Video Compression Techniques for Web Streaming

Video content dominates web traffic, making efficient compression crucial for performance and user experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to video compression for web streaming.

**Understanding Video Codecs**

Modern codecs offer significant improvements:
- **H.264/AVC**: Widely supported, good compression
- **H.265/HEVC**: 50% better compression than H.264
- **AV1**: Open-source, excellent compression for streaming
- **VP9**: Google's codec, good for YouTube and web

**Compression Strategies**

1. **Bitrate Optimization**
- Use variable bitrate (VBR) for better quality
- Target appropriate bitrates for different resolutions
- Implement adaptive bitrate streaming

2. **Resolution and Frame Rate**
- Choose optimal resolution for target devices
- Consider 30fps vs 60fps based on content type
- Use progressive vs interlaced encoding

3. **Two-Pass Encoding**
- First pass analyzes content
- Second pass optimizes compression
- Results in better quality at same file size

**Tools and Platforms**

- **FFmpeg**: Command-line tool for video processing
- **HandBrake**: User-friendly GUI for video compression
- **AWS Elemental**: Cloud-based video processing
- **Cloudflare Stream**: Integrated streaming solution

**Optimization Techniques**

- Preprocess videos before compression
- Use appropriate keyframe intervals
- Optimize audio compression separately
- Consider content-aware encoding

**Streaming Considerations**

- Implement progressive download
- Use CDN for global distribution
- Monitor streaming analytics
- Optimize for mobile networks

Proper video compression can reduce file sizes by 70-90% while maintaining acceptable quality for web streaming.