Innovating Video Compression: Hieu Dinh Discusses CompressX

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital content creation, the demand for effective video compression tools is more critical than ever. Hieu Dinh, the developer and owner of the CompressX app, has recognized this need and created a solution tailored for macOS users. In a recent interview with TheSweetBits, Dinh shared his journey in developing CompressX.

TheSweetBits: What inspired you to create CompressX? How does it compete with open-source alternatives like FFmpeg or HandBrake?

Hieu Dinh: “CompressX was born out of necessity. As a lead iOS engineer, I frequently faced GitLab’s 10 MB file upload limit for video demos. FFmpeg’s command-line interface was cumbersome, and HandBrake didn’t meet all my needs. CompressX bridges this gap with an intuitive macOS app that’s easy to use, works offline, and integrates seamlessly with macOS workflows. Compared to open-source tools, it offers features like drag-and-drop, batch processing, transparent video support, and customizable output, all in a privacy-friendly, user-focused design.”

The tool claimed achieving up to 90% file size reduction without significant quality loss. Can you explain the core technology behind this?

“CompressX utilizes FFmpeg, a powerful library for media processing, as its foundation. By employing advanced codecs like H.265 (HEVC), it achieves higher compression efficiency than traditional H.264, significantly reducing file sizes while preserving quality. Techniques such as two-pass encoding and adaptive bitrate adjustment further optimize the balance between compression and visual fidelity. These capabilities are wrapped in a macOS-optimized interface, delivering professional-grade results with minimal effort.”

How do users select compression quality and format? Are there any advanced settings available for power users?

“CompressX allows users to choose from preset quality levels like Highest, Good, or Medium and supports output formats such as MP4, WebM, and GIF. For advanced users, the app provides options to adjust frame rate, scale resolution, and preserve metadata. Additional features include video trimming, real-time size estimation, and compression previews, giving users precise control over the output while ensuring an intuitive and efficient experience.”

What drove the decision to make CompressX 100% offline?

“The decision to make CompressX fully offline was driven by a commitment to user privacy. Many users, myself included, prefer not to upload sensitive files to online platforms due to potential security risks. By keeping all processing local, CompressX ensures a secure environment where media is handled without exposure to external servers. This feature has been particularly well-received by privacy-conscious professionals, such as marketers and motion designers, who value control over their data.”

Are there any limitations or challenges users might face, such as compressing extremely large file sizes or working with rare formats?

“While CompressX is highly capable, users may encounter challenges with uncommon file formats or extremely large files, which can be limited by hardware performance. To address these, the app regularly introduces updates, such as adding support for new formats like SVG and TIFF and enabling hardware-accelerated compression. Features like batch processing help streamline workflows, ensuring efficient handling of multiple files despite these challenges.”

You mentioned reaching $9,000 in revenue shortly after launch. What strategies did you employ to gain initial traction and visibility for CompressX?

“I adopted a “build in public” approach on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), sharing updates on CompressX’s development and engaging directly with the community. The Product Hunt launch was a key milestone, earning the #2 Product of the Day spot thanks to strong support from early followers. I also prioritized user feedback, quickly implementing new features and showcasing testimonials and live stats on the landing page to build trust and drive conversions.”

How do you handle updates and maintenance for the app? Is there a roadmap for future features or improvements?

“Updates for CompressX are regularly rolled out based on user feedback and a commitment to improving functionality. Each update introduces meaningful enhancements, such as the Drop Zone for drag-and-drop compression, or integration with Raycast for better workflow automation. The app is actively maintained to ensure stability, address bugs, and keep up with evolving user needs. Looking ahead, the roadmap includes advanced privacy controls, performance optimizations for handling large files, and expanded support for rare formats. By aligning updates with real-world requirements, CompressX remains responsive and user-focused.”

Finally, do you have any tips or best practices for compressing videos specifically for social media?

“When compressing videos for social media, focus on balancing quality and file size while ensuring compatibility. H.265 is ideal for reducing file sizes without compromising clarity, and resolutions like 720p or 1080p work well for most platforms. Stick to frame rates between 24–30 fps, as these are generally sufficient for smooth playback. Trimming unnecessary segments can further reduce file size and streamline content. CompressX makes this process easy with built-in presets and a video trimming feature, helping users achieve optimal results with minimal effort.”

Conclusion

As CompressX continues to grow and adapt to user needs, Hieu Dinh‘s dedication to innovation and privacy will likely drive its success in the competitive world of video compression software. Looking ahead, he remains committed to continuous improvement and incorporating user feedback. If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to handle video compression securely and efficiently, give CompressX a try today.