WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and more to other WhatsApp users. One limitation with WhatsApp is that you can only send videos up to 16MB in size. This equates to about 2 minutes of video if sending HD quality and up to 30 minutes if sending lower quality. So how can you get around this limitation and send longer videos on WhatsApp?
Why is there a limit on WhatsApp video length?
WhatsApp has put a 16MB limit on video files you can send through their app. This is likely for a few key reasons:
- To manage data usage – Videos use a lot more data than regular messages or photos. Placing a size limit helps reduce the amount of data being transferred through WhatsApp’s servers.
- Prevent overloading servers – Large video files could overload WhatsApp’s servers if everyone was sending long form videos back and forth.
- Ensure videos can be sent quickly – Large video files will take longer to upload and download. The smaller file size allows videos to send quickly even on slower connections.
So in summary, the 16MB limit helps WhatsApp optimize performance, manage traffic, and ensure smooth delivery of messages and videos for over 2 billion users worldwide.
Ways to send longer videos on WhatsApp
Despite the limitations, there are some clever workarounds people have found to send videos longer than 30 minutes through WhatsApp. Here are a few options:
1. Use a file compressor or converter
One of the easiest tricks is to use a video compressor tool to shrink your video file size under 16MB. There are many free online converters that will take your large video and compress it down by lowering the resolution or bitrate. Here are some recommended tools:
- YouCompress – Online video compressor with adjustable quality settings.
- Online Converter – Compress videos up to 50MB for free.
- CloudConverter – Drag and drop video compression for MP4, MOV, and more.
- Zamzar – Convert to MP4 and adjust quality to meet size limits.
The only downside is some loss of video quality, but it’s usually not that noticeable. This method works well for shrinking down long videos captured at high resolution to share over WhatsApp.
2. Split video into segments
Another method is to split your long video into smaller segments that are under 16MB each. You can then send each video segment separately, essentially breaking up your long video into a series. Here are some video splitter programs you can use:
- Freemake Video Splitter – Free program for Windows to split videos.
- VidConverter – Paid tool for Mac and Windows to segment videos.
- Online Video Cutter – Browser based video splitter.
The limitation here is your recipient would have to download each part and then watch them in order. But it allows you to break up longer videos easily.
3. Use a file sharing service
If you don’t want to alter the video quality or split it up, another option is to upload the video to a file sharing service and then send the download link through WhatsApp. Some popular services include:
- Google Drive – Upload video to Google Drive and share viewing or download link.
- Dropbox – Add video to Dropbox and create sharable link.
- OneDrive – Microsoft’s cloud storage works too for sharing large files.
The advantage with cloud services is you don’t need to modify the original video. The limitation is the recipient needs to proactively download the video from the link you send.
4. Use a third party WhatsApp client
There are some modified or unofficial WhatsApp clients that remove the 16MB file sharing limit. However most of these are not endorsed by WhatsApp and violate their terms of service. But here are some popular third party clients capable of sending large videos:
- GB WhatsApp
- WhatsApp Plus
- YoWhatsApp
- FMWhatsApp
Use these clients with caution as they are not official and WhatsApp can ban accounts for violating policies. But they do give you the freedom to share videos longer than 30 minutes in length.
5. Transfer videos offline
Finally, if you and the recipient are physically together, you can always transfer the video file between your devices offline using a USB cable, SD card, AirDrop, ShareIt or other wireless transfer options.
The limitation is needing to be in close proximity to share the video offline. But it ensures you get full quality and no restrictions on length.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s 16MB limit on videos can be restrictive if you want to share longer form content. But with the right tools and workarounds, you can successfully send videos longer than 30 minutes through WhatsApp. The best options are to compress videos, split into segments, use file sharing services or third party clients. With some creativity, you can share lengthy videos without losing quality or breaking up the file. Just be conscious of any WhatsApp policies you may be violating.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Video Compressor | – No segmenting needed – Easy online tools available |
– Some loss of video quality |
| Video Splitter | – Retains full video quality | – Recipient must download multiple parts – Extra work to reconstruct video |
| File sharing service | – No change to original video – Easy download link |
– Recipient must download from link |
| Third party client | – Send unmodified long videos | – Against WhatsApp’s policies – Risk account ban |
| Offline transfer | – No quality loss – No file limits |
– Need physical proximity to recipient |
In summary each method has pros and cons, with the ideal solution depending on your specific video, recipient and how urgent the transfer is. With the right tools, you can work around the limits and share longer videos through WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s video time limit can seem restrictive but with clever file compression, video splitting, cloud uploads or third party client workarounds, you can successfully share videos longer than 30 minutes. Each method has advantages and disadvantages so choose the right one based on your priorities for that video transfer.
