WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the best features of WhatsApp is the ability to share videos with your contacts. However, WhatsApp has a file size limit of 16MB per video. If your MP4 video is larger than that, you won’t be able to send it through WhatsApp.
Fortunately, there are many easy ways to compress your MP4 video for WhatsApp online, without having to install any software. In this comprehensive guide, we will go over the best online tools and step-by-step methods to reduce MP4 file size for WhatsApp.
Why You Need to Compress Videos for WhatsApp
Here are some key reasons why you should compress large MP4 files before sending them on WhatsApp:
- WhatsApp has a file size limit of 16MB for videos. Larger videos will fail to send.
- Compressing reduces video file size, allowing you to send longer videos within the size limit.
- Smaller MP4 files save data usage for both sender and recipient.
- Compressed videos take up less storage space on your phone.
- Compressed videos upload and send faster on WhatsApp.
Ideal Video Settings for WhatsApp
To ensure your compressed MP4 videos look great on WhatsApp, here are the optimal video settings to use:
- Resolution: 480p or 720p is ideal.
- Aspect Ratio: Use 16:9 widescreen as it fills the mobile screen.
- Video Codec: H.264 is most compatible.
- Audio Codec: AAC at 128kbps achieves good quality.
- File Size: Target under 16MB to send on WhatsApp.
- Frame Rate: 25 fps is smooth for common mobile footage.
A 480p or 720p resolution at 16:9 aspect ratio will ensure your video takes up the maximum space on smartphone screens. H.264 and AAC provide great quality while minimizing file size. Try to get your compressed video under 16MB to reliably send through WhatsApp.
Best Online Tools to Compress MP4 for WhatsApp
Here are the top free online video compressors recommended to reduce MP4 files for WhatsApp:
1. Online UniConverter
Online UniConverter is an excellent browser-based video compressor with a simple drag-and-drop interface. It provides fast compression while maintaining good video quality.
To use Online UniConverter:
- Go to the Online UniConverter website.
- Click the Video Compressor tab.
- Drag and drop your MP4 file to upload.
- Set output resolution to 480p or 720p.
- Click Compress Video button and download.
2. CloudConvert
CloudConvert is a popular file conversion site that also lets you compress MP4 videos. It has customizable output settings and batch processing capabilities.
To use CloudConvert:
- Go to the CloudConvert website.
- Click the Select File button and upload MP4.
- Choose MP4 for input/output format.
- Set resolution to 480p or 720p.
- Enable Optimized for Social Media option.
- Click the Convert button to compress.
3. FileZigZag
FileZigZag is an easy-to-use online file converter with video compression features ideal for WhatsApp. It has customizable output settings and fast processing speeds.
To use FileZigZag:
- Go to the FileZigZag website.
- Click on the Video Compressor utility.
- Upload your MP4 video file.
- Choose 480p or 720p resolution preset.
- Click the Compress Video button.
- Download the compressed MP4 video.
4. VB Video Compressor
VB Video Compressor offers browser-based video compression up to 90% with customizable resolution, frame rates and bitrates. It’s easy to use and processes files rapidly.
To use VB Video Compressor:
- Go to the VB Video Compressor website.
- Click Add Files and select the MP4 video.
- Set resolution to 480p or 720p.
- Set bitrate between 500 kbps – 1000 kbps.
- Click the Compress button to reduce file size.
- Download the compressed video when complete.
5. OnlineVideoConverter
OnlineVideoConverter has a video compressor tool that can quickly reduce MP4 file sizes by 50-70% for social media sharing. It has predefined settings for WhatsApp.
To use OnlineVideoConverter:
- Go to OnlineVideoConverter website.
- Click Video Compressor tab.
- Upload your MP4 video.
- Select WhatsApp from Available Target Resolutions.
- Click Compress Video button.
- Download compressed MP4 when ready.
Step-by-Step Guide to Compress MP4 for WhatsApp
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to compress MP4 videos for WhatsApp using free online tools:
Step 1: Choose an online video compressor
Pick any of the recommended tools above like Online UniConverter, CloudConvert, FileZigZag, etc. Make sure to use a reputable website and read reviews before using it.
Step 2: Upload your MP4 video
Click on the upload or browse button and select the MP4 video file from your computer that you want to compress.
