[Detailed Guide] How to Compress MP4 Files on Mac?

Many users find that MP4 video files take up too much space on their Macs. This can slow things down and make file sharing difficult. When you're editing or just organizing storage, large files are a hassle. Thus, this whole article explains how to compress MP4 files on Mac with effective solutions. These are just simple steps to make your videos smaller while keeping them sharp and clear.

Comparison of Mac MP4 Compression Tools

Part 1. How to Compress MP4 Files on Mac with HitPaw Univd

This software makes compressing video files on your device fast and effortless. HitPaw Univid (formerly HitPaw Video Converter) becomes 120X faster when you activate the GPU acceleration. Not to forget that it can shrink the size without touching the original quality in the slightest. Moreover, the tool’s advanced engine ensures smooth playback even after shrinking large 4K files. So, if you're looking to compress MP4 Mac style quickly, HitPaw Univd is your ideal pick.

Features

1. Compress a large number of MP4 clips at once to save time.

2. Works perfectly with large 4K or HD videos for professional-grade results.

3. Instantly see compression results before saving to ensure ideal output.

Steps to Reduce MP4 File Size on Mac

Step 1. First, download HitPaw Univd. Run the application to head over to the “Compressor” section and hit the “+” button to upload your MP4 clips. After that, tap the “Gear” icon to choose your desired compression settings.

Step 2. Once everything is set, press the “Compress” button to begin processing your video. After completion, the output files will appear in the folder selected under the “Save To” option.

Part 2. How to Reduce a Video File Size on Mac with Handbrake

Another solution is to use HandBrake, which helps reduce video size while maintaining decent quality. It allows users to tweak resolution or even frame rate to give full control over file size and output quality. For anyone seeking a reliable MP4 compress Mac method, HandBrake offers flexible settings and solid output without extra cost.

Limitations

1. You can’t view compression results live before saving the output file.

2. Only supports MP4 and MKV, not formats like AVI or WMV.

3. High-resolution or long videos can take considerable time to compress.

Steps

Step 1. Get going by opening HandBrake and clicking the "Open Source" button to select the MP4 file you wish to compress. Set a location for the new file and rename it before opting for “Very Fast 720p30” in the “Preset” dropdown.

Step 2. Following that, navigate to the “Video” tab and set the “Avg Bitrate (kbps)” for your clip. When done, hit the “Start Encode” button from the top to commence the procedure.

Part 3. How to Compress MP4 on Mac with QuickTime Player

This native media player for macOS users also offers a quick approach to shrink clip sizes. It lets you select a resolution such as 1080p and use the Greater Compatibility (H.264) codec, which is known for balancing video quality. This process is perfect for those asking how to make a video file smaller on Mac without needing advanced software.

Limitations

1. It lacks advanced settings to fine-tune compression beyond basic resolution.

2. QuickTime doesn’t leverage hardware acceleration and makes compression slower.

3. The tool only offers a few formats, like MP4 and MOV, limiting flexibility.

Steps

Step 1. On your Apple device, run the targeted MP4 video using the QuickTime Player. Afterward, hit the “File” option to access the menu and opt for the “Export As” option. Now, select a resolution lower than the original (e.g., 720p instead of 1080p) to reduce file size.

Step 2. Lastly, opt for a destination folder of your choice and hit “Save” to conclude the task.

Part 4. How to Decrease Video File Size on Mac with iMovie

Among the easiest ways to shrink MP4 file size Mac without external tools, iMovie is a decent choice. All you need to do is drag and drop the clip and adjust the compression settings. However, reducing the file size can result in lower video quality, which is a trade-off for compression.

Limitations

1. No batch support means only one MP4 clip can be compressed at one time.

2. Reducing the resolution for compression can make the video less visually appealing.

3. iMovie doesn’t use GPU acceleration, making it slower for large video files.

Steps

Step 1. Run this native app on your MacBook and utilize the “Import Media” button to add the full MP4 clip. When the clip is too long, opt for “Split Clip” from the “Modify” menu to divide it into different sizes.

Step 2. Select the targeted part in the timeline and adjust the frame over it. Finally, approach the “File” menu to go through “Share” for the “File” option. Here, define the last parameters before saving the clip on the system.

Part 5. Fix Compressed MP4 With VikPea For Video Higher Quality

When you work on any visual project, it takes a lot of time to get everything right according to your needs. After you go on to shrink MP4 file size Mac, you might find the end result disappointing. The video may become blurry, details may fade, and colors may appear washed out. This compromises the overall viewing experience and diminishes the professional look of your content.

To address these challenges, HitPaw VikPea (formerly HitPaw Video Enhancer) offers a comprehensive solution. This advanced AI tool specializes in enhancing video quality post-compression, ensuring your content retains its original brilliance. Its upscaling capability can elevate video resolutions up to 8K to give them a new look.

Key Features

• Enhances soft or blurry areas by restoring fine details with AI, making each frame sharper and more realistic.
• Reduces grain and unwanted artifacts in low-light or compressed footage while preserving the original sharpness and clarity.
• Improves the appearance of faces in videos by sharpening features, refining skin texture, and correcting motion blur.
• Eliminates flickering issues from unstable lighting or screen recordings to ensure smooth and distraction-free playback.
• Generates additional frames in low-FPS videos to create smoother, more fluid motion without compromising video quality.

Detailed Tutorial on How to Fix Blurry Video After MP4 Compression on Mac

Its dynamic design ensures that both novices and professionals can navigate its features effortlessly. Follow these elaborate steps to enhance your video clips after you reduce size of MP4 Mac:

First, download HitPaw VikPea for free and log in. Following that, head to the left-hand menu, where you’ll find the option labeled “Video Enhancer.”

Then, choose your MP4 video from your device and select the enhancement model you prefer before advancing to the next step.

Finally, once the enhancement finishes, open the “Settings” tab to set your preferred resolution and hit “Download” to store the upgraded video locally.

Part 6. FAQs on Compress MP4 on Mac

Conclusion

In summary, if you're looking for effective ways on how to compress MP4 files on Mac, several tools can help. We have explored various solutions and tools that provide a quick compression process. However, for superior results, we recommend HitPaw VikPea, which ensures quality compression without sacrificing video clarity.