How to compress a video to 10 MB or 25 MB
- Pick the video. It’s read and re-encoded by your browser. Nothing is uploaded, so long or private recordings are fine.
- Choose a target size. Use a preset (Discord 10 MB, Gmail 25 MB, WhatsApp 16 MB) or type any number of megabytes.
- Leave resolution on Auto unless you have a reason not to. It picks a smaller picture when the bitrate is low, which looks sharper than a full-size picture full of blocky artefacts.
- Compress and download. You get an H.264/AAC MP4, which plays almost everywhere: Discord, Gmail, WhatsApp, iPhone, Android and Windows.
How the size is worked out
File size is bitrate times length. So for a size limit, the tool divides the space you have by the length of the video:
video bitrate = target size × 8 ÷ seconds − audio bitrateIt aims about 7% under the target to leave room for the MP4 container and for the encoder landing a little high. A 2 minute clip with a 25 MB target gets about 1.55 Mbps for the picture after 128 kbps audio. If the finished file still comes out over the limit, the tool re-encodes once at a lower bitrate.
Size limits worth knowing
| Where | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Discord (free) | 10 MB | Higher with Nitro. |
| Gmail | 25 MB | Bigger files are sent as a Drive link instead. |
| Outlook.com | 20 MB | Work accounts may differ. |
| 16 MB as a video | WhatsApp compresses videos itself; send as a document to keep quality. |
Limits change, so check the service if you’re close to one.
Getting the best picture out of a small file
- Trim first. Halving the length doubles the bitrate the picture gets. Nothing else helps as much.
- Lower the audio for talking. 64 kbps is fine for speech and gives the picture a bit more.
- Go smaller on purpose. At under about 1 Mbps, 720p or 480p looks better than 1080p.
- Screen recordings compress well. Most of the screen stays still, so text stays readable at bitrates that would ruin camera footage.
If a video won’t fit at a quality you’re happy with, send a link instead. Links have no attachment limit.
FAQ
How do I compress a video to under 10 MB for Discord?
Pick the video, press the Discord 10 MB preset, leave resolution on Auto and press Compress. The tool works out the bitrate from the video’s length and gives you an MP4 just under 10 MB. For long videos, trim them first so the picture stays clear.
How do I make a video small enough to email in Gmail?
Gmail attachments can be up to 25 MB. Choose the Gmail 25 MB preset, compress, and attach the MP4 it gives you. If the video is long, a link is often better than a heavily compressed file.
Is this video compressor really free with no upload?
Yes. The video is compressed by your own browser using its built-in encoder. The file never leaves your computer, there is no sign-up and no watermark.
Why does my compressed video look blurry?
A small size limit spread over a long video leaves very little bitrate for each frame. Trim the video, lower the audio to 64 kbps, or use a lower resolution such as 480p. A smaller, clean picture looks better than a large, blocky one.