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Compression guide

How to compress video for Reddit

Reddit supports native video uploads up to 1 GB. The platform re-encodes, so pre-compress only to manage your upload time, not Reddit's storage. v.redd.it links serve the re-encoded version to viewers.

Size limit

1000 MB

Target output: 200 MB (with safety margin)

Recommended settings

CodecH.264
CRF (quality)23
Audio bitrate128 Kbps AAC
QuickVid modeRecommended

ffmpeg one-liner

For terminal-comfortable users, here's the exact command:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -preset medium -vf scale=-2:1080 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -movflags +faststart output.mp4

Install ffmpeg via Homebrew: brew install ffmpeg

Tips

  • •Reddit native video is preferred over external links — better algorithm placement
  • •Audio sometimes drops during upload — verify in a private post first if it matters
  • •Square (1:1) and vertical (9:16) videos work for mobile-first feeds
  • •Some subreddits ban auto-playing videos — check rules before uploading

Skip the terminal

QuickVid Compress wraps these settings into a one-click "Recommended" mode. Drop your video, pick the mode, save the result. About 30 seconds end-to-end.

Try QuickVid

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

What is the video size limit for Reddit?

Reddit's default video size limit is 1000 MB. Native video upload: 1000 MB. To fit comfortably below the limit, target 200 MB when compressing.

What's the best codec for Reddit?

H.264 at CRF 23 produces the best balance of size and quality for Reddit. 128 Kbps AAC audio is the right pairing — universal compatibility and small footprint.

How do I compress a video for Reddit on Mac?

Drop the file into a Mac compressor like QuickVid Compress (use the "Recommended" mode) or run the ffmpeg one-liner: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -preset medium -vf scale=-2:1080 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -movflags +faststart output.mp4. Both produce output that fits Reddit's 1000 MB limit with no visible quality loss.

Why does Reddit reject my video?

Most rejections are file-size related: Reddit caps at 1000 MB. Other reasons include unsupported codec (use H.264 for maximum compatibility, not HEVC), missing the +faststart flag (which keeps streaming usable on slow connections), or audio in a non-AAC container.

Can I send larger videos via Reddit?

Alternatively, host the video elsewhere (YouTube unlisted, Google Drive, Dropbox) and share a link. For sensitive content where you don't want third-party hosting, compress aggressively to fit the free tier.