WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to send texts, make voice and video calls, and share photos, videos, documents, and more. When it comes to sharing videos on WhatsApp, the app supports a variety of common video formats and compressions. In this article, we’ll take a look at exactly what video files WhatsApp allows users to send and view.
WhatsApp Video Format Support
WhatsApp supports the following video formats and compressions:
- MP4
- 3GP
- MOV
- AVI
- MKV
- WEBM
MP4 and 3GP are the most commonly supported formats. MOV, AVI, MKV, and WEBM formats are also supported but may not work as reliably as MP4 and 3GP.
MP4
MP4 is one of the most popular video container formats. It can contain different video and audio codecs, making it highly compatible across devices and platforms. MP4 is widely supported by WhatsApp.
3GP
3GP is a video container format designed for 3G mobile devices. It is well-supported on WhatsApp due to its optimization for mobile platforms.
MOV
MOV is a common video format developed by Apple. WhatsApp provides basic support for MOV files but may have issues with certain MOV files depending on the specific codecs used.
AVI
AVI or Audio Video Interleave is an older video format. WhatsApp has basic support for AVI but some files may not play properly depending on the codecs used.
MKV
MKV is a popular open-source video container format. WhatsApp has basic MKV support but playback issues can occur with some files based on the video and audio codecs used.
WEBM
WEBM is an open, royalty-free video format. WhatsApp has basic support for WEBM files but playback can be inconsistent.
WhatsApp Video Specifications
In addition to supporting certain file formats and compressions, WhatsApp also has limits on the technical specifications of videos you can send and view:
- Maximum file size: 16MB
- Maximum length: 5 minutes
- Maximum frame rate: 30 fps
- Maximum resolution: 720p (1280 x 720)
- Aspect ratios supported: 16:9, 4:3, 1:1
Any videos that exceed these specifications may have issues being uploaded or played back properly in WhatsApp.
Maximum File Size
WhatsApp has a file size limit of 16MB per video. Attempting to send a video larger than 16MB will result in compression or failure to send.
Maximum Length
Videos longer than 5 minutes will be compressed or truncated when sending through WhatsApp. The app does not support videos longer than 5 minutes.
Maximum Frame Rate
WhatsApp supports video frame rates up to 30 fps. Higher frame rates may cause playback issues.
Maximum Resolution
The maximum resolution for WhatsApp videos is 720p or 1280 x 720 pixels. Higher resolutions may be compressed.
Aspect Ratios
WhatsApp supports the most common video aspect ratios – 16:9, 4:3, and 1:1. Videos with different aspect ratios may be cropped or distorted.
Recommended Video Settings for WhatsApp
To ensure best results sharing videos on WhatsApp, here are the recommended video settings:
- File format: MP4 or 3GP
- Video codec: H.264
- Resolution: 720p (1280 x 720)
- Frame rate: 30 fps
- Bitrate: Not exceeding 3,500 kbps
- Audio codec: AAC
- File size: 16MB or smaller
- Length: 5 minutes or shorter
Adhering to these video settings will provide the greatest level of compatibility and optimal playback on WhatsApp.
How WhatsApp Compresses Video Files
If you attempt to send a video that exceeds WhatsApp’s specifications, the app will automatically compress the video to conform to its limits. Here’s how WhatsApp’s video compression works:
- Reduces video resolution to 720p maximum
- Lowers bitrate to reduce file size
- Re-encodes video using H.264 codec
- Trims videos longer than 5 minutes to 5 minutes
- Transcodes unsupported aspect ratios
This compression can reduce video quality compared to the original file but allows files that are too large or incompatible to be shared on WhatsApp.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Video Issues
Sometimes you may encounter issues sending or viewing videos on WhatsApp even if they meet the recommended specifications. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Video Won’t Send
- Ensure file is under 16MB
- Try re-encoding video to smaller size
- Lower resolution to 720p if needed
- Shorten video length to under 5 minutes
Video Won’t Play
- Make sure codecs are supported (H.264, AAC)
- Re-encode video using recommended settings
- Convert to common format like MP4 or 3GP
- Try uploading to Google Drive and share link
Missing Audio or Video
- Corrupted video file – try re-encoding
- Incompatible codecs – use recommended codecs
- Aspect ratio not supported – convert to 16:9, 4:3 or 1:1
Poor Video Quality
- WhatsApp compression can reduce quality
- Optimize original video settings before sending
- Avoid multiple compressions by sharing Google Drive link
Following WhatsApp’s guidelines and troubleshooting tips will help ensure you can share videos successfully.
Sharing Large Videos on WhatsApp
While WhatsApp limits individual video files to 16MB and 5 minutes, there are couple options for sharing larger videos up to 2GB:
Google Drive
Upload your large video file to Google Drive. Then share the link to the video through WhatsApp so recipients can stream it.
WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business accounts allow sharing videos up to 2GB. Upgrade to a Business account if you need to share videos beyond WhatsApp’s normal limits.
Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps like Video Compress and GBWhatsApp offer ways to compress videos to sizes accepted by WhatsApp.
Split Video
Use video editing software to split your large video into segments under 16MB, then send multiple videos through WhatsApp.
Best Practices for Sharing Video on WhatsApp
Follow these best practices when sharing videos on WhatsApp for optimal compatibility and performance:
- Use recommended formats like MP4 and 3GP
- Adhere to resolution, length, size, and frame rate limits
- Re-encode video to meet specifications if needed
- Use optimal codec settings – H.264 video, AAC audio
- Preview video before sending to check quality
- Share Google Drive link for videos over 16MB
- Troubleshoot playback issues with encoding adjustments
Keeping these tips in mind will help avoid frustration when sharing videos with your WhatsApp contacts!
Conclusion
WhatsApp makes it easy to share videos with your contacts through its support of common formats like MP4 and 3GP. It can handle a wide range of videos up to 16MB and 5 minutes long in 720p resolution. Exceeding WhatsApp’s specifications may result in compression or playback issues. Following the recommended guidelines, troubleshooting tips, and best practices outlined in this article will ensure you have the best experience sharing videos on WhatsApp.