To make an MP4 smaller without changing its resolution, re-encode it with the same width and height but a lower video bitrate. The file will usually shrink, but lower bitrate can reduce visible detail and introduce artifacts. For a YouTube 24/7 stream, check the output against YouTube’s current ingest settings and test the complete playback-to-stream setup; a smaller file alone does not ensure a continuous broadcast.
What changes file size—and what does not
Resolution is the frame’s pixel dimensions, such as 1920 × 1080. Bitrate is the amount of encoded data used over time. Lowering bitrate while keeping the output width and height unchanged reduces file size, but asks the encoder to represent the same image with fewer bits. Depending on the footage and settings, that can mean softer detail, blockiness, banding, or other compression artifacts.
Changing the codec can also affect file size, but switching codecs or containers does not automatically make a file smaller. Results depend on the encoder, content, bitrate or quality target, and whether every part of the playback and YouTube ingest chain supports the chosen codec.
Estimate the new file size before encoding
Use the combined video and audio bitrate to make a rough estimate:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Approximate file size in bytes = (video bitrate + audio bitrate) × duration in seconds ÷ 8
For example, if the combined bitrate is 5,000,000 bits per second for a 3,600-second video, the estimate is 2,250,000,000 bytes before container overhead. Actual files may differ, so treat this as a planning estimate rather than a prediction of quality or an exact final size.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
To estimate a target video bitrate, rearrange the same relationship: target total bitrate ≈ target bytes × 8 ÷ duration. Subtract the audio bitrate to estimate the video bitrate, then leave some headroom for container overhead. Do not choose a target solely to hit a file size: it must also preserve acceptable image quality and fit the live stream’s ingest and upload requirements.
Reduce the size while retaining the pixel dimensions
- Record the source properties. Note the MP4’s width and height, frame rate, video and audio codecs, duration, and current bitrate. These are the baseline for comparing the output.
- Keep output width and height identical to the source. Do not use a resize or downscale option. Confirm the exported file’s dimensions after encoding; the same resolution does not mean the same visual quality.
- Make a lower-bitrate test encode. Try a modestly lower video bitrate than the source, keeping audio settings appropriate for the program. If the full playback-to-ingest chain supports it, you can separately test a more efficient codec. Do not assume the codec change alone will reduce size or that it will be compatible with every stage.
- Compare representative scenes. Inspect fast movement, fine detail, gradients, and dark areas at normal viewing size. Listen for audio problems. Compare the source and output at the same display size, and check that the output still has the original pixel dimensions.
- Repeat only as needed. If artifacts are obvious, raise the bitrate or use a different compatible encoding configuration. If the result looks acceptable, record the settings so you can reproduce the encode.
There is no single best bitrate for every MP4: animation, gameplay with rapid motion, detailed scenes, and relatively static footage can respond differently to compression. The available YouTube guidance specifies ingest settings, not a universal compression target or a guaranteed quality level for a particular file.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check YouTube’s live encoder requirements
Use YouTube’s current live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions guidance for the resolution, frame rate, and codec you intend to stream. YouTube’s regional or localized versions may display different bitrate tables, so consult the current table for your account and region instead of applying one bitrate target to every setup.
- YouTube’s guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS transport; it recommends RTMPS for secure transport.
- Listed video codecs include H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1; listed audio codecs include AAC and MP3. Confirm the requirements for the specific ingestion path and encoder you use.
- YouTube lists frame rates up to 60 fps. Match the stream configuration to the frame rate of the content and the current guidance.
- YouTube recommends constant bitrate (CBR) encoding and a keyframe interval of 2 seconds, not exceeding 4 seconds.
- YouTube’s current guidance lists 128 Kbps as the recommended stereo audio bitrate. Check its table for video bitrate recommendations for your selected codec, resolution, and frame rate.
These are live-stream configuration requirements and recommendations, not instructions to compress every source MP4 to a particular bitrate. Your playback or encoding software must produce a stream YouTube accepts, even if the stored file uses a different encoding.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Test the complete 24/7 streaming setup
- Check the outgoing connection. Confirm that available upload bandwidth can carry the total stream bitrate, including audio and other traffic. YouTube warns: “The total bitrate you’re streaming cannot exceed the amount of upload bandwidth available.” See its streaming tips.
- Run a pre-live test with representative content. Include the audio and motion typical of the actual program. YouTube advises: “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.” Follow the current encoder guidance for setup.
- Watch stream health and messages. Use YouTube’s stream health indicators and its live stream troubleshooting guidance to investigate errors. Unsupported codecs and bitrate mismatches are among the possible problems.
- Validate continuity separately. Check how the playback or encoder software handles looping and restart, and whether the host, power, storage, and network can remain available. Confirm recovery behavior after an interruption. YouTube’s cited guidance covers ingest, tests, errors, and bandwidth; it does not guarantee uninterrupted 24/7 playback for a particular MP4 or setup.
Common problems and what to check
- The file is smaller but looks visibly worse: The lower bitrate may not provide enough data for the content’s motion or detail. Compare representative scenes and raise the bitrate or try a different compatible encode.
- The dimensions changed: A resize or scale option was enabled during export. Re-encode with the source width and height explicitly retained, then verify the output properties.
- YouTube reports a codec or bitrate issue: Check the encoder output against YouTube’s current settings for the selected resolution, frame rate, and codec. Confirm the configured bitrate and keyframe interval; do not assume the source file’s settings automatically match live ingest requirements.
- The stream buffers or drops despite a smaller file: File size is not the same as outgoing stream bitrate or connection capacity. Check total stream bitrate and available upload bandwidth, including competing network traffic.
- The stream stops during a long run: Compression cannot resolve a playback process, host, power, storage, or network failure. Test loop/restart and recovery behavior independently and monitor the system during a representative run.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is a YouTube channel that keeps playing while your computer is off, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos or playlists from the cloud. The setup is: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, then go live. It does not stream from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs from the cloud.
- Every slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, with one free day per account.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
