How to Compress Images and Videos in WordPress Without Using Plugins

 

If you’re running a WordPress website, you know how vital speed is for user experience and SEO. Large image and video files can significantly slow down your website. Compressing these files before uploading them to your WordPress site can help you maintain a speedy, efficient site. 

Here, we’ll guide you through the process of compressing images and videos step-by-step using online tools like CompressJPEG and WebP Converter, without the need for any WordPress plugins.

 

Step 1: Understanding the Importance of Compression

Before we dive into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand why compression is important. Image and video files often contain extra data that might not be necessary for their use on the web. Compression reduces file size without a noticeable loss in quality, thus improving your website’s load time.

Step 2: Preparing Your Files

Start by gathering all the images and videos you intend to upload to your website. Organise them so you can keep track of which files have been compressed and which have not. Remember to always keep a backup of the original files before starting the compression process.

Step 3: Compressing Images Using CompressJPEG

CompressJPEG is a useful online tool for reducing the file size of JPEG, PND, PDF and Gif images, which are commonly used on the web. 

*Extra tip, invest in two screens, this will save you alot of time.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open your web browser and go to CompressJPEG.
  2. **Upload Your Images:** Drag and drop your files (this is where two screens come in play) into the space provided or use the upload option to select files from your computer. You can upload multiple files at once for convenience.
  3. The tool automatically compresses the files upon upload. Wait for the compression to complete. The duration will depend on the number of files and their original size.
  4. Once compressed, download the files to your computer. The website might offer you a zip file if you’ve compressed multiple images.

 

Step 4: Using WebP Converter for Advanced Image Compression

 

WebP is a modern image format that provides superior lossless and lossy compression for images on the web. Using WebPConverter, you can convert your images to the WebP format and achieve further reductions in file size.

  1. Navigate to WebP Converter.
  2. **Upload Images:** Like with CompressJPEG, you can drag and drop or upload your files. This tool supports various formats like JPEG, PNG, and even GIF.
  3. **Conversion and Compression:** The tool converts and compresses the files into WebP format automatically.
  4. **Download Your Files:** Download the converted and compressed files once the process is complete.

Step 5: Compressing Videos

Video files are typically larger than image files and require more careful handling. While the tools mentioned earlier focus on images, you can use similar online services for video compression. Websites like Video Candy offer free services where you can upload, compress, and download video files. The steps are similar: upload your video, choose a compression setting or format, and download the compressed video.

 

Step 6: Uploading to WordPress

Now that your images and videos are compressed, you’re ready to upload them to your WordPress site.

  1. **Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard.**
  2. **Go to Media > Add New.**
  3. **Drag and drop your compressed files into the media uploader, or use the file selector to upload your files.**

Step 7: Testing and Adjustments

After uploading, it’s wise to test your website:

  1. **Check Load Times:** Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to see if your site’s load time has improved.
  2. **Visual Quality Check:** Ensure that the compression has not degraded the visual quality of your images and videos beyond what is acceptable.

Conclusion

Using tools like CompressJPEG and WebP Converter allows you to handle image and video compression efficiently without relying on WordPress plugins. 

This approach not only helps in speeding up your website but also in maintaining control over the quality and size of your media files. By following these steps, you can enhance your site’s performance and user experience, making your website faster and more efficient.

Best of all, all of the tools used are FREE!

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