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I have a video clip my son created that I want to email to others. It is 12mb and thus to large to email as is. I attempted to send the file to a compressed file via the windows xp option (ie. right click, send to compressed file). It created a nice looking zipped file with same name but the file size remained at 12 mb within a zipped file. Then created a new compressed file and dragged and dropped file into it.... still at 12mb within the compressed file once it was dragged in. Lastly, went to properties within the file itself and the advanced option that allows for compression of file- no change of the 12mb size. What am I doing wrong?? How can I put it into a compressed file and it still not change the file size...which is the whole point as I want to email it at a smaller (<6mb) size? Are there other ways to reduce file size to send. Many thanks.

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Dani AI

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As observed, most camera/exported video formats already use compression, so Windows XP’s "Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder" usually won’t shrink them. That behavior is normal and explains why the zip still showed about 12 MB. Zipping helps with plain text or raw bitmaps, not already-encoded video.

Practical options that will actually reduce file size:

  • Re-encode the clip at a lower bitrate or resolution (this is the most effective).
  • Trim the video to remove unneeded seconds.
  • Reduce audio bitrate or remove audio if it isn’t needed.
  • Split the file into smaller parts (with 7-Zip/WinRAR) so each part fits an email limit — note this only divides the file, it doesn’t make it smaller.
  • Upload and share a link (Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer) instead of attaching the file.

A quick calculation to target a specific file size:
target_bitrate_kbps ≈ (target_size_MB * 8192) / duration_seconds
Example: for a 60‑second clip and a 6 MB target, total bitrate ≈ 820 kbps. Reserve ~64 kbps for audio and use ~750–760 kbps for video.

Two practical encoding examples with ffmpeg (command-line):

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -b:v 750k -preset medium -c:a aac -b:a 64k output.mp4

or use quality-based encoding (smaller file, less predictable exact size):

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -crf 28 -preset medium -c:a aac -b:a 64k output_crf.mp4

CRF: lower = better quality/larger file (default ≈ 23); try 24–30 to shrink aggressively.

For a GUI: HandBrake lets you pick a preset, then set "Avg Bitrate" or raise the CRF/quality slider and set audio to 64 kbps. Always keep a backup of the original and test playback on the recipient’s system. For widest compatibility use H.264/MP4; newer codecs (HEVC/x265) are smaller but may not play on older machines.

Member Avatar for karica

Hi,

A video clip IS a compressed file. It will usually not compress any further using the zip programs. You will have to reduce the resolution, or convert it to a more compact format.. seethe following for in depth info:

http://www.deskshare.com/Resources/articles/dmc_ReduceFileSize.aspx

Thank you. Very helpful and the link is quite informative.

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