Sharing videos through WhatsApp has become increasingly popular. However, there is a 16MB size limit that can make sending longer or high-quality videos a bit difficult. This article will provide you with a simple guide on how to compress videos for WhatsApp using a tool called HandBrake.
What is HandBrake?
HandBrake is a free and open-source video transcoder that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is highly versatile, enabling you to convert video from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Compress Video for WhatsApp using HandBrake
Step 1: Download and Install HandBrake
First, you’ll need to download and install HandBrake. Visit the official HandBrake website at https://handbrake.fr and choose the correct version for your operating system.
Step 2: Load the Video File
After installing HandBrake, launch the application. Click the “Open Source” button and select the video file you want to compress.
Step 3: Configure the Output Settings
Once your video is loaded into HandBrake, it’s time to set up the output settings. On the right side, you’ll see a “Presets” drawer. Under General, you should choose “Fast 720p30” to compress your video for WhatsApp.
After setting the preset, head over to the “Summary” tab. Make sure the “Format” is set to “MP4” as WhatsApp prefers MP4 format for videos. It’s also recommended to keep the “Web Optimized” box checked. This ensures that your video is optimized for playback over the internet.
Step 4: Start the Compression
After configuring all the settings, you can start the compression process. Click the “Start Encode” button at the top of the window, and HandBrake will begin to compress your video. This may take some time depending on the size and length of your video.
Step 5: Share Your Compressed Video
Once the compression process is complete, you can now share your compressed video on WhatsApp without worrying about the size limit. Enjoy!
Source Code
# Load the video
video = HandBrakeCLI -i input.mp4# Set the output format and quality
video -o output.mp4 -e x264 -q 20 -B 64# Start the compression
video.startEncode()
Conclusion
Compressing videos for WhatsApp is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right tools like HandBrake and a bit of patience, you can easily share your favorite videos with your friends and family on WhatsApp. Happy sharing!
