Why MOV files are so big
MOV is Apple’s QuickTime container. Inside there is usually HEVC or H.264 from an iPhone, or ProRes from a camera or screen recording — and ProRes takes about 1 GB per minute. Cameras and phones record at high bitrates so they can save in real time; there is a lot of room to compress afterwards without visible loss.
MOV or MP4?
The result is MP4 by default: it holds the same video and opens on Windows, Android and in browsers without extra software. If you need MOV (for Final Cut or an agency spec), choose it under Advanced settings → Video → Container.
How much smaller?
- iPhone 4K 60 fps HEVC (≈ 400 MB/min) → 1080p MP4 at good quality: ≈ 60–80 MB/min
- Mac screen recording (≈ 100–300 MB/min) → 10–20 MB/min, text stays sharp
- ProRes 422 (≈ 1 GB/min) → 50–100 MB/min
Batch-compress a folder of MOV files
Drop a whole folder — for example the export from Photos or an SD card — and every MOV inside is compressed in turn. Non-video files are skipped and subfolders are recreated in the output folder. You can add more videos while the first ones are still compressing.
Mac screen recordings
macOS screen recordings (Cmd+Shift+5) are MOV files at the full Retina resolution and can be 200 MB for a few minutes. Compressing them with the “Free up space” preset usually keeps text pixel-sharp at a tenth of the size. For tutorials, 30 fps is plenty; for a Discord or Slack message, use the size slider.
Questions
Can I compress a ProRes MOV?
Only if your browser can decode ProRes, which most cannot. Export to H.264 from your editor first, or use Final Cut / DaVinci Resolve.
Does it keep the capture date?
Yes — the date and location of iPhone videos are kept, so they sort correctly in Photos and Google Photos.
Is there a size limit?
No. Files are processed on your computer, so even multi-gigabyte MOV files work.
Last updated: 2026-10-30