How can I reduce video size for mp4 file on my pc?

Unlike other tools to reduce MP4 file size. FF mpeg doesn't come with an installer that puts a pretty icon on your desktop. If you're comfortable typing commands, FF mpeg is insanely powerful and totally free. Here's how to set it up:

1. Extract the ZIP file to a folder like C: \ff mpeg
2. Add it to your system PATH

A simple command to shrink a video:

bash

ff mpeg -i input,mp4 - vcodec libx 264 - crf 26 -preset medium output,mp4

What these numbers mean if you want to reduce MP4 file size:

-  crf 26: Quality setting (18-28 is the sweet spot—lower = better quality/ bigger file, higher = worse quality/ smaller file)

- preset medium: Speed vs size trade - off ("slow" gives smaller files, "fast" is quicker)

Even smaller file? Use H.265 instead:

bash

ff mpeg - i input,mp4 - c:v libx 265 - crf 28 - preset medium output_ h265,mp4

This can shrink files 25-50% more than H.264.