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Why is the file size smaller after I burn in subtitles?

This article explains why videos downloaded from Sonix after adding subtitles may be significantly smaller than the original upload. It outlines how the re-encoding process optimizes file size without sacrificing noticeable video quality.

Richard Tampus avatar
Written by Richard Tampus
Updated over a week ago

Important Notes

  • This explanation applies to videos with burned-in subtitles.

  • The video file size reduction is due to optimized compression during the re-encoding process.

  • The visual quality remains high, even though the file size is smaller.

What Happens When You Burn Subtitles Into a Video

  • Sonix re-encodes the video using optimized compression settings, including:

    • H.264 codec (widely known for efficient compression)

    • CRF (Constant Rate Factor) of 18, which balances video quality and compression.

    • A "faster" encoding preset, which speeds up the process without degrading quality.

  • The re-encoded video, when downloaded, is noticeably smaller than the original size.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Why is my downloaded file smaller than my original?

This is expected and due to Sonix's optimized encoding process. The smaller file size results from the compression applied during the re-encoding process. If you prefer to retain the exact original quality and size, consider downloading the subtitles separately instead of burning them into the video.

Can I control the compression settings?

Currently, compression settings are fixed and automatically applied. These settings are designed to balance file size and video quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the quality of my video be reduced?

Not noticeably. The H.264 codec and CRF 18 settings are specifically designed to retain high visual quality even after compression.

Can I choose a different codec or bitrate?

At this time, Sonix uses a fixed set of optimized encoding settings for subtitle burn-ins, and there is no option to customize the codec or bitrate.

Can I burn subtitles without compressing the video?

No. The burn-in process requires re-encoding, and this inherently involves compression to optimize file size and quality.

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For further assistance, please contact Sonix support at [email protected] or through the chatbox located in the bottom right corner of our website.

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