YouTube, Vimeo, and similar pages have special processes that take your video file, and convert it to a whole spectrum of video qualities and file types. This is called re-encoding, and it makes it so they can always serve a quick video, custom for each device and network speed.

However, most other software (like videos embedded in Notion, PowerPoint, or Drive documents) doesn't have this type of processes, so they'll just take your video and give it to users as-is. This means that the burden of re-encoding it is on you. However, it is a really easy task.

<aside> ⚡ Re-encoding will apply compression algorithms to the video. Like when you save something as JPEG a thousand times, this can create visual artifacts. Take care to only re-encode from the best quality video you have available.

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There are a number of programs to do this:

• Recommended: Specific programs for this purpose, like HandBrake (free and open-source)
• Professional video editing software (Premiere, After Effect, Final Cut, Vegas, AVID...) usually has an option to target "Web" or "Online" as an output file (it will also take less time to render!)
• Sometimes the software suites come with an additional encoder tool you can use for already-rendered videos (Adobe Media Encoder or Apple Compressor)
• Some online portals offer this functionality too, like CloudConvert. This is not recommended for general use though! They can be expensive, and won't offer as many options for target quality.

Most of these programs have a "web", "online", or similar preset; use them!

<aside> ⚠️ "YouTube" or "Vimeo" presets are not recommended, as they give big master files. "Email" presets are also not recommended, as they will obliterate your video quality.

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You can find tutorials on any of these programs, but here you can learn how to do it with HandBrake.

How to re-encode a video with HandBrake