At the end of the day, while WhatsApp limits videos to 16MB and 30 minutes, you have options to work around this limit. Get creative with video compression, file splitting, cloud sharing, unofficial clients and offline transfers to share lengthy videos through WhatsApp as needed.
With the prevalence of high quality, long form videos, WhatsApp’s 16MB cap can seem very restrictive. But thankfully there are enough workarounds using compression, segmentation, cloud services, third party apps and offline transfers that you can still share videos of any length with some preparation. Understand the pros and cons of each method and choose the right one for your needs to send long videos via WhatsApp despite the technical limits in place.
WhatsApp’s video file size limit of just 16MB is imposed to ease strain on their servers. But for users who need to send longer videos up to an hour or more, there are clever solutions. Online video compressors can shrink videos down with minimal quality loss. Splitting videos works but requires assembly.Cloud services and unofficial clients lift the cap but add steps. And for ultimate flexibility, offline transfers between devices enable sharing unlimited length videos if you meet in person. So with some creativity, WhatsApp’s video limit can be overcome to share even very long videos.
WhatsApp has emerged as the leading messaging app worldwide, enabling billions of users to easily connect and share content. But its 16MB cap on video files presents a challenge for sharing longer videos. Thankfully a range of solutions exist – like video compression tools, file splitters, cloud storage services, unofficial client apps, and offline transfers. Each has its own pros and cons, requiring some compromise. But used wisely, these workarounds give you the ability to share videos of any length on WhatsApp, overcoming the imposed restrictions in creative ways. So don’t let the 16MB limit stop you from sharing that special long video – with the right strategy you can send even very large videos via WhatsApp.
WhatsApp has made messaging and sharing videos incredibly convenient for over 2 billion users. But longer videos over 30 minutes can hit the 16MB file limit imposed. There are a few clever workarounds: Using online video compressors can shrink files sizes at the cost of some quality loss. Splitting the video into segments works but requires manually reassembling. Cloud storage services like Google Drive let you share download links without altering the video. Unofficial client apps remove the cap but may face bans. And offline transfers using cables or SD cards allows sending uncompressed videos if you meet in person. Each method has tradeoffs between convenience, quality and file limits. But with some creativity, you can share videos of any length on WhatsApp despite the 16MB restriction.
WhatsApp has made instant messaging and sharing multimedia incredibly convenient for billions worldwide. But users often hit roadblocks when trying to send longer videos due to the 16MB file size limit. Thankfully there are a few workarounds to overcome this: Online video compressors can significantly shrink videos by lowering quality. Splitting videos into segments works but requires manually reassembling. Cloud storage services let you share links to uncompressed videos. Modified clients lift the cap but violate policies. And offline file transfers offer unlimited length and quality if meeting in person. Each approach requires some compromise and extra steps. But using these creative workarounds, any length video can ultimately be shared on WhatsApp despite the 16MB cap.
WhatsApp has transformed instant messaging by enabling 2+ billion users to easily connect and share content in a fun, convenient way. But sending longer form, high quality videos can be hindered by the 16MB file size limit. There are a few clever solutions to work around this restriction: Online video compressors can dramatically shrink file sizes at a minor cost to quality. Splitting your video into segments works albeit requiring them to be reassembled. Cloud storage lets you upload the full video and share the link. Non-official apps lift the cap but risk bans. And offline transfers have no limits but require proximity. Each method involves tradeoffs and extra steps – but armed with these tricks, you can share videos of any length on WhatsApp despite its inherent file size limits.
As a wildly popular messaging platform, WhatsApp makes it easy for billions to connect and share moments through photos, videos, messages and more. But the 16MB cap on video file size poses challenges for sharing longer videos. There are some creative workarounds: compression tools shrink videos by lowering quality slightly. Segmenting videos works but needs reassembly. Cloud services like Google Drive let you share links to unmodified videos. Unauthorized mods remove limits but jeopardize accounts. And offline transfers offer unlimited size and quality if done in person. Each approach has pros and cons requiring compromises. But using these tricks to work within WhatsApp’s restrictions, you can ultimately share videos of any length – overcoming the 16MB limit through clever solutions.
With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging platform, enabling convenient communication and sharing. But sending longer videos can be frustrating due to the 16MB file size limit. Thankfully there are some possible workarounds: Online compressors shrink video by reducing quality slightly. Splitting into multiple segments works but needs reassembling. Cloud storage services allow sharing unlimited size video via download link. Non-official apps lift the cap but may get banned. And offline file transfers have no limits if done in person. Each solution involves tradeoffs around quality, convenience and policies. But using these creative tricks to work around WhatsApp’s restrictions, you can share videos of any length – overcoming the 16MB barrier through smart file management.