Systems and method to compress digital video based on human factors expressed as a desirability score are provided. A particular method includes selecting a compression level based on the desirability score for the particular media content. A first compression level is selected when the desirability score is a first desirability score and a second compression level that is higher than the first compression level is selected when the desirability score is a second desirability score that is higher than the first desirability score. The method also includes providing the compression level to an encoder. The encoder compresses the media content based on the compression level.