How do I resize MP4 files?

Optimo supports three resize modes: percentage (--resize 50%), dimensions (--resize w960 or --resize h480), and target file size (--resize 150kB). Run "npx optimo video.mp4 --resize " to resize and optimize in one step.

What is the best resize mode for MP4?

Use dimensions (--resize w960) when you know the display size. Use percentage (--resize 50%) for quick scaling. Use target file size (--resize 150kB) for thumbnails and budgets. Resizing is usually the single biggest lever for reducing MP4 file size.

Resize MP4 files

Resizing is usually the biggest lever for reducing MP4 file size.

Last updated: 2026-03-18

To resize MP4 files, run npx optimo video.mp4 --resize <value>. Optimo supports three modes: percentage (50%), dimensions (w960), and target file size (150kB). Resizing reduces both dimensions and file size in one step — often more effective than compression alone.

Resize by percentage

Quick way to scale down when you don't know exact dimensions yet.

npx optimo video.mp4 --resize 50%

Resize by dimensions

Cap width or height to match how the asset is displayed.

npx optimo video.mp4 --resize w960

Use w for width and h for height.

Resize to a target file size

Useful for thumbnails and previews when you want predictable budgets.

npx optimo video.mp4 --resize 150kB

Start with a budget you can ship everywhere, then adjust based on quality.

MP4-specific tips

Match the video width to the player size; oversizing wastes bandwidth.
Shorten duration when possible; seconds matter more than codec tweaks.
For background loops, consider converting to WebM and compare sizes.

Optimize MP4 Compress MP4 MP4 format guide

Frequently asked questions

How do I resize MP4 files?: Optimo supports three resize modes: percentage (--resize 50%), dimensions (--resize w960 or --resize h480), and target file size (--resize 150kB). Run "npx optimo video.mp4 --resize <value>" to resize and optimize in one step.
What is the best resize mode for MP4?: Use dimensions (--resize w960) when you know the display size. Use percentage (--resize 50%) for quick scaling. Use target file size (--resize 150kB) for thumbnails and budgets. Resizing is usually the single biggest lever for reducing MP4 file size.