My Experience: Why I Needed HandBrake
I was applying for a remote job recently, and as part of the evaluation process, I needed to upload a video file of no more than a minute. After a couple of attempts (don’t worry if you don’t nail it on the first try – it happens to the best of us!), I finally recorded my video: 53 seconds long. 🎉
"Seven seconds less than the limit," I thought, "perfecto!" The video was concise and to the point.
Then came the moment of truth: uploading it to the application form. That’s where I hit a roadblock. Despite following all the guidelines, the upload wouldn’t go through. Frustrated, I reached out to the organization for help.
Their response? “Check your file size.”
Wait, what? File size?! This vital detail was conveniently omitted from the instructions. I felt stuck. Should I re-record my video? Maybe practice speaking even faster to shave more seconds off? 😅 But then I remembered something: I’m a developer, and "dev-life" revolves around solving problems (thanks, internet!).
That’s when I came across HandBrake, and with a little AI guidance, I found the solution and submitted my application just in time. In the spirit of paying it forward, I’ve written this guide to help anyone facing a similar challenge. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Download and Install HandBrake
Visit the official HandBrake website: https://handbrake.fr.
Download and install HandBrake for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Step 2: Import Your Video
Launch HandBrake.
Drag and drop your video file into the main window, or click File to browse and select your video.
Step 3: Choose a Compression Preset
HandBrake offers pre-configured settings to balance quality and file size.
On the right side, pick a preset:
Very Fast 720p30 for medium compression.
Very Fast 480p30 or Fast 480p30 for more aggressive compression.
Need a tiny file? Go for Super Fast 480p30.
Step 4: Adjust Basic Output Settings
Format: Ensure it’s set to MP4 in the Summary tab (the most compatible format).
Video Codec: Choose H.264 (x264) for efficient compression.
Step 5: Fine-Tune Video Compression
In the Video tab:
Encoder Preset:
Set it to Slower or Very Slow (better compression but slower processing).
Constant Quality:
Increase the value (e.g., 28–30) for higher compression.
Step 6: Optimize Resolution
Go to the Dimensions tab.
Reduce the resolution (e.g., width of 640 pixels) while keeping the aspect ratio locked.
Step 7: Adjust Audio Settings
In the Audio tab:
Reduce the Bitrate to 96 kbps or lower.
Keep only one audio track if your video has multiples.
Step 8: Trim Unnecessary Sections
(Optional) To remove unwanted parts:
In the Summary tab, find the Range section.
Set custom start and end times to trim the video.
Step 9: Save and Compress
Choose a destination folder and name for the compressed file by clicking Browse.
Click the Start Encode button.
Step 10: Verify and Test
- Check the compressed file size in the destination folder.
- Upload it to your application or desired platform.
- If the File Size is Still Too Large
- Increase the Constant Quality value (e.g., 31 or more).
- Further, reduce the resolution in the Dimensions tab.
Wrapping Up
HandBrake made compressing my video a breeze, saving me from re-recording or editing under pressure. Thanks to its powerful tools and some quick research, I was able to meet the size requirements and submit my job application on time. 🙌
If you’re struggling with video compression, don’t give up! HandBrake is a lifesaver, and now you have the steps to compress your videos with ease. Happy compressing! 🎥✨
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