Option to automatically compress image/video after upload

[8227846265]

Description:
Please consider adding a feature in the settings that allows users to upload images and videos, which are then compressed to save space.

• Ideally, this feature would compress the files after uploading without any loss in image or video quality. That would be even better.
• However, if compression after uploading is not possible due to end-to-end encryption (E2EE), then compressing before uploading could be an alternative approach.

Applicable to:

• Desktop App
• Mobile App
• Web App

Open Source Technology Reference

• https://github.com/caydey/ffshare
• https://github.com/short-pixel-optimizer/

[vishnukvmd]

Given how the resolution of displays is improving year after year, we're not fans of lossy compression. It's important to have the ability to rediscovering memories in their original quality and preserving every pixel reduces the scope for regrets on that front.

That said, we understand the use case for saving space. I'll keep this issue open so that community can chime in with their feedback.

[windmueller]

I would like to see this feature, too. Smartphones just do not have the computing power for an efficient on-the-fly compression of videos. My Pixel 7 produces H.264 output in 1920x1080 with roughly 250 MB/s. Compressing this offline with

ffmpeg -i in.mp4 -vcodec libx265 out.mp4

reduces the size to 1/10th (25 MB/s) with hardly any noticeable loss in quality.

[vishnukvmd]

@windmueller could you please check out ffshare on your Pixel 7 and let us know if the performance is acceptable?

[windmueller]

Of course. I gave the version available in F-Droid a try. It only supports H.264 and will produce a video with about 50 MB/s using the default settings. Unfortunately I was not able to finish my test because the app will stop working if it is not constantly in the foreground.

However, I would suspect that using the same codec would result in less quality reductions, so even with the doubled size I would think of this as a good compromise.

[windmueller]

Hm, I just realized that Videos encoded with H.265 can only be opened on my smartphone. Neither the desktop app nor the web gallery in Firefox are able to play the file.

[Shrimp6387]

Very needed feature imo.

[kobus-v-schoor]

I also think having the option to compress images/videos before upload would be fantastic! This is the main reason that I don't backup directly from my phone, as I usually slightly compress my images/videos (to the point where I can't really tell the difference, but which saves quite a bit of space). If the user can control this (including the compression parameters, e.g. max resolution/jpeg quality/etc.), it's up to them to decide if they want to take the "risk" of compressing, or keeping their pics in original quality.

[lallenfrancisl]

This is a much needed feature. Reducing the file quality to like 90% will have very low loss of quality but will have like half the size in some apps like Curtail on linux Doing this in a seamless manner would be a killer feature