Video compression
Short answer
How platforms recompress video and how to keep quality.
16 articles
- Start hereGuide
What actually determines video file size
Bitrate, resolution, frame rate and codec explained in the order they actually matter - and why a 4K video can be smaller than a 1080p one.
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Compress a video without changing its dimensions: ffmpeg CRF
Shrink a video file and keep its width and height: use x264 CRF, a slower preset and a sane audio bitrate. What +6 CRF does to size and where quality falls.
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Compression made the file bigger? Why it happens and the fix
Why re-encoding can increase a file's size: a lower CRF than the source, a higher bitrate preset, lossless audio or a different codec.
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Reduce video size without losing quality: what actually works
Smaller files without visible loss: trim, use CRF 18 to 23 with a slow preset, keep resolution, and choose HEVC only where accepted. ffmpeg commands included.
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Why is my LinkedIn video blurry? Limits, bitrate and fixes
LinkedIn accepts up to 4096×2304 and 30 Mbps. Soft videos come from low-resolution uploads, low bitrates, re-compressed files or playback.
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Video looks worse after upload? Causes and the export to use
Why a video looks softer after upload: platform re-encoding, HD still processing, a weak source or the wrong size.
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Video file too large to upload? Shrink it with the right settings
Published file size limits for X, LinkedIn and Pinterest, and how to shrink a file with ffmpeg CRF and a lower bitrate while keeping the picture sharp.
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Why are my Instagram photos blurry? The resize rules
Instagram keeps photos 320 to 1080 px wide at 1.91:1 to 3:4 and resizes the rest. Use these numbers and the right app settings to post sharp photos.
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Why social media compresses your video and how to look sharp
Platforms re-encode every upload for many devices. What YouTube says about processing and quality, and how to export so the re-encode costs you the least.
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Why are my Facebook videos and reels blurry? Facebook's own fixes
All Facebook videos are reels since September 2025. Mixed HDR, stickers, over 30 fps and re-compressed files make them soft. Facebook's own export settings.
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Why is my Instagram Story blurry? Find the cause in 30 seconds
Blurry Stories come from upload quality, wrong size, HDR, re-shared posts or your own playback setting. Match what you see to the fix, with Instagram's menus.
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Why is my Instagram Reel blurry? 7 causes and how to fix each
Turn on Upload at highest quality, export 1080×1920 at 30 fps, and check for landscape, HDR or re-shared clips. Find your exact cause in 30 seconds.
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Why are my YouTube Shorts blurry? Processing, settings and fixes
YouTube streams a new Short in low quality first and adds 1080p and 4K after processing. How to check it, fix your settings and keep it sharp.
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Why is my Snapchat blurry or zoomed in? What Snapchat says
Snapchat says shaky or blurry video Snaps are usually a device issue, and some phones show a zoomed-in camera. Lens, focus, light and app checks, in order.
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Why is my TikTok video blurry after uploading? 6 causes and fixes
TikTok re-encodes every upload. Find which of six causes made yours blurry: upload quality, size, HDR, re-uploads, low light or your own playback.
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Why is my YouTube video blurry? Processing and fixes
YouTube streams low quality first and adds 1080p and 4K hours later. Check your quality setting, YouTube's processing times and its export settings.