Compress Video with FFmpeg
Generate FFmpeg commands to reduce video file size with CRF, codec, preset, and resolution controls.
FFmpeg.Run generates commands only. Your media files stay on your computer and are never uploaded.
Command options
Generated command
Common uses
- Compress MP4 files for sharing
- Convert 4K footage to smaller 1080p files
- Tune H.264 or H.265 quality with CRF
Related articles
- How to Compress 4K Video Size Without Losing Too Much Quality
Compress 4K video with FFmpeg using H.264, H.265, CRF, presets, and optional downscaling. Includes practical commands for smaller uploads and web delivery.
- How to Compress or Reduce Video File Size with FFmpeg
Reduce video file size with FFmpeg using CRF, presets, H.264, H.265, and audio settings. Includes copyable commands, quality guidance, and common mistakes.
Related command recipes
Command notes
CRF controls visual quality. Lower CRF means higher quality and larger files.
Preset controls encoding speed and compression efficiency. Slower presets usually create smaller files.
Scaling with height keeps the width proportional when using `scale=-2:height`.
FAQ
What CRF should I use?
For H.264, CRF 18-23 is a common quality range. Lower values are larger and higher quality; higher values are smaller but lose more detail.
Should I use bitrate or CRF?
Use CRF when you care about visual quality. Use bitrate or target-size calculations when you must hit a specific file size.
Does FFmpeg.Run upload my video?
No. This tool only generates a command. You run the command locally with your own FFmpeg installation.