How to compress a video for WhatsApp without ruining quality

Short answer

On Windows, open the video in ShrinkCut → Compress → choose the **WhatsApp / messaging** preset (~16MB target, 720p). Prefer H.265 when the recipient’s phone supports it; use H.264 for widest playback. Everything runs locally — no cloud upload.

When to use which preset

**WhatsApp / messaging** — default for chat apps with size caps

**Custom + max MB** — when the limit is stricter or different (e.g. 8MB)

**Email** — smaller ~10MB / 480p for attachments

Steps

Download ShrinkCut from shrinkcut.uk and install on Windows.

Open **Compress / Convert** and drop your video (or batch several).

Select **WhatsApp / messaging** (or set a max file size in MB).

Pick format: H.265 for smaller files if compatible, else H.264.

Optional: trim start/end, mute, or “then split” if you still need parts.

Encode, check before/after sizes, send the output.

Summary

ShrinkCut’s messaging preset is built for share limits. Local FFmpeg processing keeps your video on your PC; buy once if the trial’s 3 jobs aren’t enough.