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 more to individuals or groups. When it comes to videos, there is a size limit on what you can upload and send through WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Video Size Limit
WhatsApp has a video size limit of 16MB per video. This is the maximum size of any individual video file you attempt to send through the app. If your video exceeds 16MB, WhatsApp will not allow you to attach and send it through the platform.
The 16MB limit applies strictly to video files. For photos, you can send files up to 100MB in size. So photos have a much higher size allowance than videos on WhatsApp.
Calculating Video Length from File Size
So if the limit is 16MB for videos, what is the longest length video you can send? The length of the video that a 16MB file size will support depends on a few factors:
- Video resolution – Higher resolution videos take up more space per second than lower resolution videos. The most common resolutions today are 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 2160p (4K). The higher the number, the more space used.
- Video codec – Video codecs are different algorithms for compressing and encoding video. Some popular codecs include H.264, HEVC (H.265), VP9. Newer codecs like HEVC allow you to store videos at smaller file sizes than older ones like H.264.
- Video frame rate – The frame rate is the number of individual frames or images that make up each second of video. Common frame rates are 24, 30, 60 frames per second. Higher frame rates require more storage space.
- Video bitrate – The video bitrate determines how much data is used per second of video to encode the image and audio quality. A higher bitrate creates a higher quality video at the cost of larger file size.
Example Calculations
Here are some example calculations of how long a 16MB video could be for different encoding combinations:
| Resolution | Codec | Frame Rate | Bitrate | Video Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 480p | H.264 | 30 fps | 512 kbps | ~5 minutes |
| 720p | H.264 | 30 fps | 2048 kbps | ~1.5 minutes |
| 1080p | H.264 | 30 fps | 4096 kbps | ~45 seconds |
| 4K | H.265 | 30 fps | 10,000 kbps | ~20 seconds |
As you can see from the table, resolution and bitrate have the biggest impact on file size. A high resolution, high bitrate video will eat up the 16MB cap very quickly. A lower resolution, lower bitrate video can be several minutes long while staying under the size limit.
Optimizing Videos for WhatsApp
If you want to upload longer videos to WhatsApp while adhering to the 16MB file size restriction, you have a couple options:
Lower the Resolution
Record or export your video at a lower resolution like 480p or 720p. This will automatically reduce the file size without drastically sacrificing quality. A 480p or 720p video can still look decent on a smartphone screen when sent through WhatsApp.
Use Video Compression
Use video compression software to encode your original high quality video into a smaller file size. You can lower the bitrate substantially while keeping resolutions high. Advanced codecs like H.265 are especially good for compression high resolution video into smaller files. Just be careful not to compress so much that it negatively impacts video quality.
Trim the Length
If all else fails, simply trim your video into smaller segments that fit under the 16MB limit. You can upload a series of shorter videos to convey what you need.
Online Video Compressors
There are many free online video compressor tools you can use to easily downsize video files for WhatsApp:
- HandBrake – Open source video transcoder for Windows, Mac and Linux.
- OnlineVideoConverter – Web and mobile app to compress videos.
- Clipchamp – Browser based utility for converting and compressing video.
- VideProc – Video processing tool for Windows and Mac with compression presets.
- CloudConvert – Web platform for converting media files.
These tools make it easy to take large, high quality video files and convert them into smaller files optimized for sharing on WhatsApp.
Uploading Videos to WhatsApp
Once you have compressed, trimmed or otherwise reduced your video to under 16MB, here are the steps to upload it:
- Open your WhatsApp chat with the recipient.
- Tap the attach button (paperclip icon).
- Select Video to pick your video file.
- Tap Send to upload your video.
The video upload process may take a bit longer for larger files near 16MB. Once done, the recipient will be able to view and download the video from WhatsApp. The 16MB limit ensures files aren’t too large for smooth cross-platform sharing between the over 2 billion WhatsApp users.
Verifying File Size
On Windows and Mac computers, you can check a video’s file size right in the File Explorer. On smartphones, you may need to use a file manager app to check sizes.
You can also input the video into an online tool like FileSizeCalculator which will show you the size. Verify that any video you want to send through WhatsApp is under 16MB before uploading.
Using WhatsApp for Sharing Videos
Despite the 16MB file limit, WhatsApp can still be a useful platform for sharing videos in many cases. Some examples include:
- Sending cute video clips captured on your phone to friends and family.
- Sharing a screen recording to demonstrate how to do something.
- Sending a slideshow video presentation for work.
- Showing off your latest TikTok creation.
You primarily run into the size limit when sharing longer videos shot on higher end cameras. But for casual everyday videos taken on phones, WhatsApp is great for quick sharing.
Alternative Ways to Send Large Videos
If you have a video longer than 16MB that you want to share, WhatsApp isn’t your only option. Some alternatives include:
Google Drive
Upload your video to Google Drive, set the sharing options to “Anyone with the link”, then copy and paste the direct file link into your WhatsApp chat.
Upload your video as a post or video message through Facebook’s platform, then share the link to the video in your WhatsApp chat.
Attach your video to an email message. Paste the email recipient’s address into your WhatsApp chat so they know to expect your email.
Third Party Apps
Some third party apps integrate with WhatsApp to allow sending large videos. Examples include Google Drive for WhatsApp and Files by Google.
Conclusion
To summarize the key points:
- WhatsApp has a 16MB file size limit for video uploads.
- The length of a 16MB video depends on the resolution, codec, frame rate and bitrate.
- Lower resolution and bitrate allows longer videos under the limit.
- Use video compression tools to downsize high quality videos for WhatsApp.
- Trim longer videos into smaller segments if needed.
- Always verify your video is under 16MB before uploading.
- WhatsApp works great for casual short video sharing.
- For large videos, utilize alternative sharing methods and link them through WhatsApp.
Sticking to the 16MB file size restriction allows WhatsApp to optimize video sharing between platforms and across its massive global user base. But with the right preparation, you can still share fun and meaningful video content with individuals or groups on WhatsApp.