Compress Video and Audio Media in PowerPoint
by Avantix Learning Team | Updated April 6, 2021
Applies to: Microsoft® PowerPoint® 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365 (Windows)
You can compress video and audio media in a PowerPoint presentation to reduce file size. Since video and audio inserted into a PowerPoint file is embedded or copied into the presentation by default (starting in 2010), video and audio media can increase file size significantly. If you compress media, both video and audio media will be compressed.
When you compress media in PowerPoint, embedded subtitles and alternate audio tracks will be removed in the compression process. If you have trimmed media in PowerPoint, the trimmed portions will also be removed during compression.
Recommended article: How to Insert a Video in PowerPoint (From a File on Your PC or Shared Drive)
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Compressing video and audio media in PowerPoint
To compress video and audio media in a PowerPoint file:
- Save a copy of the presentation that contains the video and / or audio you want to compress. The media files must be embedded, not linked. Online videos (such as YouTube videos) will not be compressed.
- Open the copy of the presentation.
- Click the File tab in the Ribbon.
- Select Info.
- In the Media Size and Performance area, select Compress Media. A drop-down menu appears.
- Select a video quality. Options in 2019 and 365 include HD choices. Full HD (1080p) will save space while maintaining overall audio and video quality. HD (720p) will save space and the quality will be comparable to media streamed over the Internet. Standard (480p) will save the most space and may be used when sending presentations via email. In 2013 or 2016, the options are slightly different. Presentation Quality will save space and maintain the highest quality. Internet Quality will be comparable to media streamed over the internet. Low Quality is the lowest quality typically suited to email.
- Once you select a compression quality, a dialog box appears automatically. PowerPoint will begin the compression process and displays the status as well as the amount of space saved when completed. This process may take a while depending on media size and number of video and or audio files to compress.
- Click Close when compression is complete.
You will not be able to access Compress Media unless embedded media has been inserted into the presentation.
In PowerPoint 2019 or 365, the following drop-down menu appears when you click Compress Media:
In PowerPoint 2013 and 2016, the following drop-down menu appears when you click Compress Media:
After you select a compression option, the following dialog box appears with the status of the compression(s):
You can save a significant amount of space and reduce the file size of a PowerPoint presentation by compressing media in PowerPoint.
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More resources
How to Embed a YouTube Video in PowerPoint
PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts to Play and Control Video During a Slide Show
A Beginner's Guide to Video Formats in PowerPoint
How to Highlight Text in PowerPoint (5 Ways)
How to Compress Images in PowerPoint to Reduce File Size (10 Strategies)
Related courses
Microsoft PowerPoint: Intermediate / Advanced
Microsoft PowerPoint: Design for Non-Designers
Microsoft PowerPoint: Animations Bootcamp
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