Optimizing videos for the web ensures smooth playback and faster loading, especially for viewers with slower connections or mobile devices. Smaller file sizes help reduce buffering while maintaining quality, improving the overall viewing experience.

Why optimize your videos?

  • Reduce buffering: Smaller video files stream more smoothly, especially on slower connections.
  • Faster loading: Lower file sizes mean quicker load times for your viewers.
  • Better experience on mobile: Optimized videos are more likely to play without interruptions on phones and tablets.

How to optimize video files

Use any video optimization software to reduce the file size of your videos. This type of tool can compress and re-encode your files, keeping the quality high while making them easier to stream.

Recommended settings

For the best balance of quality and streaming speed, use these settings:

  • Format: MP4 File
  • Resolution: 720p (instead of full HD or 4K)
  • Frame rate: 30 frames per second
  • Web optimized: Turn this option ON
  • Audio bitrate: Set to 128 kbps (Optional)

Following these recommendations will help ensure your videos load faster and play smoothly, providing a better experience for your audience. A free software you can use for optimzation is HandBrake.

How to use HandBrake

Step 1: Download and install HandBrake

  1. Visit the HandBrake website and download the latest version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  2. Install the software following the prompts.

Step 2: Open HandBrake and import your video

  1. Launch HandBrake.
  2. Click Open Source and select the video file you want to optimize.
  3. HandBrake will load the video, and you’ll see the file name at the top.

Step 3: Choose the output settings

  1. Preset: Select General > 720p30 from the presets dropdown.
  2. Format: Under the Summary tab, set the format to MP4 (default option).
  3. Web Optimized: Tick the Web Optimized checkbox. This helps ensure faster loading when streaming.

Step 4: Adjust audio settings

  1. Click on the Audio tab.
  2. Bitrate: Set the Bitrate to 128 kbps for a good balance between quality and file size.

Step 5: Set the destination and start encoding

  1. Destination: Click Browse to choose where to save the optimized file and give it a new name.
  2. Click the Start Encode button at the top to begin the optimization process.

Once HandBrake finishes, open the new file to check the quality. If you’re satisfied, you’re ready to upload your optimized video.

Following these steps will help you create videos that stream smoothly and maintain a good balance between quality and file size.