Video Compressor

Compress video for Canvas

Canvas takes videos up to 500 MB through its media tool, unless your school sets another limit. We compress yours to 480 MB, or to the number in your error message.

  • Compressed on your device when possible
  • H.264 or H.265 MP4
  • Server fallback, deleted after 2 hours

Uploading video to Canvas

Canvas says your video is too big? The limit usually comes from your school rather than from Canvas. Out of the box, Canvas takes 500 MB per video uploaded with Record/Upload Media, but each school can change that, and some set a lower number. Whatever size the error message names is the one that counts.

If the message or the assignment gives a number, type it into the Target size box once your video is in; we aim a little under it, so the upload doesn’t fail on the last few megabytes. Without a number, 480 MB fits Canvas’s default for the media tool.

With a deadline coming, there’s nothing to install. When your browser can handle the video, it’s compressed right on your computer or phone, without uploading it to us first. You get an H.264 MP4, which the Canvas player plays in every browser, so an iPhone video recorded in HEVC won’t leave your teacher with a blank screen.

Canvas questions

Can’t find your answer? Write to feedback@videocompressor.xyz.

Limits last checked .

What is the file size limit on Canvas?

It depends on your school. Canvas allows 500 MB per video uploaded through its media tool by default, and schools can raise or lower that. Course and personal files have storage quotas too, but files you submit to an assignment don’t count against yours.

Canvas says my file is too large. What size do I use?

The number in the error message, or on the assignment page. Type it into the Target size box and we compress to a little under it. If Canvas just says the upload failed, try 480 MB, or ask your teacher what the limit is.

My Canvas storage is full. Will compressing help?

Yes. A compressed copy often takes a fraction of the space of a phone recording. If the video is for an assignment, submit it there rather than to your personal files: assignment submissions don’t use up your quota.

How long a video fits in 480 MB?

About 18 minutes in full HD (1080p), or 40 minutes at 720p. Even a full class presentation fits, because longer videos are compressed at a lower resolution instead of being cut off.

How to compress a video

  1. 01

    Choose a video

    Drop it on the page or pick it from your files, photo library or camera roll.

  2. 02

    Pick how much smaller

    Take one of the four presets, from Light to Maximum, or type the exact size in MB you need.

  3. 03

    Download the MP4

    Compare the result with the original, then save it. Not small enough? Compress it again.

Compress video for something else

See every platform’s size limit in one table

Make your video smaller now

Free, with no sign-up and no watermark.