for Email?

Using built-in software or compression software, like Captions, helps you reduce file size and send large videos over email. Most email platforms have size constraints, and videos often exceed them.

You can also learn how to zip a video on Android. While this won’t change the content itself, it’s a simple way to share files over email and messaging. The Files By Google app zips files easily, and many devices have it preinstalled.

What’s the Simplest Video Compression App?

Captions offers straightforward video compression — simply upload your footage, set your parameters, and hit “Compress” to instantly reduce the size of multiple videos.

How Do I Resize a Video’s Aspect Ratio on My Android Phone?

Open the Gallery app and choose the video you need to adjust. Tap the edit icon, pick the “Aspect Ratio” option, and select the size you need. Use this method if you need to change the proportions of your video before uploading it to different platforms, but not for compression. While it will adjust the file size somewhat, it won’t impact it heavily.