WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and make voice and video calls. When sending videos on WhatsApp, many users wonder if the app reduces the video quality.
WhatsApp Video Call Quality
For WhatsApp video calls, the video quality depends on the device, network connection speed and data usage settings. By default, WhatsApp will automatically adjust the video quality based on these factors to provide the best experience.
On WiFi connections or good 4G/5G networks, WhatsApp video calls can provide high quality HD video up to 720p resolution. However, on slower networks or with data saver enabled, the video resolution may be reduced to save data. Video calls use up to 1.5GB/hour on cellular data or 172MB/hour on WiFi.
To get the best video call quality on WhatsApp:
- Use a device with a good front camera, like high-end smartphones from the last 2-3 years.
- Connect to a fast, stable WiFi network or high speed 4G/5G cellular network.
- Disable any data saver options which limit video resolution.
- Ensure you have enough data bandwidth available if on a cellular connection.
With optimal conditions, WhatsApp can provide high definition 720p 30fps video calling between users. But the quality may vary across different devices and connections.
WhatsApp Video Messages Quality
For video messages sent within WhatsApp chats, the app compresses and downscales the videos to save space and bandwidth.
By default, WhatsApp will send video messages in 720p resolution if the original video is HD quality. If the video is less than 3 minutes long, it will be sent in Full HD 1080p quality. Longer videos are compressed to 720p.
The maximum video size WhatsApp allows is 16MB if under 5 minutes and 64MB if longer. Larger videos are compressed to fit these size limits. The 16MB video size limit typically allows videos of 1-2 minutes to stay in Full HD 1080p quality.
To get the best WhatsApp video message quality:
- Record video in highest quality possible on your device.
- Keep video messages under 3 minutes to avoid compression.
- Use WiFi instead of cellular data to eliminate size limits.
- Manually compress large videos before sending to reduce size.
Although WhatsApp compresses videos to save space, the quality remains high enough for most users’ needs. Videos will look smooth and crisp on smartphone screens even after WhatsApp’s compression.
Does Sending WhatsApp Videos Multiple Times Reduce Quality?
No, sending a WhatsApp video multiple times does not reduce its quality. WhatsApp compresses and processes the video when you first send it. But it does not recompress or degrade the video quality if you forward or resend it.
The only way the video quality may change is:
- If you edit or alter the original video file on your device before resending.
- If the recipient has an older version of WhatsApp that uses lower video resolutions.
Otherwise, resending the same WhatsApp video multiple times will not affect its resolution or quality. The compression only happens once on the original sending.
Does WhatsApp Reduce Photo Quality?
WhatsApp does slightly compress photos to save space, but it does not significantly reduce the photo quality.
When you send photos on WhatsApp, it will automatically compress images larger than 5MP down to a maximum of 3MP quality. This helps reduce bandwidth usage and storage space on your phone and your recipients’ phones.
However, 3MP resolution still allows for clear, high quality photos. Most smartphone cameras today can take 12-16MP photos. Compressing down to 3MP removes some fine details, but the image remains crisp and good enough for sharing.
The photo compression on WhatsApp has these effects:
- Photos over 5MP are resized down to 3MP maximum.
- Photo file size is reduced through compression up to 75%.
- Some fine details are lost and noise is reduced through compression.
- Sharpness and saturation may decrease slightly in processed images.
While not lossless, WhatsApp’s compression retains enough detail for high quality photo sharing. Photos still look great on phone screens. Unless pixel peeping, you’re unlikely to notice degradation.
Tips for Best Photo Quality on WhatsApp
To get the most out of WhatsApp’s photo sharing, try these tips:
- Use rear/main camera instead of front camera where possible.
- Enable HDR mode for broader dynamic range.
- Use flash in low-light situations to reduce noise.
- Send original when possible before WhatsApp compression.
- Crop photos tightly around key subjects to minimize needed resolution.
With smartphone cameras improving steadily, the 3MP cap on WhatsApp photo sharing ensures file sizes stay manageable without noticeably reducing visual quality in most use cases.
WhatsApp Media Quality vs Other Apps
Compared to other messaging apps, WhatsApp provides high visual quality while balancing performance and bandwidth constraints.
| App | Photo Quality | Video Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3MP photo quality | Up to 720p HD video | |
| Facebook Messenger | Up to 4K photo quality | Up to 720p HD video |
| Telegram | Up to 1.5MP photo quality | Up to 360p SD video |
| Signal | Uncompressed photo quality | Up to 480p SD video |
| iMessage | Up to 3MP photo quality | Up to 1080p HD video |
WhatsApp hits a good balance, providing photo quality high enough for most uses while keeping file sizes in check. For videos, its 720p resolution matches most competing apps and is fine for smartphone screens.
Apps like Telegram and Signal prioritize privacy over visual quality, compressing media more aggressively. iMessage allows Full HD 1080p video but only works between Apple devices.
Should You Use Other Apps for Higher Quality Sharing?
For most purposes, WhatsApp’s visual quality is sufficient and you need not switch apps. The convenience of sharing to your existing WhatsApp contacts outweighs the minor quality improvements other apps may offer.
However, there are some cases where using a secondary app may provide better photo or video quality:
- Sharing professional/artistic photos where more pixels and detail are desired.
- Sending videos longer than 3 minutes you want to remain in 1080p HD.
- Making video calls where HD or 60fps video is needed.
Some apps like Telegram, Facebook Messenger or iMessage can send uncompressed or high resolution media not restricted by WhatsApp’s limits. Professional photographers may prefer sharing through apps retaining full image details.
But casual users will likely notice little difference in visual quality, and appreciate WhatsApp’s convenience and network effects far more than small quality gains. Overall, WhatsApp provides sufficient photo and video quality for most messaging needs.
Conclusion
In summary, WhatsApp does compress photos and videos to save bandwidth and storage space. But quality remains high enough for most users’ visual sharing needs.
Photo quality is capped at 3MP, downscaled from higher resolution cameras but still with good detail. Videos are compressed to 720p resolution, suitable for smartphone displays. Quality is not reduced further by forwarding media.
While some alternative apps offer uncompressed or higher resolution media, WhatsApp’s quality is adequate for most use cases. Convenience and network effects generally outweigh the small quality gains elsewhere. So for most purposes, WhatsApp users need not worry about degradation and can share visual media freely.