How to compress a video on iPhone with Video Compressor - reduce

To compress a video on iPhone, select the clip in Video Compressor - reduce, choose a quality preset, check the estimated size, and start compression. Review the completed video before saving the smaller copy to Photos.

This workflow is for an existing recording that takes too much storage or is too large to share. Changing the Camera app's recording settings affects future recordings, not the clip you already have.

1. Keep an original and select the video

Start with the best available original. Compressing an already-compressed copy can remove more detail without saving much additional space. If the recording is important, keep a separate backup before deciding to replace it.

Open Video Compressor - reduce and select the clip. Check the preview and original size to make sure it is the right recording. If the video is stored in iCloud rather than fully downloaded, you may need to make the original available on your device first.

2. Choose a compression preset

The app offers three levels. The supplied screen calls them Small, Lean, and Sharp; the App Store describes the middle option as Balanced.

• Small: prioritize reducing the file size. Check that small text and fast movement remain clear enough.
• Lean or Balanced: start with the middle setting for everyday sharing, then judge the result.
• Sharp: prioritize detail and compare whether the resulting size still suits your destination.

There is no preset that is best for every video. A talking-head clip, a screen recording, and a fast-moving sports clip can respond differently to compression.

3. Check the estimate and start compression

Use the estimated size to decide whether the preset is worth trying. Treat it as an estimate rather than a guaranteed final size. If you need to meet an upload limit, check the actual exported file afterward and leave some margin below the destination's limit.

Start the compression and let the operation finish. The app supports background progress through Live Activities and lock screen updates, with Dynamic Island on compatible iPhones. Avoid force-quitting during an active export.

4. Review the exported copy

Compare the displayed file size, resolution, and duration. Matching resolution alone does not prove that the picture quality is unchanged, so play the video as well.

1. Watch a section with motion and look for blocky edges or smearing.
2. Inspect faces, signs, subtitles, and small on-screen text.
3. Listen to the audio and check the beginning and ending.
4. Confirm the exported duration matches what you expected.

5. Save to Photos and check sharing

Save the completed video to Photos. When sharing, select the smaller copy rather than accidentally sending the original. A receiving app may process the file again or enforce its own size and format rules.

Saving a second copy does not automatically free the space occupied by the original. Review and back up anything important before managing the original in Photos. Be especially careful with a photo library synced to other devices.

If the result is still too large

Try a smaller preset from the original and compare again. If the file is already efficiently compressed, a further reduction may require more visible quality loss. For the trade-offs, read Can you reduce video file size without losing quality?

Video Compressor - reduce performs video compression on the device. For current features and compatibility, see the Video Compressor - reduce App Store listing.