Reduce PDF size with video attachments

[Meg261559286g27]

I have a PDF I exported from inDesign that is 2.4MB before I add the videos to it. After adding the videos in Acrobat (because I can't figure out how to in inDesign), and then compressing the PDF, it's 52.4MB. I need it to be 7MB. How can I do this, either in Acrobat or inDesign?

[mk-will]

Hi, @Meg261559286g27 ,

if you need to reduce the filesize of your video furthermore you have to compress/reduce the size of the video before you put the video in your PDF.

So you need a video software to do so.

Or if you got the video from someone else ask that person.

Regards

Stephan

[loyal_hope3591]

I've also got this question. Can a tool combine PDF and video attachments, and simultaneously compress the file when downloading?

[Tariq Ahmad]

Hi there, thanks for reaching out!

When it comes to PDFs with embedded video files, it’s important to note that Acrobat does not compress or re-encode video content during PDF optimization. Here’s a breakdown of how you can manage file size and what to expect:

Why PDF Size Stays Large with Videos:

• Embedded videos (like MP4 files) are stored as-is within the PDF.

• Acrobat’s “Reduce File Size” or “Optimize PDF” tools only affect PDF objects—such as images, fonts, and unused metadata—not embedded media.

• So even if you optimize the PDF, the video files retain their original size.

What You Can Do:

To truly reduce the overall PDF size:

1. Compress the video before embedding:

   • Use a tool like HandBrake or Adobe Media Encoder to reduce video resolution or bitrate.

   • Aim for formats like H.264 in .mp4 for maximum compatibility and small file size.

2. Link instead of embed:

   • Instead of embedding, consider adding a clickable link to stream the video from a hosting platform (like Adobe Experience Manager, YouTube, or your internal server).

   • This keeps the PDF size very small and improves delivery speed.

3. Remove unnecessary embedded videos:

   • If older or duplicate videos are embedded, use Edit PDF > Rich Media > Delete to remove them.

~Tariq