How to Compress a Screen Recording on iPhone

Screen recordings can grow quickly because every movement, animation, and frame must be stored as video. A long recording of a tutorial, game, or support issue may be much larger than expected.

Download HEVCut

Open the App Store, search for HEVCut, and download the app with the purple icon. Open it and allow full access to Photos. The app needs access to locate the recording, calculate its size, and save the finished version back to your library.

Show Only Screen Recordings

1. Open Videos in HEVCut.
2. Tap the filter button.
3. Choose Screen Recordings.
4. Select the recording you want to reduce.

Filtering keeps ordinary camera videos out of the way. If you have several recordings, use the file-size information to start with the one occupying the most storage.

Choose a Practical Compression Setting

Screen recordings often contain small text and interface details, so the smallest possible file is not always the best result. Start with a balanced preset. A more aggressive setting may be appropriate for a quick message, while a tutorial or bug report may need clearer text.

HEVCut shows the current size and an estimated saving before you begin. The final size depends on the recording’s resolution, duration, motion, and content.

Compare Text and Motion

When compression finishes, compare the original and compressed versions. Check:

• small text and icons;
• scrolling pages;
• fast game or app animations;
• audio synchronization;
• any section the recipient must read closely.

Tap Keep Compressed only when the smaller version remains clear enough for its purpose. The processing happens on your iPhone rather than through an upload to a compression server.

Remove the Original Safely

If you replace the original, iOS can keep the removed file in Recently Deleted. That safety net is useful, but the file still consumes storage until it is permanently removed. Review the compressed copy first, then empty Recently Deleted only if you are certain the original is no longer needed.

For a complete storage review, learn how to find the largest videos on iPhone and how to delete old screenshots.