Ever exported a video from Clipchamp, only to be shocked at how much bigger the file got? You’re not alone. It seems strange—why would editing a small clip turn it into a chunky file? Don’t worry. We’re diving into this common mystery, and we’ll keep it light and super easy to get!
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
Clipchamp can make your video files larger because it re-encodes them into a higher-quality format. Even if your original video is small, Clipchamp might add better resolution, higher bitrates, and smoother audio. All those upgrades usually lead to bigger files. But don’t worry, there are smart ways to keep file sizes under control!
So, Why Does Clipchamp Bloat My File?
Let’s break it down into bite-sized pieces.
1. Clipchamp Re-Encodes Everything
When you upload a video into Clipchamp and export it, it doesn’t just spit it back out the same way. Nope. It does some fancy re-encoding.
That means it changes how your video is saved—adjusting compression, resolution, quality, and more. Even if you barely edited it.
Think of it like reheating leftovers in the oven instead of the microwave. It takes longer and gives you better taste (aka quality), but uses more resources (aka file size).
2. Higher Resolution Means Bigger Files
Did you choose 1080p or even 4K when exporting? That cranks up file size big time!
Even if your original video was 720p, Clipchamp will upscale it if you tell it to. Upscaling = more pixels = more data = bigger file.
3. Bitrate Isn’t What You Think, But It’s HUGE
Bitrate is how much data is used per second in the video. Higher bitrates = sharper detail and smoother motion.
But also… massive file sizes.
For example, a 5-minute clip at 5 Mbps (megabits per second) will be way smaller than the same clip at 20 Mbps.
Clipchamp often uses high default bitrates to make everything look crisp—even if the original wasn’t that sharp.
4. Audio Matters More Than You Think
Bet you didn’t think audio could make a dent in size. But it can!
Clipchamp may re-encode your audio too. If it uses high-quality settings (like stereo 320kbps), that’s more kilobytes packed into your file.
Now add that to your lush high-res video and boom—file inflation.
Let’s Use a Real Example
Imagine you record a 2-minute clip on your phone. It’s 720p, compressed, and maybe 10MB in size.
You drag it into Clipchamp and export it as a 1080p video at high quality. The result? It’s a new 60MB file.
You didn’t even add music or effects! Just exported it. 😱
Here’s What Changes When You Export:
- Resolution: Often gets increased (720p → 1080p or higher)
- Format: Original may be .mov or .webm, exported as .mp4
- Encoding Settings: Clipchamp uses constant bitrate or higher-quality VBR (variable bitrate)
- Frame Rate: Maybe you had 24fps, but now you’ve got 30fps or 60fps
- Audio Quality: Re-encoded at higher bitrate
Alright, But Why Not Keep It Smaller?
Good question. Clipchamp is trying to make your video look and sound as good as possible. It assumes you want quality over size.
It’s made for general users, after all. Most people don’t know what bitrate even is. So Clipchamp uses safe (but large) settings.
Also, smaller doesn’t always mean better visual experience. Clipchamp leans toward quality output, especially at higher export settings.
How Can I Keep File Sizes Smaller?
Thankfully, you’ve got options. Here’s how to shrink it down next time:
1. Export in Lower Quality
Don’t need 1080p? Go for 720p. It still looks solid for social media, and your file will be way smaller.
2. Use Lower Bitrate
Use advanced export settings if available. Choose a “Good” quality preset instead of “Best.” Even if it’s subtle visually, the size result is dramatic.
3. Keep Original Resolution
Don’t upscale if you don’t have to. Match export resolution to your original video.
4. Limit Video Effects
Add layers of effects, text, filters, or overlays? That pushes the encoder to work harder—and the file to balloon.
5. Trim Dead Weight
Even unused seconds at the end of your video add up. Snip them off before exporting!
6. Consider External Compressors
Apps like HandBrake or websites like VEED can compress your big Clipchamp exports into tinier files afterward—with barely any loss in quality.
Is Bigger Always Worse?
Nope!
If you’re uploading to YouTube or Vimeo, that high-quality file may look amazing once it’s processed. Social platforms tend to compress your video anyway, so starting with a larger size helps prevent quality loss.
But if you’re sending a client draft, posting to Instagram Stories, or saving precious storage on your phone—yeah, size matters.
In Conclusion
Clipchamp increases file size for a bunch of helpful (yet sneaky) reasons:
- It re-encodes to maintain high quality
- It may change resolution and bitrate
- It smooths out audio, frame rate, and more
Sometimes, that’s exactly what you want. Other times, it’s just overkill. Now that you know why it happens, you have the power to shrink your videos wisely!
So go ahead—edit boldly, export smartly, and say goodbye to bloated files 😄