WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and make voice and video calls. However, WhatsApp has a size limit on media of just 16MB for photos and 64MB for videos. This can be frustrating if you want to send larger files like high-resolution photos or long videos. Thankfully, there are some clever workarounds to bypass the WhatsApp size limit. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore multiple methods to send large files up to 2GB in size on WhatsApp.
Understanding WhatsApp’s size limits
Before we look at how to bypass the limits, it’s useful to understand exactly what WhatsApp’s size restrictions are:
- Photos – Max size of 16MB per photo
- Videos – Max size of 64MB per video
- Documents – Max size of 100MB per document
- Voice messages – Max length of 30 seconds
These limits exist to manage data usage and prevent overloading WhatsApp’s servers. Media files are compressed when sent via WhatsApp to reduce data consumption. However, this compression results in some loss of quality.
Method 1 – Use a File Compressor
One easy way to send large files on WhatsApp is to compress them first with a file compressor tool. This reduces the size of media significantly so you can send high quality original files without degrading quality.
Here are some popular free file compressors:
- Send Reduced (Android, iOS) – Compresses images, videos, PDFs up to 90% smaller
- Video Compress (Android) – Compresses videos while maintaining resolution
- Compressor (iOS) – Compress images, video, documents
- Redesend (Android) – Compress and forward videos and photos
The process is simple – open the file compressor app, select your large file, set the desired compression level and tap compress. Once finished, the compressed file will be saved to your camera roll or downloads folder. You can then send this file on WhatsApp under the size limits.
The recipient can use the same compression app to restore the file to its original quality after downloading it. The compressed version sent on WhatsApp maintains excellent quality while reducing the file size immensely. This method even allows sending of HD and 4K video up to 1-2 GB in size.
Pros
- Maintains original quality
- Allows sending large media up to 2GB
- Free apps available
Cons
- Need to download third-party app
- Extra steps to compress and restore files
Method 2 – Use Google Drive or Dropbox
Another way is to upload large files to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox and then generate a shareable link to send on WhatsApp.
Follow these simple steps:
- Install the Google Drive or Dropbox app on your phone and sign-in
- Upload the large file you want to share to Drive or Dropbox
- Tap the share button next to it, copy the link or create a sharing link
- Paste this public link in your WhatsApp chat
The recipient can then simply tap the link to open the file in Drive/Dropbox and either view it directly or download it.
This method leverages the vast free storage space offered by cloud services to send huge media files on WhatsApp. However, the process is slightly more inconvenient than directly sending a file.
Pros
- Send media of any size
- Utilizes free cloud storage
Cons
- Recipient has to download file separately
- Publicly accessible links if not careful
Method 3 – Use Telegram
Telegram is a popular messaging app like WhatsApp with one major advantage – no file size limits! You can leverage this to send large files up to 2GB to Telegram first, and then forward to WhatsApp from there.
Follow these steps:
- Install Telegram app and sign up
- Send the large file to any Telegram chat
- Open WhatsApp, tap More inside the Telegram chat and choose Forward to WhatsApp
- Select a WhatsApp contact to forward the file to
The file will be sent to your WhatsApp contact without size restrictions. Note that any file type can be forwarded from Telegram to WhatsApp.
You can also copy the Telegram file link and paste it in WhatsApp chat. The recipient can view and download the large file directly.
Pros
- No file size limit
- All media types supported
Cons
- Need a Telegram account
- Extra steps involved
Method 4 – Send via WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Business API is a paid service that enables businesses to interact with customers via WhatsApp automatically. It removes certain usage restrictions, allowing sending of media up to 100MB.
To leverage the WhatsApp Business API:
- Sign up for a WhatsApp Business account
- Get approved to access the WhatsApp Business API
- Build a custom integration or use a third-party tool connected to the API
- Send large files programmatically via the API to your customers
This method requires more technical expertise but is a viable option for businesses to share heavy multimedia seamlessly on WhatsApp.
Pros
- Send files up to 100MB
- Seamless experience for recipients
Cons
- Paid WhatsApp Business API required
- Significant development work
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips when sending large files on WhatsApp:
- Use WiFi instead of mobile data to prevent excess usage
- Send media when recipient is also on WiFi
- Enable auto-download in WhatsApp settings for a smoother experience
- Compress files before uploading to cloud drives to save storage space
- Follow up with recipient to confirm if file sent properly
Conclusion
While WhatsApp limits media files to just 16MB for photos and 64MB for videos, there are several workarounds to send large files up to 2GB in size. The best methods are using a dedicated file compressor, leveraging unlimited storage on Google Drive or Dropbox, forwarding media from Telegram, or utilizing the WhatsApp Business API. With these handy techniques, you can bypass WhatsApp’s size restrictions and seamlessly share heavy multimedia on WhatsApp.