Step 3: Set optimal compression settings
Adjust output settings to 480p or 720p resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 25 fps frame rate, and 500-1000 kbps video bitrate for good WhatsApp quality.
Step 4: Compress the MP4 video
Click on the compress or convert button to start reducing the file size of your video based on the settings.
Step 5: Download the compressed MP4
Once processing is complete, download the compressed MP4 video file to your computer. It will be much smaller in size now.
Step 6: Send video on WhatsApp
The compressed video is now ready to be sent through WhatsApp without any file size errors.
Following these steps correctly will allow you to easily compress any MP4 video for sending on WhatsApp, while maintaining good video quality.
Comparing Online Video Compressors
Here is a comparison of the key features and capabilities of the top online MP4 video compressors recommended for WhatsApp:
| Tool | Resolution | Video Codecs | File Size | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online UniConverter | 240p to 1080p | H.264 | Upto 90% reduction | Very fast |
| CloudConvert | 144p to 1080p | H.264, H.265 | 50-80% reduction | Fast |
| FileZigZag | 144p to 4K | H.264 | Upto 90% reduction | Fast |
| VB Video Compressor | 240p to 1080p | H.264 | 70-90% reduction | Very fast |
| OnlineVideoConverter | 144p to 1080p | H.264 | 50-80% reduction | Average |
This comparison shows the key compression capabilities of the top online WhatsApp video optimizer tools. Most provide fast processing speeds and high compression ratios with resolution and codec support ideal for WhatsApp.
Best Video Compressor Apps for Android and iPhone
In addition to online tools, there are great video compressor apps for Android and iOS mobile devices to shrink MP4 file size for WhatsApp before sending them. Here are the top recommended video compressor apps:
1. Video Compress – for Android
Video Compress is a free Android app providing fast compression of MP4 videos by up to 90% in size while maintaining quality. It has presets optimized for WhatsApp.
2. Video Compressor – for Android
Video Compressor app allows compressing MP4 videos to half their file size with minimal quality loss. Easy to use with WhatsApp sharing integration.
3. Video Size – for iPhone
Video Size is a free iPhone app to compress MP4 videos by cutting resolution, bitrates and file size by up to 80% for sharing on WhatsApp.
4. Video & GIF Compressor – for iPhone
This app can compress and optimize MP4 videos up to 90% smaller size. It has preset resolutions and bitrates to customize for WhatsApp.
5. Send Video – for iPhone
Send Video allows compressing long MP4 files into smaller sizes so they can be sent through WhatsApp. It uses optimal settings for WhatsApp.
These mobile apps provide an easy way to compress MP4 videos to WhatsApp compatible sizes right from your phone. Look for apps that offer high compression ratios without major quality loss.
FAQs on Compressing MP4 for WhatsApp
1. How much should I compress MP4 for WhatsApp?
You should aim to compress MP4 files to less than 16MB in size to successfully send through WhatsApp. Try to achieve 50-90% compression if the original video is much larger.
2. Is video quality reduced after compression?
Yes, compression will cause some loss of quality compared to the original MP4 video. However, with optimal settings you can minimize this quality reduction for WhatsApp.
3. Is it free to compress videos online?
Yes, there are many free online video compressors that you can use to reduce MP4 file sizes for WhatsApp like the recommended tools in this guide.
4. How long does online video compression take?
Online compression typically takes a few minutes to an hour depending on the length and size of your video. Faster internet speeds will help reduce the processing time.
5. What are the optimal video settings for WhatsApp?
480p or 720p resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 25 fps frame rate, H.264 codec, and under 16MB file size are optimal settings for great quality WhatsApp videos.
Conclusion
Compressing MP4 videos to send on WhatsApp is essential for ensuring file sizes are within the 16MB limit. There are excellent free online tools like Online UniConverter, CloudConvert, and FileZigZag that make it easy to shrink MP4 sizes 50-90% in just a few steps.
Mobile apps provide another convenient way to compress MP4s right on your Android or iPhone before uploading to WhatsApp. Optimizing video resolution, bitrates and frame rates allows maximum compression while retaining decent quality. Use this guide to quickly learn how to compress any MP4 video for WhatsApp online or on your phone.