How to Compress Videos Using FFmpeg (and an Easier Alternative)

1 January, 2025

Compressing videos is a handy skill, whether you’re looking to save storage space or share files quickly. FFmpeg, a powerful open-source tool, allows you to compress videos with precision—but it’s designed for command-line use, which can be intimidating for first-timers.

This guide breaks down FFmpeg’s video compression process step-by-step, with clear instructions for beginners. If you’re looking for a simpler approach afterward, we’ll introduce an alternative that takes the hassle out of compression.

Step-by-Step: How to Compress Videos with FFmpeg

Step 1: Download and install FFmpeg

1. Visit the FFmpeg website and download the appropriate version for your operating system:

• Windows: Download the pre-built binaries, extract the files, and add FFmpeg to your system’s PATH environment variable.
• macOS/Linux: Use a package manager.

For macOS, run:

brew install ffmpeg

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo apt update

sudo apt install ffmpeg

2. Verify the installation by typing:

ffmpeg -version

If you see the version details, you’re ready to proceed!

Step 2: Locate your video file

Navigate to the folder containing your video file:

1. Use the cd command to move to the folder where your file is stored. For example:

• On Windows:

cd C:\Videos

• On macOS/Linux:

cd ~/Videos

2. Use the ls command (macOS/Linux) or dir command (Windows) to confirm that your video file is in the folder:

ls  # For macOS/Linux

dir # For Windows

Step 3: Compress your video

Once you’re in the correct folder, run the following command to compress your video:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec libx264 -crf 28 output.mp4

Here’s what each part of the command means:

• -i input.mp4: Refers to your original video file. Replace input.mp4 with your file’s name.
• -vcodec libx264: Specifies the H.264 codec, a standard for efficient video compression.
• crf 28: Controls compression quality. Lower numbers yield higher quality; values of 18-23 are ideal for high-quality output.
• output.mp4: Specifies the name of your compressed file.

Step 4: Verify you compressed video

• Look for the newly created output .mp4 file in the same folder
• Play the file to ensure the quality meets your expectations
• If the file size is too large or too low quality, adjust the -crf value and re-run the command:

• Use a lower value like -crf 23 for better quality.
• Use a higher value like -crf 30 for smaller file sizes.

Challenges You Might Encounter

While FFmpeg is a powerful tool, it does come with a learning curve:

• You’ll need to familiarize yourself with command-line syntax.
• Trial and error might be necessary to get the balance of quality and size just right.
• Compressing multiple files can become time-consuming without advanced scripting.

If you’re not comfortable with these challenges, don’t worry—there’s an alternative that makes compression effortless.

Looking for a Simpler Solution? Try CompressX

If manually typing commands isn’t your thing—or if you’re compressing videos regularly—CompressX offers a simpler, more accessible solution.

Why Consider CompressX?

• No Commands, Just Clicks: Drag, drop, and let CompressX handle the rest.
• Batch Compression: Compress multiple files in one go without manual effort.
• Optimized for Quality: Advanced algorithms ensure your videos look great, even with reduced file sizes.
• Broad Compatibility: Works for videos, images, and other file types, so you can streamline all your compression needs.

With CompressX, there’s no setup, no troubleshooting, and no guesswork—just fast, high-quality compression for everyone.

Final Thoughts

FFmpeg is an excellent tool for video compression if you’re comfortable with command-line utilities and need precise control. However, if you’re looking for a faster and easier way to compress videos, CompressX provides a hassle-free experience for anyone, regardless of technical expertise.