How do I compress a video with FFmpeg?

Use: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx265 -crf 28 -preset medium output.mp4. Lower CRF values (18–23) give better quality but larger files. The preset controls speed vs compression — slower presets produce smaller files.

What is the best CRF value for FFmpeg?

CRF 18–22 for high quality (visually lossless), CRF 23–28 for good quality with significant size reduction, CRF 28–35 for maximum compression with noticeable quality loss. CRF 23 is FFmpeg's default for H.264.

Is FFmpeg better than HandBrake for compression?

FFmpeg offers more control and is better for scripting and automation. HandBrake is easier to use with its GUI and presets. Both use the same underlying codecs, so compression quality is identical with the same settings.

How do I compress video without losing quality in FFmpeg?

Use CRF 18 with H.265 for visually lossless compression: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx265 -crf 18 -preset slow output.mp4. This typically reduces file size by 40–60% with no perceptible quality difference.

FFmpeg Compress Video: Step-by-Step Guide & Easier Alternative (2026)

January 1, 2025

How to Compress Videos Using FFmpeg (and an Easier Alternative)

1 January, 2025

Compressing videos is a handy skill, whether you’re looking to save storage space or share files quickly. FFmpeg, a powerful open-source tool, allows you to compress videos with precision—but it’s designed for command-line use, which can be intimidating for first-timers.

This guide breaks down FFmpeg’s video compression process step-by-step, with clear instructions for beginners. If you’re looking for a simpler approach afterward, we’ll introduce an alternative that takes the hassle out of compression.

Step-by-Step: How to Compress Videos with FFmpeg

Step 1: Download and install FFmpeg

Visit the FFmpeg website and download the appropriate version for your operating system:

Windows: Download the pre-built binaries, extract the files, and add FFmpeg to your system’s PATH environment variable.
macOS/Linux: Use a package manager.

For macOS, run:

brew install ffmpeg For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo apt update sudo apt install ffmpeg 2. Verify the installation by typing:

ffmpeg -version If you see the version details, you’re ready to proceed!

Step 2: Locate your video file

Navigate to the folder containing your video file:

Use the cd command to move to the folder where your file is stored. For example:

On** Windows**:

cd C:\Videos On** macOS/Linux**: cd ~/Videos 2. Use the ls command (macOS/Linux) or dir command (Windows) to confirm that your video file is in the folder:

On** macOS/Linux**:

ls # For macOS/Linux dir # For Windows Step 3: Compress your video

Once you’re in the correct folder, run the following command to compress your video:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec libx264 -crf 28 output.mp4 Here’s what each part of the command means:

-i input.mp4: Refers to your original video file. Replace input.mp4 with your file’s name.
-vcodec libx264: Specifies the H.264 codec, a standard for efficient video compression.
crf 28: Controls compression quality. Lower numbers yield higher quality; values of 18-23 are ideal for high-quality output.
output.mp4: Specifies the name of your compressed file.

Step 4: Verify you compressed video

Look for the newly created output .mp4 file in the same folder
Play the file to ensure the quality meets your expectations
If the file size is too large or too low quality, adjust the -crf value and re-run the command:
Use a lower value like -crf 23 for better quality.
Use a higher value like -crf 30 for smaller file sizes.

Challenges You Might Encounter

While FFmpeg is a powerful tool, it does come with a learning curve:

You’ll need to familiarize yourself with command-line syntax.
Trial and error might be necessary to get the balance of quality and size just right.
Compressing multiple files can become time-consuming without advanced scripting.

If you’re not comfortable with these challenges, don’t worry—there’s an alternative that makes compression effortless.

Looking for a Simpler Solution? Try Compresto

If manually typing commands isn’t your thing—or if you’re compressing videos regularly—Compresto offers a simpler, more accessible solution.

Why Consider Compresto?

No Commands, Just Clicks: Drag, drop, and let Compresto handle the rest.
Batch Compression: Compress multiple files in one go without manual effort.
Optimized for Quality: Advanced algorithms ensure your videos look great, even with reduced file sizes.
Broad Compatibility: Works for videos, images, and other file types, so you can streamline all your compression needs.

With Compresto, there’s no setup, no troubleshooting, and no guesswork—just fast, high-quality compression for everyone.

Final Thoughts

FFmpeg is an excellent tool for video compression if you’re comfortable with command-line utilities and need precise control. However, if you’re looking for a faster and easier way to compress videos, Compresto provides a hassle-free experience for anyone, regardless of technical expertise.

Ready to simplify your workflow? Download Compresto today and start compressing your videos with ease!

FFmpeg Compress Video: CRF Quality Presets

CRF (Constant Rate Factor) is FFmpeg's smartest compression mode — it allocates more bits to complex scenes and fewer to simple ones. Here's a practical reference:

CRF Value	Quality Level	Typical Size Reduction	Best For
18	Visually lossless	40–60%	Archiving, professional work
22	High quality	60–75%	General use, YouTube uploads
26	Good quality	75–85%	Web sharing, email
30	Acceptable	85–92%	Previews, low-bandwidth streaming

Recommended command for most users:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx265 -crf 22 -preset medium -c:a aac -b:a 128k output.mp4

Pair CRF with the right preset for your needs: ultrafast for quick previews, medium for daily use, slow or veryslow for final delivery where every MB matters.

FFmpeg Video Compression: Batch Processing

Compressing an entire folder of videos is where FFmpeg truly shines over GUI tools:

Compress all MP4 files in a directory:

for f in *.mp4; do
  ffmpeg -i "$f" -c:v libx265 -crf 22 -preset medium -c:a aac -b:a 128k "compressed_$f"
done

Compress with parallel processing (using GNU parallel):

ls *.mp4 | parallel -j4 'ffmpeg -i {} -c:v libx265 -crf 22 -preset medium -c:a aac -b:a 128k compressed_{}'

Compress and resize for web:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx265 -crf 24 -vf scale=1280:-1 -preset medium -c:a aac -b:a 96k web_output.mp4

If command-line scripting isn't your thing, Compresto offers the same powerful compression with a simple drag-and-drop interface on macOS — just drop a folder and let it handle the rest.