Reduce Video File Size in VLC Media Player

Reducing video file sizes doesn’t have to be complicated or require expensive software. In this guide, based on my YouTube tutorial, I’ll show you how to use VLC Media Player to shrink your video files easily.

Why Use VLC?

VLC Media Player isn’t just for watching videos—it’s a free, multi-platform tool that lets you compress files while maintaining decent quality. Whether you’re saving storage or speeding up uploads, VLC has you covered.

Step-by-Step Process

• Right-click your video file, go to Properties > Details, and note the total bitrate.
• Decide your target size. For instance, halving the bitrate can halve the file size.

• Go to Media > Convert/Save, add your video, and click Convert.
• Choose the H.264 + MP3 profile, then click the wrench icon to adjust settings.

• Under Video Codec, set the new bitrate (e.g., 5000 kbps).
• For resizing, change the resolution to 1280x720 for 720p, or leave it as auto for the original size.
• Optional: In Audio Codec, select AAC for efficient audio compression.

• Choose a destination folder, give the file a new name, and hit Start.
• Watch the progress bar at the bottom to monitor the conversion.

Pro Tips for Bulk Conversion

If you’re converting multiple files, VLC simplifies the process but saves files in the same folder as the originals. To avoid overwriting, check the box to add “converted” to the filenames.

Results You Can Expect

In my example, a 20MB video was reduced to 10MB, saving half the storage space while retaining quality.

For the full walkthrough, check out my YouTube video. With VLC Media Player, compressing videos is straightforward and free—perfect for anyone looking to optimize their media library.