How to Make a Video Smaller for Email Sharing

Have you tried to send a video by email only to receive an error message saying the file is too large? This is a common issue – most email services set strict limits on attachment sizes to ensure smooth delivery. In this guide, you'll learn practical ways to make a video smaller so you can successfully share it via email. We'll cover both quick online tools and more advanced software options, ensuring you find a solution that fits your needs.

Why Video Files Need to Be Smaller for Email

Most email providers, like Gmail and Outlook, have attachment size limits – typically ranging from 20MB to 25MB. Exceeding these limits will result in failed sends or bounce-backs. This makes it essential to shrink your videos before attaching them.

Key reasons to reduce video size for email:

• Avoid email rejections due to large attachments.
• Faster upload and download for both sender and recipient.
• Smoother viewing experience for your audience.
• Less likely to eat into data plans or slow connections.

Below is a comparison of major email providers and their attachment size limits:

5 Methods to Make a Video Smaller for Email

Making a video email-friendly often involves compressing, trimming, or converting the file. Let's explore effective strategies, from online services to handy software.

1. Compress the Video Using Online Tools

Online video compressors are fast and don't require installation. They're perfect for occasional users or those who aren't tech-savvy.

Popular online platforms:

• FreeConvert
• Clipchamp
• Online UniConverter

How to make a video file smaller use these tools:

1. 1. Go to the compressor website.
2. 2. Upload your video.
3. 3. Choose the desired output size or compression level.
4. 4. ownload the compressed video file.

Most online tools can shrink a video by 30-70% without significant quality loss, making them ideal for emailing videos quickly.

2. Use Free Video Compression Software

For those working with larger files or who need more control, desktop software offers powerful compression features.

Recommended free video compression software:

• HandBrake (Windows, Mac, Linux): Open-source, supports multiple formats, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
• Freemake Video Converter (Windows): Provides an easy-to-follow interface and works well for reducing video size for emails.
• FFmpeg (Windows, Mac, Linux): Command-line based, offers advanced compression options for experienced users.

Basic steps:

1. 1. Install your chosen compressor.
2. 2. Add the video file to the program.
3. 3. Select a video preset or customize settings like bitrate and resolution.
4. 4. Export the compressed file.

3. Adjust Video Resolution and Format

Resolution and format are two critical factors that determine file size and compatibility.

• Lower the resolution (for example, from 1920x1080 to 1280x720).
• Choose efficient formats like MP4 (H.264 or H.265 codec) for best compression-to-quality ratio.
• Many free or built-in editors, such as VLC or iMovie, allow you to make these changes easily.

Sample Setting Adjustments:

• Bitrate: Lowering this minimizes file size but can affect quality.
• Resolution: Dropping to 720p or even 480p can make a dramatic size difference.

4. Trim Unnecessary Video Sections

If your video has unnecessary intros, outros, or blank spaces, trimming it can quickly reduce the file size with no impact on quality.

How to trim:

• Use built-in editors (e.g., Windows Photos, iMovie) or many free compression tools.
• Select only the portion of the video that needs to be sent.
• Export or save the edited video.

5. Zip the Video File Before Emailing

Compressing your video into a ZIP file further reduces the size and can sometimes help bypass email filters for media attachments.

Steps:

1. 1. Right-click the video file on your computer.
2. 2. Select "Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder" (Windows) or "Compress" (Mac).
3. 3. Attach the ZIP file to your email.

Additional Tips for Emailing Videos

Even after trying the methods above, you might find some videos are still too large to attach directly to an email. In these situations, and to ensure your video reaches the recipient safely and conveniently, here are some extra tips that can make the process smoother and more professional:

• If the video is still too large, use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive). Upload the video to your preferred cloud platform and simply share a download link rather than attaching the file directly to your email. This not only bypasses attachment size limits but also makes downloading easier for the recipient.
• Name your video files clearly with relevant information (such as topic or date) so your recipient can identify and locate your file quickly.
• Always keep a high-quality backup of your video file. This ensures you have the original version saved in case further compression causes a drop in quality or you need to resend the file.

Popular Questions

How do I shrink a video on my iPhone?

You can shrink a video on your iPhone using several different methods:

• Use the Photos app to trim the video or reduce its resolution when saving.
• Change recording resolution by going to Settings > Camera > Record Video, and select a lower resolution for future recordings.
• Install free third-party apps like iMovie or Video Compressor for more advanced compression options.
• Access online compressors such as Video Candy directly from your iPhone browser for quick, app-free compression.

How to make a video smaller on Android?

On Android, you have several ways to reduce video size:

• Use built-in tools in Google Photos to trim or export the video at a lower resolution.
• Download dedicated compression apps like Video Compressor or Panda Video Compressor.
• Lower the video's resolution before recording (found in your camera settings).
• Try online video compressors in your phone browser for a quick fix.

What video size is safe to email?

Aim for files under 20MB to fit most providers' limits.

Will compression ruin my video?

Moderate compression and resolution adjustments usually preserve enough quality for most uses. Excessive compression can cause artifacts, so find a balance.

Can I attach a long video via email?

Trim or compress to fit within size limits – or consider sharing via a cloud service link if the video remains too large.

Conclusion

Reducing video size is essential for smooth email sharing, and fortunately, it's easier than ever. Whether you choose an online tool, install free software, adjust resolution, or simply trim excess footage, there's a method to fit your technical comfort level and needs. Next time you need to send a video by email, follow these tips for hassle-free sharing!