WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. It allows users to easily send messages, photos, videos and other files to contacts. But WhatsApp does have file size limits when sending media or documents. So what is the maximum file size you can send on WhatsApp?
The Basics of WhatsApp’s File Size Limits
WhatsApp has set file size limits to ensure the app doesn’t get bogged down trying to send huge files over the internet. The file size limit can also help prevent users from sending massive unwanted files that fill up storage space.
Here are the key things to know about WhatsApp’s file size restrictions:
- There are different file size limits for different types of media/files.
- The maximum file size also depends on your device and whether you’re sending to an individual or group.
- Files larger than the limit will be compressed or unable to send.
- You can see a progress bar when sending large files that indicates if compression is taking place.
- If your media is too large, WhatsApp will prompt you to instead send as a document.
Keeping these basics in mind, let’s look at the maximum sizes for different file types on WhatsApp.
Photos
For regular photos, the maximum file size you can send on WhatsApp is 30MB if you are sending directly to an individual chat.
If you are sending the photo to a WhatsApp group, the limit decreases to just 10MB per photo. Any photos larger than those sizes will be automatically compressed before sending.
The 30MB and 10MB limits apply to both Android and iPhone devices. However, the file size restriction can vary slightly based on your specific phone model and operating system. You may see a limit of 25MB or lower on some devices.
Videos
For video files, WhatsApp has a maximum file size of 16MB if sending directly to an individual chat. For group chats, the limit for videos is just 6MB per clip.
As with photos, any videos that exceed those limits will be automatically compressed by WhatsApp before sending. The compression process can take some time for longer videos.
The 16MB and 6MB video limits apply to both iPhones and Android phones. Again, you may encounter lower limits on some devices, around 10-12MB for individual chats.
Audio Files
WhatsApp allows you to easily send audio recordings and music files to your contacts. For audio clips sent to an individual chat, the file size limit is 100MB.
For group chats, the limit for audio is lower at just 25MB per file. Anything over those sizes will have to be compressed before sending.
The 100MB and 25MB limits apply to all users. However, some Android devices may have lower limits, like 50MB for individual chats.
Documents
WhatsApp has a maximum file size of 100MB for document files like PDFs, DOCs, spreadsheets, slide decks and more. This limit applies both for sending to individuals and groups.
Some examples of documents you can send up to 100MB include:
- Presentations (PowerPoint, Keynote)
- Spreadsheets (Excel, Sheets)
- Word documents
- PDF files
- Image documents (e.g. scanned files)
Any documents over 100MB will not be able to send directly through WhatsApp. You will be prompted to instead send the file as a drive link that the recipient can view through WhatsApp web.
Zip Files
You can also send ZIP files through WhatsApp, which is handy for compressing and sharing multiple files or media. For ZIP files sent to an individual chat, the limit is 100MB.
For group chats, you can only send ZIP files up to 50MB in size. Any ZIPs bigger than that will need to be reduced before sending on WhatsApp.
How to Send Large Files on WhatsApp
If you are trying to send a file that exceeds the size limits in WhatsApp, you have a couple options to share large files up to 2GB:
- Use WhatsApp’s document send feature – For files over 100MB like videos, photos or PDFs, WhatsApp will prompt you to send as a document through Google Drive or iCloud. Recipients can then view the file through WhatsApp web.
- Compress the file – Use an app or zip file to compress your media into a smaller size below the limit before sending.
- Upload file to Google Drive or Dropbox – Upload your large file to a cloud storage service, then share the download link via WhatsApp so the recipient can view it.
- Use a third-party app – Some apps like WeTransfer allow sending large files up to 2GB via a shareable link.
Following those tips above allows you to effectively send large files through WhatsApp that exceed the normal media limits.
Why WhatsApp File Size Limits Exist
WhatsApp has put file size restrictions in place for several key reasons:
- Manage network usage – Sending huge files could strain WhatsApp’s servers and use large amounts of data.
- Recipient usage – Large files fill up people’s device storage space.
- Prevent abuse – Size limits help block mass distribution of unwanted content.
- Speed up transfers – Smaller files allow faster upload and download times.
The file size caps aim to balance enabling users to share a variety of content while preventing the uncontrolled spread of giant media files on the messaging platform.
Tips for Sending Files on WhatsApp
To ensure your files send smoothly through WhatsApp, follow these tips:
- Check file sizes before sending to see if compression is needed.
- Use WhatsApp’s document feature for any files over 100MB.
- Compress photos or videos that exceed the limits for individuals/groups.
- Resize image files on your device before uploading to WhatsApp.
- When in doubt, upload larger files to a cloud drive first.
- Use WiFi instead of mobile data to send bigger documents.
Keeping the size restrictions and compression process in mind enables you to seamlessly send files through WhatsApp without issues.
WhatsApp File Size FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about WhatsApp’s file size limits and sending large files:
Why are file sizes limited on WhatsApp?
Limits ensure WhatsApp isn’t overloaded with giant files which could crash servers and disrupt the app performance. Caps also prevent spamming huge unwanted media.
What happens if you exceed the limit?
Files over the size limit will either be automatically compressed before sending, or unable to be sent through WhatsApp.
How can you tell if a file was compressed?
You’ll see a progress bar indicating media compression if you upload files beyond the size limit. Quality may decline.
Is there a way to send larger files?
Yes, use WhatsApp’s document feature to send files up to 2GB or share cloud download links to large files.
Why are group limits smaller than individual chats?
Lower group limits prevent spamming all members with massive files that fill up their storage.
Can you increase WhatsApp’s file size limits?
No, the maximum file sizes are set by WhatsApp and cannot be increased unless they update the app’s limits.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s file size limits range from 30MB for photos up to 100MB for documents when sending to individuals. For group chats, the limits decrease to as low as 6MB for videos.
Trying to send a file that exceeds the maximum size will lead to compression or prevent uploading. To share large files up to 2GB, use WhatsApp’s document feature or cloud storage services.
Keeping WhatsApp’s size restrictions in mind allows you to seamlessly send any files or media through the messaging app, while compressing content as needed.