Use HandBrake to reduce video file size
In this article: How to use HandBrake, a free video compression tool, to shrink your video files so they fit within Ruzuku's upload limits. All Plans
Why use HandBrake
HandBrake is a free, open-source tool that compresses video files without a noticeable drop in quality. If your video is too large to upload to Ruzuku (over 2 GB on Core, 4 GB on Pro), HandBrake can help you bring it under the limit while keeping the video looking great.
Compress a video with HandBrake
- Download and install HandBrake (available for Mac, Windows, and Linux).
- Open HandBrake and drag your video file into the window, or click Open Source to select it.
- Go to the Summary tab and confirm the output format is set to MP4.
- Go to the Video tab and adjust these settings:
- Video Codec: H.264 (x264)
- Framerate: Same as source
- Quality: Use the "Constant Quality" slider. A value of 20-23 gives a good balance of quality and file size for online course content.
- Click the green Start button at the top of the window.
- Wait for the encoding to finish. The output file location is shown at the bottom of the HandBrake window.
- Upload the compressed file to your Ruzuku lesson.
Here are screenshots of the recommended settings:
Tip: For most online course videos, 720p resolution with the quality slider at 20-23 produces files that look sharp on laptops and phones while staying well under the upload limit.
What if the file is still too large
If your compressed video is still over the limit, try:
- Lowering the resolution to 720p (1280x720) in HandBrake's Dimensions tab.
- Splitting the video into two shorter segments and uploading each as a separate lesson. Shorter lessons are easier for students to complete anyway.
- Embedding instead of uploading. Upload to YouTube or Vimeo, then embed the video in your lesson using Add media → HTML or embed code. There's no file size limit for embedded videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HandBrake free?
Yes. HandBrake is free, open-source software available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. Download it at handbrake.fr.
Will compressing my video hurt the quality?
With the recommended settings (Constant Quality at 20-23), the quality difference is minimal — most people can't tell the difference. Online course videos don't need broadcast-level quality, so this trade-off works well.
What format should I export to?
Export as MP4 with the H.264 codec. This is the most widely compatible format and what Ruzuku works best with.