Video Compressor
Compress videos on iPhone.
Keep the memories.
Videos, photos, and Live Photos can all get smaller.
Your original stays until you say so.
Looks nearly identical
Smaller files for everyday clips
PicWay is an iPhone video compressor with two levels. Standard compression looks nearly identical, and Strong compression makes everyday clips smaller. It also compresses photos and Live Photos. The new version is set aside first, and space is freed only after you check it and delete the original.
Last updated:
Two levels
Which compression level
should I pick?
There are two. Pick by how you’ll watch the video later.
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Standard compression
Looks nearly identical. For videos you’ll want to watch closely again.
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Strong compression
Smaller files for everyday clips you shot on the go.
Your original
Does compressing
delete my original video?
Not until you decide. The new version is set aside first. Check it, then delete the original. Only deleting the original frees up space.
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Saves too little? Not kept.
If compressing doesn’t save enough space, the original isn’t deleted.
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Changed your mind?
Your original is still there, and the compressed copy waits in Set aside.
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Deleted by mistake?
Deleted items go to Recently Deleted in Photos, where you can get them back for 30 days.
Live Photos
Can I compress Live Photos
and keep them live?
Yes. A compressed Live Photo is still a Live Photo, with a smaller photo and motion. Only want the still? You can remove the motion instead.
At a glance
What can PicWay compress?
| Videos | Standard compression or Strong compression |
|---|---|
| Photos | Compress photo |
| Live Photos | Stays a Live Photo, or keep only the still |
| Find big ones first | Filter your library to Large videos |
| Videos in iCloud | Downloaded when you’re online, then compressed. 500 MB or more: Wi-Fi only by default |
| Runs in the background | Yes, with Background App Refresh on |
| Skipped automatically | Spatial videos and Cinematic videos |
| Requires | iOS 17.0 or later |
Good to know
What else should I know?
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Compress from the Share sheet
In Photos, tap Share and choose Compress, without opening PicWay first.
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It pauses when it should
Compression pauses in Low Power Mode and when your iPhone is too warm, then picks up again on its own.
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It doesn’t upload your videos
Compression happens on your iPhone, and your videos aren’t uploaded.
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Space freed, counted
The Memories tab keeps a running total of the space you’ve freed.