How to Compress a 1 Hour Video Using VLC
Compressing a 1-hour video can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with video editing software. However, VLC, a free and open-source media player, also offers video conversion and compression features that can help you shrink your video file size without compromising its quality. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of compressing a 1-hour video using VLC.
Step 1: Open VLC Media Player
First, download and install VLC Media Player from the official website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/). Once installed, open the application to begin the compression process.
Step 2: Add the Video File
Click on the “Media” menu at the top of the VLC window and select “Convert / Save.” In the “Open Media” dialog box, click on the “Add” button and navigate to the location of your 1-hour video file. Select the file and click “Open.”
Step 3: Set the Profile
After adding the video file, click on the “Convert / Save” button at the bottom of the dialog box. In the “Profile” dropdown menu, select a profile that matches your desired output format and compression settings. VLC offers a variety of profiles, including MP4, WebM, and FLV, among others. For compressing a video, you may want to choose a profile that offers a balance between quality and file size, such as “High Quality H.264 + MP3 (MP4).”
Step 4: Configure the Output Settings
Click on the “Settings” button next to the “Profile” dropdown menu to configure the output settings. In the “Profile edition” tab, you can adjust the video and audio bitrate, resolution, and frame rate. Lowering the bitrate and resolution will reduce the file size but may also decrease the video quality. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance for your needs.
Step 5: Choose the Output File
In the “Destination file” field, specify the location where you want to save the compressed video file. You can either enter a path manually or click on the folder icon to navigate to the desired location.
Step 6: Start the Compression Process
Click on the “Start” button to begin compressing your 1-hour video. VLC will process the video and save the compressed file to the specified location. The time it takes to compress the video will depend on the file size and your computer’s processing power.
Conclusion
Compressing a 1-hour video using VLC is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical knowledge. By following these steps, you can reduce the file size of your video without sacrificing too much quality. Whether you need to save storage space or share your video online, VLC’s video compression feature is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal.
