Best Video Compression Settings For Youtube

Introduction

Uploading large video files can be time-consuming, especially if you have a slow internet connection. Compressing your videos can save space and reduce upload times without compromising quality. In this article, we will explore how to use HandBrake, an open-source video transcoder, to compress video files efficiently.

Step-by-Step Guide to Compressing Video Files

1. Install HandBrake

   • Download and install HandBrake from the official website. It's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

2. Open HandBrake

   • Launch HandBrake on your system.

3. Select Source

   • You can either select a single file or an entire folder for batch processing.
   • For this example, select a file.

4. Adjust Preferences

   • Navigate to Tools > Preferences.
   • Enable the option Allow use of the Advanced tab for x264 options.

5. General Settings

   • In the main interface, select MP4 as the container.
   • Enable Web Optimized.
   • Ensure the resolution remains 1920x1080 for HD videos.

6. Filters Tab

   • Leave all options in this tab as default unless you need specific adjustments.

7. Video Settings

   • Leave Codec set to H.264.
   • Set Frame Rate to Peak Framerate.
   • Use Constant Quality. Values between 18-24 are suggested for Standard Definition (SD) and 20-23 for High Definition (HD). Set it to 13 for this example for slightly lower quality.
   • Encoder Preset can be set to Medium.
   • Keep Encoder Profile and Encoder Level on Auto.

8. Audio Settings

   • Reduce the bitrate to 128 kbps.

9. Subtitles and Chapters

   • No need to adjust these settings for basic compression.

10. Advanced Settings

    • Click on the Advanced tab.
    • Adjust Reference Frames to 5 to enhance compression efficiency.

11. Save Preset

    • Save your presets for future use by clicking on Add and giving a name like 1080p YouTube.

12. Select Destination

    • Choose a destination folder and name your compressed file.

13. Start Encoding

    • Click Start Encode and wait for the process to complete.

Comparison of Original and Compressed Files

The original video file was 328MB, and after compression, the file size reduced to just 73MB without significant loss in quality.

Keywords

• Video Compression
• HandBrake
• YouTube Upload
• Video Quality
• Open Source Transcoder
• MP4
• H.264 Codec

FAQ

1. What software can I use to compress video files? HandBrake is an excellent open-source video transcoder available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. What is the advantage of compressing video files? Compressing video files reduces file size, saving space and significantly reducing upload times, which is beneficial for slow internet connections.

3. What settings should I use for the best quality to size ratio? Use the H.264 codec in an MP4 container. Set the Constant Quality between 18-24 for SD and 20-23 for HD. Use a resolution of 1920x1080.

4. How can I enable advanced settings in HandBrake? Go to Tools > Preferences and enable the option Allow use of the Advanced tab for x264 options.

5. How much can I reduce my video file size using HandBrake? The reduction in size depends on your settings and the original file. In this example, a 328MB file was reduced to 73MB.

By following these steps, you can efficiently compress your videos for faster uploads and minimal quality loss, ensuring your content reaches your audience quicker.