WhatsApp status allows users to share photos, videos and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. For videos, there is a limit on the maximum size that can be uploaded as a status. Knowing this limit is important so that you can optimize your videos to share as WhatsApp status without any issues.
In this article, we will provide a quick answer to what the maximum video size allowed for WhatsApp status is. We will also look at the reasons for this limit, how to check the size of your videos, tips to optimize videos for WhatsApp status and other detailed information around this topic.
What is the maximum video size limit for WhatsApp status?
The maximum video size limit for WhatsApp status is 16MB. If you try to upload a video that is larger than 16MB as your status, it will fail with an error message. WhatsApp has set this limit to ensure that status videos do not consume too much space and load quickly for users.
Why does WhatsApp have a 16MB limit for status videos?
There are a few reasons why WhatsApp has set a 16MB limit for status videos:
To manage storage space
WhatsApp statuses are end-to-end encrypted. This means the videos users share as statuses are stored on WhatsApp’s servers in encrypted form. With over 2 billion users worldwide, storing large videos as statuses for all users would quickly consume huge amounts of server storage space. The 16MB limit ensures that space used for encrypted status videos remains manageable.
To ensure good performance
Large videos would take longer time to load on WhatsApp. This would degrade performance and user experience, especially for users on slow networks. The 16MB cap makes sure that statuses do not become too heavy, allowing them to load quickly for all users.
For quick sharing of small moments
WhatsApp statuses are meant for sharing quick updates, small moments from your daily life. With 16MB limit, users are encouraged to share short videos relevant to status updates, rather than very long videos. This improves the experience of viewing statuses.
How to check the size of a video on Android and iPhone?
To check if your video meets the 16MB WhatsApp status limit, you need to know the file size of the video first. Here is how to check video size on Android and iOS devices:
On Android
- Go to your video gallery and tap on the video to open it
- Tap on the three dots or more icon in the top right corner
- Select “Details” option
- Under the details, you will find the file size of the video in MB
On iPhone
- Open the Photos app and select the video
- Tap on the “i” icon at the bottom to see details
- Under the file name, you will see the file size in MB
This will allow you to check if the video is under 16MB and safe to upload as a WhatsApp status. If it is over 16MB, you will need to optimize it before sharing.
How to optimize large videos to upload on WhatsApp status?
If you have an important video greater than 16MB that you want to share as a status, there are a couple of optimization tips you can use to reduce its size:
1. Use a video compressor app
There are various free video compressor apps available for Android and iPhone. These apps can help reduce video file size significantly without major impact on quality. Some popular options are VideoCompress, Video Size Reduce, Compressor etc.
2. Change video resolution
Higher resolution videos take up more space. You can reduce the resolution of your video from 4K or 1080p to 720p to shrink the file size. This can be done on most video editor apps.
3. Shorten the video length
The longer the duration of video, the larger its size will be. Try to trim your video and shorten its length to under 30 seconds if you want to share it as WhatsApp status.
4. Use a lower bitrate
Lower bitrate means lower quality, but also smaller video size. Reducing video bitrate to 4800 kbps or below can help meet the 16MB limit.
By using these optimization techniques, you can easily share longer videos on WhatsApp status within the size restriction.
Tips for shooting new videos for WhatsApp status
When shooting new videos specifically to share as WhatsApp status, keep these tips in mind:
- Shoot vertically in 9:16 aspect ratio
- Keep length between 15-30 seconds
- Use 720p or 1080p resolution, not 4K
- Use lower bitrates around 3000-5000 kbps while exporting
- Shoot more close-up perspectives since videos are small
- Avoid too many fast motions which look blurry
By following these tips, you can create great looking compact videos optimized for WhatsApp status upload.
Can I upload videos longer than 16MB as WhatsApp status?
Unfortunately no, there is no way currently to upload videos larger than 16MB on WhatsApp status. The app will simply show an error if you try to select a video exceeding this size limit.
Some workarounds like sharing large videos through external links or in chat attachments will not work either. WhatsApp has set this restriction at the platform level for status.
So it is not possible to use videos greater than 16MB as your status update directly. You have to first optimize or trim the video to bring it below the size limit before uploading. This ensures fast performance and quick loads for all users viewing WhatsApp statuses.
Is there a way to check WhatsApp status video size before posting?
WhatsApp does not show the video file size while you are selecting it as your new status. However, you can proactively take these steps to check the size beforehand:
- Use your phone’s gallery or file manager to check video size
- Edit the video in a third party app which shows size
- Use a dedicated media info viewer app to view size
- Check video properties if you are selecting it from your computer
Following these tips will allow you to confirm the size of your video before posting it as a WhatsApp status update. This can prevent failed uploads due to the 16MB restriction.
You now have a quick overview of the maximum size allowed for WhatsApp status videos, why this limit exists, and tips to manage sizes effectively. Small adjustments while shooting or sharing videos can help you easily use this fun way of providing quick life updates on WhatsApp!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I not upload videos larger than 16MB on WhatsApp status?
WhatsApp has a 16MB limit on video size that can be used for status. This limit exists to manage WhatsApp’s storage space, ensure good performance, and encourage short video statuses optimized for quick sharing.
What happens if I try to upload a video bigger than 16MB?
You will see an error message saying “Video too large to upload” if you try uploading a video over 16MB. The WhatsApp app simply will not allow you to set that video as your status.
How much time will a 16MB video take up as WhatsApp status?
It depends on the bitrate, frame size and FPS of the video. As a rough estimate, at 720p resolution and 3000 kbps bitrate, a 16MB video will be around 30 seconds long. The duration can vary based on video parameters.
Can I share long videos on WhatsApp status by splitting them?
No, WhatsApp does not allow you to split a long video and upload as separate statuses. Each status video goes as a single attachment with a max size of 16MB. However, you can share longer videos through chat attachments.
Is there a way to get WhatsApp to increase the 16MB limit?
Unfortunately no. The limit is set by WhatsApp based on their storage and performance considerations. As an end user, you cannot change this restriction. You have to work around the 16MB cap by optimizing your videos before posting.
Conclusion
To summarize, the maximum video size allowed on WhatsApp status is 16MB. Exceeding this limit will lead to failed uploads. WhatsApp has set this restriction to optimize storage space and performance. You can use video compression tools and editing techniques to downsize large videos. Also shoot new videos keeping the 16MB cap in mind. This will allow you to share fun video updates creatively within WhatsApp’s size limits.