Shorten what you do not need first
A shorter video can fit within a smaller file without asking the encoder to preserve as much material. Set the range you need and remove unnecessary lead-in or ending footage before lowering quality.
Keep the original. A small sharing copy and a higher-quality editing source serve different purposes. Repeatedly compressing an already compressed copy makes it harder to preserve fine details.
Set a realistic target size
In the video output settings, expand the advanced controls and use Video size in MB. A value of 0 keeps automatic quality. The target is approximate and applies to video output. Smaller targets reduce the amount of detail that can be retained.
Leave room below an upload limit instead of aiming at its exact boundary. Duration, sound and container overhead affect the final file.
Inspect the hardest part of the video
Test a short range containing fast movement, small interface text or detailed backgrounds. A still frame can look acceptable while the same settings blur motion. View the saved sample at the size your audience will use.
If labels become unreadable, raise the target size or reconsider the frame dimensions. Increasing sharpness after heavy compression does not recover the missing information.
Check size and playback after export
Inspect the file size on disk and open the result in another player. Confirm the duration, sound, captions and ending before uploading. If a service rejects it, check its current format and size requirements instead of repeating the same export.
Keep a note of settings that worked for this source. A talking-head clip and a fast game recording may need different sizes even when their duration and dimensions match.
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