WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to send videos to your contacts. However, there are limitations on the size and format of videos that can be sent through WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Video Size Limit
WhatsApp has a maximum video size limit of 16MB per video. This means any MP4 video you try to send through WhatsApp must be under 16MB in file size. If your MP4 video is over 16MB, WhatsApp will automatically compress the video before sending. This compression will reduce video quality.
The 16MB limit applies specifically to MP4 videos. Other video formats like MOV and AVI are not supported by WhatsApp. For videos, MP4 is the recommended format.
Maximum Length for WhatsApp Videos
In addition to file size, WhatsApp also limits the length of videos you can send. The maximum length for WhatsApp videos is 5 minutes.
So in summary, any videos you send on WhatsApp must:
- Be in MP4 format
- Be under 16MB in size
- Be under 5 minutes in length
As long as your video meets those requirements, you will be able to send it through WhatsApp without any issues. The 16MB size limit allows you to send videos of decent quality while keeping data usage reasonable.
Tips for Reducing WhatsApp Video Size
If your MP4 video exceeds 16MB, here are some tips to reduce the size:
1. Use a Video Compressor
Using a third party video compressor is the easiest way to shrink your video file size. Online compressors like Clipchamp or Kapwing allow you to upload a video and download a compressed version optimized for sharing on social media and messaging apps.
Most compressors will let you modify settings like resolution, bitrate and frame rate to achieve smaller files. The compressed video quality will be lower than the original, but still good enough for WhatsApp.
2. Lower Video Resolution
Higher resolution videos take up more space. Before exporting your video, lower the resolution to around 480p. This will significantly lower the file size without a huge drop in quality.
Most video editing apps like iMovie or Premiere Pro have export settings to change video resolution and compression.
3. Reduce Frame Rate
Higher frame rates like 60fps result in larger file sizes. Reduce the frame rate to around 24-30fps to shrink the video. This will make motion appear slightly less smooth, but not noticeably so.
4. Shorten Video Length
Lastly, trimming down the video length will reduce size. Stick to the most important 30-60 seconds for WhatsApp videos. You can upload a longer version elsewhere if needed.
Optimizing Video Settings
When recording or editing videos you plan to send on WhatsApp, keep these settings in mind:
| Video Parameter | Ideal Setting |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 480p |
| Orientation | Vertical (1080 x 1920 pixels) |
| Frame rate | 24-30fps |
| Bitrate | 2-3Mbps |
| Format | MP4 |
| Length | Under 5 minutes |
Adjusting these settings when producing your video will ensure the file size stays under WhatsApp’s 16MB limit without compromising quality.
Using Google Drive to Share Larger Videos
If your video exceeds the WhatsApp limits, there is a workaround. You can upload the video to Google Drive and get a shareable link. This public link can then be sent as a message on WhatsApp.
Your recipients can simply tap the link to watch the full high quality video. The file will play directly within their Google Drive app.
This method allows you to share videos of any size and length. The only caveat is the recipient has to open it in a separate app, rather than directly within WhatsApp.
Third Party Apps to Send Large Files
Another option to send bigger video files is to use a third party messaging app with higher limits. Some options include:
- Telegram – up to 2GB file size limit
- Signal – allows unlimited size video sharing through Google Drive
- Facebook Messenger – up to 25MB for videos
- WeTransfer – 2GB file size limit
All these apps have their pros and cons. But they give you more flexibility if you consistently need to send large videos. WhatsApp recognizes its 16MB video limit is not ideal for sharing long videos in original quality.
Compressing Videos on iPhone
If you’re an iPhone user, you can easily compress videos within the Photos app:
- Open the Photos app and go to the video you want to compress
- Tap Edit, then on the bottom menu tap the 3 dots (…) icon
- Choose ‘Compress Video’ and pick a lower resolution like 720p
- Export the compressed version to your camera roll
This quick tool lets you shrink video sizes without needing third party apps. Android also has built-in video compression features in the Gallery app.
Can You Send Videos Longer Than 5 Minutes on WhatsApp?
No, 5 minutes is the hard limit for the length of any video sent through WhatsApp. Even if the file is under 16MB, it will fail to send if it exceeds 5 minutes.
For longer videos, your only options are to split it into multiple parts under 5 minutes each, or use a workaround like Google Drive. WhatsApp has not announced any plans to increase the time limit.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re unable to send a video on WhatsApp, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check the file size – Open video properties and confirm it is under 16MB.
- Verify format – WhatsApp only supports MP4, not formats like AVI, MOV, etc.
- Lower quality – Try further compressing the video to reduce size.
- Check length – Make sure the video duration is 5 minutes or less.
- Restart app – Force close and reopen WhatsApp to clear any glitches.
- Update app – Install the latest version of WhatsApp in case of bugs.
Following these steps should help resolve most issues sending videos on WhatsApp. Reach out to WhatsApp support if the problem persists.
FAQs
Why does WhatsApp limit video size?
The 16MB limit aims to balance quality with manageable data usage for billions of users. Higher sizes would cause network congestion. The cap ensures smooth functioning.
How can I send long videos on WhatsApp?
To send videos longer than 5 minutes, upload to Google Drive or another cloud service and share the link on WhatsApp. Alternatively, use a third party messaging app with higher limits.
Do media files count towards my WhatsApp storage limit?
Yes, all media including videos count towards your phone’s storage space used by WhatsApp. It does not get stored on WhatsApp’s servers.
Can I send a video as a document to bypass the limit?
No, trying to send as a document is not a workaround. WhatsApp recognizes video formats and will still compress files over 16MB before sending.
Is there a way to send original quality videos on WhatsApp?
Not directly through WhatsApp. You can retain original video quality by uploading to a cloud service like Google Drive and sharing the public link on WhatsApp.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s 16MB file size restriction for videos can be limiting for high quality videos. However, optimizing your video resolution, bitrate, frame rate and length before sending can help fit the file under the limit.
Online video compressors are also an easy way to shrink videos to share on WhatsApp. For longer videos, third party messaging apps or cloud services like Google Drive allow you to bypass the restrictions.
With various workarounds, you can still share large, high quality videos with your WhatsApp contacts despite the file size limit.