Video Resize and Reframe
How to resize, compress or reframe a video
- Choose your video. MP4, MOV and WebM files work, in any size and shape. The file is read from your device and is never uploaded.
- Pick a shape. Keep the original, or switch to 16:9 for YouTube, 9:16 for Shorts, Reels and TikTok, 1:1 square or 4:5 for the Instagram feed.
- Pick a resolution. Keep the original size, go down to Full HD or HD, or upscale to 4K.
- Set the bitrate. Choose High, Balanced or Small, or drag the slider. The estimated file size updates as you go.
- Convert and download. You get an MP4 that plays almost everywhere, with the original sound.
What each setting does
Shape
Changing the shape needs one of three fills. Cropping fills the whole frame and cuts off the sides (or top and bottom); drag the orange frame to choose what stays. Blurred background keeps the full picture in the middle with a soft copy behind it, which suits turning a vertical clip into a horizontal one. Black bars keeps the full picture on black.
Resolution
Lower resolutions make smaller files that are easier to edit and share. Upscaling makes the picture bigger but can’t add detail that wasn’t filmed. Many creators still upscale Full HD to 4K before uploading to YouTube, because YouTube streams 4K uploads with more data.
Bitrate
Bitrate is how much data each second of video gets, in megabits per second (Mbps). It decides the file size almost on its own: a 60-second clip at 10 Mbps is about 75 MB, at 5 Mbps about 38 MB. Lowering the bitrate is the best way to shrink a file while keeping its resolution. Go too low and fast motion turns blocky.
Frame rate and audio
Dropping from 60 to 30 fps saves data and is fine for talking heads, tutorials and slow scenes. You can also remove the sound, for example from stock footage or background loops.
Recommended bitrates
These are YouTube’s recommended upload bitrates for standard (SDR) video. The tool’s High setting follows them, and never goes above what your original file already has unless you upscale.
| Resolution | 24–30 fps | 48–60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 4K (2160p) | 35–45 Mbps | 53–68 Mbps |
| 1440p | 16 Mbps | 24 Mbps |
| Full HD (1080p) | 8 Mbps | 12 Mbps |
| HD (720p) | 5 Mbps | 7.5 Mbps |
| 480p | 2.5 Mbps | 4 Mbps |
Sizes for each platform
| Where it's going | Shape | Size |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube video | 16:9 | 1920 × 1080 or 3840 × 2160 |
| YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, TikTok | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 |
| Instagram and Facebook feed | 4:5 | 1080 × 1350 |
| Square posts | 1:1 | 1080 × 1080 |
For Shorts, Reels and TikTok, keep titles and faces away from the bottom fifth and the right edge. That’s where the apps place captions and buttons.
Questions
Is my video uploaded anywhere?
No. The conversion uses your browser’s built-in video encoder. Your file is read from your device and the result is created on your device.
Why is my converted file bigger than the original?
The bitrate you picked is higher than the original’s, or you upscaled. The tool shows the original’s bitrate under the slider. Pick a lower value to get a smaller file.
Does upscaling to 4K improve quality?
It can’t add detail that wasn’t filmed. It makes the file 4K, which helps on platforms that give 4K uploads a higher-quality stream, such as YouTube.
Does it keep the sound?
Yes. The original audio is copied as it is whenever possible. You can also remove it under Frame rate and audio.
Which browsers work?
Current versions of Chrome, Edge and Safari on a computer work best. The tool checks your browser before it starts and tells you if something isn’t supported.
Why does my HDR phone video look flatter after converting?
The output is standard (SDR) video, which has a smaller color and brightness range than HDR. For the closest match, turn HDR off in your camera settings, or convert HDR footage in an editing app that does tone mapping.
Is there a file size limit?
Nothing is uploaded, so there is no upload limit. The finished MP4 is kept in memory until you download it, so very large results can run out of memory, especially on phones. The tool warns you when the estimate gets that big.
Can the crop follow a moving subject?
Not yet. The crop stays in one position for the whole clip. For a subject that moves across the shot, convert it in parts with a different position for each, or use the blurred background.
Can I use it for videos from other channels?
Converting a file doesn’t change who owns it. Use your own footage, clips you have permission to use, or free resources such as the overlays and loops on Free Creative Stuff.