Did you know that the average person spends nearly seven hours per week watching online videos? This includes clips saved from the internet, as well as the ones you create on your own.
Scrolling and browsing might not take up too much space on your device, but saving video files is a different story.
Want to free up some room? Start by getting rid of any files that you’ve accidentally saved twice.
Today, we’re sharing how to delete duplicate video files from your smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Find Your Saved Video Files
Before you can delete your video files, you have to find them first! If you don’t have too many saved, then you may be able to sort through your collection on your own.
To do so, go to the Photos app on your device. From there, find “Albums” in your sidebar menu. One of those albums should contain all of the videos saved on your device.
If you don’t mind putting in a little legwork, you can start scrolling through the videos to find any saved more than once. You can also switch your view to the File Name mode and search that way.
However, most people will find this task way too time-consuming. Consider how many videos you have saved on your phone. Now, imagine combing through each of them to find copycats.
Instead, it’s easier to use an app or software program specially designed for this purpose. There are several duplicate removal tools available online, and most are intuitive enough for anyone to use.
Step 2: Download Your Duplicate Remover Tool
If you decide to go the automated route, then you’ll soon find that there are many different programs available. This post explains how to use one called Gemini 2 to scan your device for duplicate videos.
The benefit of using apps like these is that most will use a special algorithm to choose the most optimized video to save. This means that you don’t run the risk of deleting a clear video and saving the grainy alternative.
When browsing your options, there are a few features to consider. Above all, you’ll need to find an application that’s user-friendly and compatible with your device. It should also run on your preferred platform (e.g., Android, Windows, or Mac).
Step 3: Run the Program
Once you’ve chosen the duplicate finder that you want to use, you can go ahead and follow the online instructions to operate it. Before you do, think about how much decision-making capability you want to have.
Some people prefer to click once and get rid of everything they don’t need. Others want the ability to sort through the duplicate videos and decide where they should go.
Smart Cleanups
If you want to let the software do all of the work, then there should be a “Smart Cleanup” option or something similar.
This is a one-click solution that quickly rids your machine of any video duplicates. While you won’t have as much autonomy over which files stay and which go, this is a quick and effective way to clear space on your device.
We recommend this option if your video library is expansive, with a high volume that you can’t logically sort through on your own.
Automatic Markings
Some applications will simply scan your entire video collection and perform what’s called “Automatic Marking.” This means they’ll tag your duplicate videos with a special icon or checkmark, so you don’t have to scroll down and check each one individually.
If your video library is moderately sized, then this can be a great way to visually see which files you may need to remove. You can remove the icon if you decide to keep the flagged video.
Step 4: Review Your Saved Space
Once your video file library is swept free of duplicates, it’s time to see the fruits of your labor. Most applications will show you exactly how much space you saved, as well as the total number of files you deleted.
The Importance of Deleting Duplicate Video Files
Why should you take the time to remove duplicate videos from your file library? As our devices become more capable and advanced, you might not even notice that yours is filling up.
However, data redundancy can quickly turn into a major problem if left unaddressed. First, those unnecessary files reduce the available storage space on your device. This makes it more difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as:
- Downloading new files (images, documents, videos)
- Clicking on files
- Sharing files
In addition, it also becomes more challenging to sort through your files.
Any time you search your library, a process called indexing must occur. When you have a greater number of files to scan, this step becomes slower and less efficient. This makes it harder to find that exact video or image that you were looking to find.
Finally, there’s the issue of usability. If you ever need to send a video to someone else or use it for your own purposes, then you need the best-quality version. It can be confusing and overwhelming to toggle back and forth between two clips.
Deleting those extra files helps you feel confident that you have nothing but the right ones in your collection. It also keeps your device neat and organized for quicker retrieval.
Get Rid of Those Duplicate Videos For Good
Your smart device isn’t an underground storage bunker. You don’t have to hoard all of your videos on there if you might need them all one day.
Instead, it makes much more sense to clean up your library, delete duplicate video files, and save just what you need.
With this quick guide, you can clear your mind and your computer of any confusing distractions. Plus, you’ll have even more space to capture that next great clip!
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