Before You Start
Check your video info in Photos → video → i (Info) to see size, resolution, and fps. Always duplicate the video first (••• → Duplicate) so you keep the original.
1) Use the Free "Compress Videos & Resize Video" App
Install Compress Videos & Resize Video, select your video, set resolution (1080p/720p), frame rate (30 fps), and bitrate, then compress. Quick, free, and gives you control over the final size.
2) iOS Shortcuts (built in)
Search for "Reduce Video Size" in the Shortcuts Gallery and add it. Run it, pick your video, and it saves a smaller copy.
For custom settings, create your own shortcut using the Encode Media action: set video size (1080p/720p), frame rate (30), and codec (HEVC for smaller files, H.264 for compatibility). Free, private, and repeatable.
3) Online Tools (no install)
Browser tools like Vert.sh, Clideo, or VEED.IO let you upload, compress, and download without installing anything.
- A quick one-time job
- Uploading big files can be slow and uses data
- Avoid this for private or sensitive videos
4) iMovie (free from Apple)
Create a new movie project with your clip, then Share → Save Video at 1080p or 720p. Simple, offline, and reliable.
Compression Cheat Sheet
| Goal | Resolution | Frame rate | Bitrate target | About size per minute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texts/Messaging | 720p | 30 fps | 2-3 Mbps | ~15-23 MB |
| General sharing | 1080p | 30 fps | 4-8 Mbps | ~30-60 MB |
| Social (Reels/TikTok/Shorts) | 1080×1920 | 30 or 60 fps | 8-12 Mbps | ~60-90+ MB |
| Email limits (strict) | 720p | 30 fps | 1.5-2 Mbps | ~11-15 MB |
Quick math: MB per minute ≈ (bitrate in Mbps ÷ 8) × 60. Example: 6 Mbps → 0.75 MB per second → about 45 MB per minute.
HEVC vs H.264
- HEVC (H.265): smaller files, best for Apple devices. Some older devices may not play it.
- H.264: works almost everywhere, but files are a bit bigger.
Quality Tips
- 60 fps → 30 fps to cut size fast.
- Use 1080p instead of 4K unless you truly need 4K.
- Turn off HDR before recording if you plan to share widely.
- Trim first in Photos to remove parts you do not need.
- Crop or straighten to remove extra edges.
- Keep the camera steady. Shaky video needs more data to look good.
FAQ
Will compressing lower quality? Yes, slightly. Keep the original until you've checked the result.
What if the recipient can't play HEVC? Export as H.264 instead, or share via a link so they can download and convert on their side.
Where does the compressed file end up? With apps: in Photos. With Shortcuts: in Photos or Files, depending on the shortcut.
Should I just send the original? If quality matters, yes. AirDrop or a Transfer.zip link preserves full quality. Messaging apps will re-compress your video again, so a link is usually better.
Send full-quality videos with Transfer.zip