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How do I Reduce the Size of Multiple Videos at Once?

Published in Video Compression 4 mins read

The method suggested in the provided reference is not optimal for reducing the size of multiple videos. Zipping (compressing to a .zip file) primarily reduces the file size by removing redundancies within each file. While it may slightly reduce the overall size of the videos folder, it doesn't decrease the size of the individual video files themselves. To truly reduce the size of multiple video files simultaneously, you'll need video compression software. Here are a few methods:

1. Using Video Compression Software (Recommended)

This is the most effective way to significantly reduce video file sizes without drastically compromising quality. Several software options are available:

  • Handbrake (Free & Open Source): A powerful and versatile transcoder that allows you to adjust various video parameters, including resolution, bitrate, and codec.
  • VLC Media Player (Free & Open Source): While primarily a media player, VLC also has transcoding capabilities that can reduce video size.
  • Adobe Media Encoder (Paid): A professional-grade encoder that integrates seamlessly with Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Movavi Video Converter (Paid): User-friendly software with a simple interface and batch processing capabilities.

Steps (Using Handbrake as an Example):

  1. Download and Install Handbrake: Get it from Handbrake's official website.
  2. Open Handbrake and Select Source: Click "Folder (Batch Scan)" to select the folder containing your videos.
  3. Configure Output Settings: Choose a preset based on your desired quality and file size. Lowering the "Resolution" or "Bitrate" settings will reduce file size.
  4. Set Output Folder: Choose where you want the compressed videos to be saved.
  5. Start Encoding: Click "Start Encode" to begin the batch compression process. Handbrake will process all videos in the folder one after another.

2. Zipping the Videos (Limited Size Reduction)

As the reference suggested, zipping the files may offer a slight reduction. This is best if you need to send the files electronically, as it combines all the videos into a single, easier-to-transfer file.

Steps (Windows):

  1. Gather Your Videos: Place all the video files you want to compress into a single folder.
  2. Select Videos: Open the folder, select all the video files (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A on Mac).
  3. Compress (Zip): Right-click on the selected videos and choose "Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder."
  4. Find the Archive: Windows (or macOS) will create a new .zip archive in the same folder containing all the selected videos.

3. Considerations for Reducing Video Size

  • Resolution: Lowering the resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 720p) significantly reduces file size.
  • Bitrate: Lowering the bitrate (the amount of data used per second of video) will also decrease file size, but can affect video quality. Experiment to find a good balance.
  • Codec: Using a more efficient codec (like H.265/HEVC) can achieve smaller file sizes with comparable quality to older codecs like H.264. However, older devices may not support newer codecs.
  • Frame Rate: While reducing the frame rate can lower the size, it often makes video look choppy. Only consider this if necessary.

By using video compression software and adjusting the appropriate settings, you can effectively reduce the size of multiple videos at once while maintaining acceptable video quality. Zipping is only a small reduction compared to re-encoding.

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