Free · private · nothing uploaded
Compress a video to send by email
Shrink a video so it goes as a normal email attachment instead of a cloud link. We aim for 18 MB, because attachments grow by about a third when they’re sent and most email stops at 25 MB.
Why we aim for 18 MB, not 25 MB
Gmail, Outlook and most other email services cap attachments at around 20 to 25 MB, and files get bigger when they’re encoded for sending. A video right at 25 MB often bounces or gets turned into a link. Keeping it near 18 MB gets it through.
Tips for the best result
- Trim first: cut the clip to just what matters with Trim video.
- Short clips look best: a minute or two stays clear; longer videos get softer.
- Remove the location: phone videos often include where they were filmed. Remove it before sending to people you don’t know well.
Frequently asked questions
What is the email attachment limit?
Gmail allows 25 MB of attachments per email and Outlook.com 20 MB. Because attachments grow when sent, we aim for about 18 MB.
Is my video uploaded?
No. Compression runs in your browser and your video never leaves your device.
What if my video is too long?
We’ll tell you, and suggest trimming it first so it still looks good at that size.
What format do I get?
An MP4 (H.264), which opens on phones, Windows and Mac.
More free tools
See every Inkwell Media tool, or drop a photo into the free check-up to see what it gives away before you share it.