4 FFmpeg Compress Video Commands and More You Should Try

A high-powered tool for video manipulation, FFmpeg offers a versatile way of compressing videos with complete control. How to make FFmpeg compress video, then? You’re in luck, as FFmpeg provides many options for optimizing your videos for efficient storage, seamless sharing, and enhanced playback. This post will give you four ways how to compress video using FFmpeg and one more technique for an easy compression process. Check it out now!

Compress Video with FFmpeg by Changing Video Codec

The first way you should try to make FFmpeg compress video is by changing the video codec. With this method, you can significantly lessen the file size while maintaining a good level of quality. For instance, you can use the H.264, a universally supported codec with the perfect balance of quality and compression efficiency. The command you should use for this is:

ffmpeg -i sample_input.mov -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p compressed_output.mp4

• -i sample_input.mov. For the input video file.

• -c:v libx264. This command is for the video codec set to H.264.

• -pix_fmt yuv420p. Switches the format to H.264 compatible pixel.

• Compressed_output.mp4. Mainly for compressed files in MP4 format.

Compress Video with FFmpeg by Reducing Resolution

Next up is reducing the video resolution, which is one of the easiest ways to compress video with FFmpeg. If you have a 1080p video, you can downscale it to 720p to get a smaller file size, which is best for compressing video for Instagram and more social media platforms. Here’s the command you need to follow:

ffmpeg -i sample_input.mov -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -vf scale=1280:720 smaller_output.mp4

• -vf scale:1280:720. This means that the scaling filter is applied to change the resolution to 1280x720 pixels.

Compress Video with FFmpeg by Adjusting the Bitrate

Another way to compress video with FFmpeg is by adjusting the video bitrate. Lowering this setting can reduce the file size, but the catch is it may result in a loss of quality. Use the below command to successfully compress the video with FFmpeg:

ffmpeg -i sample_input.mov -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -b:v 1000k -vf scale=-1:720 reduced_bitrate.mp4

• -b:v 1000k. Sets the video bitrate to 1000 Kbps.

Use Constant Rate Factor to Compress Video on FFmpeg

The last one on ‘FFmpeg compress video’ uses the CRF or Constant Rate Factor, a popular way of compressing videos with unnoticeable quality loss. The CRF scale ranges from 0 to 51; the lower values have higher quality but expect a larger file size, while higher values have more compression, but the quality is compromised. Here’s the command you should use:

ffmpeg -i sample_input.mov -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -crf 23 crf_compressed_output.mp4

• -crf 23. This sets the value to 23; you can adjust it to, for example, 18 for higher quality or 28 for more compression.

You can also use the following if you wish to fine-tune the compression further to optimize the balance between speed, size, and video quality.

ffmpeg -i sample_input.mov -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -crf 28 -preset faster -tune zero latency -c:a aac fine_tuned_output.mp4

• -preset faster. This indicates the encoding speed, which also contains fast, ultrafast, medium, slow, and slower. With this speed, you can get a quicker compression process.

• -tune zerolatency. With this option, you can optimize specific videos where low latency is needed, including live streaming.

• -c:a aac. This means the audio uses the AAC codec to minimize file size.

The Best Way to Compress Video Directly with High Quality

Although FFmpeg is a highly capable tool for video manipulation, including compression, its command line interface can be intimidating for beginners. For this, if you wish for the best and easiest way to compress videos smoothly and with high quality, 4Easysoft Total Video Converter is the perfect choice! This friendly tool not only has powerful conversion capabilities but also comes with a built-in Video Compressor that lets you minimize file size without sacrificing quality. It presents everyone with an intuitive interface and customizable settings for resolution, format, frame rate, and more, allowing you to quickly achieve a superb balance between quality and compression. Whatever your skill level is, this program, unlike the ‘FFmpeg compress video’ ways, ensures a hassle-free, smooth experience for all your compression needs.

Step 1Open the 4Easysoft Total Video Converter on your desktop now, and go to the "Toolbox" widget tab at the top. There, you will find the available tools; please look for the "Video Compressor" and click on it.

Step 2In the "Video Compressor" window, upload your video by clicking the "Add" button in the middle. Now, start adjusting the size and bitrate via their sliders or their "Up/Down" buttons until you get the number you want. You can even compress MB video to KB.

Next, choose your desired output format from the "Format" dropdown menu, and check your compressed video by clicking the "Preview" button.

Step 3Once you are happy with the settings and the preview, give your compressed file a name and select the folder path. At last, click the "Compress" button to save the compressed video to the chosen folder.

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