How to edit and reduce the size of .MP4 files

  • Thread starter Thread starter yungman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Edit files
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to edit and reduce the size of .MP4 files, including software recommendations and online tools. Participants explore various options for video editing and compression, with a focus on safety and user experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests safe links to reduce .MP4 file size and edit videos, expressing concern about using unverified programs.
  • Another suggests using the Linux video editing program Pitivi and the command line tool ffmpeg, noting that both have a learning curve.
  • A participant mentions that they are using a laptop and expresses reluctance to use Linux, preferring to seek safe options from the forum.
  • Some participants recommend searching online for tools to reduce .MP4 file size without needing to install software.
  • There is a suggestion to try running Linux on a laptop alongside Windows, with a link provided for further information on using a Live Ubuntu USB.
  • OpenShot Video Editor is mentioned as a safe, free, and open-source option for Windows, Linux, or OSX users.
  • One participant supports the use of ffmpeg, sharing their experience running it on Windows from the command line and mentioning its integration with Audacity.
  • Several participants express concerns about the safety of online tools and request specific recommendations for safe sites.
  • One participant admits to not having experience with this type of task and cannot recommend any specific website.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for safe and reliable tools for editing and reducing .MP4 file sizes, but there is no consensus on specific websites or programs that are deemed safe.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the safety of online tools and the usability of suggested software, indicating a need for further clarification and personal experience before making recommendations.

yungman
Messages
5,741
Reaction score
291
TL;DR
Want to find a link to reduce the size of a .MP4 file.
Hi

Anyone can give me a safe link to reduce the size of .MP4 file ( of cause reduce quality). Also any program to cut and paste .MP4 files...Like editing the video?

I saw some when I google, I want to play it safe and get links from here where people have experience with.

Thanks

Alan
 
Last edited:
Computer science news on Phys.org
For linux, there is the general video editing program pitivi http://www.pitivi.org/

You can reformat .MP4 files using the command line program ffmpeg.

Both programs have a "learning curve". I don't know of any video editing program where the interface is completely intuitive.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: robphy
Stephen Tashi said:
For linux, there is the general video editing program pitivi http://www.pitivi.org/

You can reformat .MP4 files using the command line program ffmpeg.

Both programs have a "learning curve". I don't know of any video editing program where the interface is completely intuitive.
I am doing it on a laptop, so the linux is out. I saw some programs when I google, I don't dare to use them, I rather come here to ask to get something safe.

Thanks
 
Do a Google search with the keywords "reduce mp4 video size online". You will get several sites. No need to install any software.
 
How about this program:
 
Wrichik Basu said:
Do a Google search with the keywords "reduce mp4 video size online". You will get several sites. No need to install any software.
Do you have a site that you know it's safe? I don't want to invite virus.

Thanks
 
yungman said:
I am doing it on a laptop, so the linux is out. I saw some programs when I google, I don't dare to use them, I rather come here to ask to get something safe.

Thanks
You can run Linux on a laptop. You can run it on a laptop that also runs Windows. If you would like to try that, I think it would be safe enough if you were to start by running a Live Ubuntu from a USB device ##-## here's a link to further information on that: https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/try-ubuntu-before-you-install#1-getting-started ##-## just in case you might prefer a different-from-Ubuntu 'distro', you could maybe do a search on: best Linux live . . .
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: yungman
yungman said:
Do you have a site that you know it's safe? I don't want to invite virus.

Thanks
For Windows, Linux, or OSX, OpenShot Video Editor is safe, free, and open source ##-## https://openshot.org
 
Second vote for ffmpeg.
I run it on windows from the command line.
I also use Audacity on Windows, which uses ffmpeg as a plugin.
 
  • #10
yungman said:
Do you have a site that you know it's safe? I don't want to invite virus.

Thanks
I haven't done something like that before. So cannot recommend any specific website.
 

Similar threads

Need program to convert MPG to MP4
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Free converter to convert MPG to MP4?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Help Ubuntu 20.04: File got corrupted when moving to external HDD
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Question on Android phone system: Moving files & the Gallery
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
6K
Shrinking file size for picture (.jpeg)
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
Custom icon for specific file type in Nautilus on Ubuntu 22.04
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
How Dangerous is Editing the Windows Registry?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
8K
Editing a video, the rendered video is way too big
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
How to make video files smaller
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Looking for free video editing software for .MOV files.
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K