WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily send messages, photos, videos, documents, and more to friends and family. However, users may sometimes run into issues when trying to send certain videos on WhatsApp.
File Size Limit
One of the most common reasons you may not be able to send a video on WhatsApp is because the file size is too large. WhatsApp has a file size limit of 100MB for all files sent through the app. This includes videos, photos, documents, and any other media.
If your video exceeds 100MB, WhatsApp will not allow you to attach and send it through the app. You’ll get an error saying the file is too large. This is to ensure videos and files don’t slow down the servers and prevent lags or crashes in the app.
To fix this, you need to compress or reduce the size of your video below 100MB before sending it on WhatsApp. There are many free video compressor apps and programs you can use to optimize and reduce video file sizes.
Video Format Limitations
In addition to the file size limit, WhatsApp also has restrictions on which video formats and codecs it supports for sending. WhatsApp only supports the following video formats:
- MP4
- 3GP
- WMV
- MOV
- AVI
If your video is in a format not on that list, such as MKV, FLV, WebM, or others, WhatsApp will not allow you to send it. The app simply doesn’t support those video codecs.
To fix this, you’ll need to convert your video into one of the supported formats above before sending it through WhatsApp. There are free online video converters or converter apps you can use to change the video format.
Copyright Protected Videos
In some cases, you may be unable to send a video on WhatsApp if it is copyright protected or restricted. For example, videos that are purchased or rented through services like iTunes or Amazon Prime cannot be shared on WhatsApp.
Movie studios, TV networks, and video creators often add Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions to videos to prevent unauthorized sharing. These DRM-protected videos typically cannot be downloaded, shared, or sent through messaging apps.
Trying to send these videos on WhatsApp will result in an error. The only way around this is to remove the DRM restrictions, which usually requires circumventing the copyright protections in place. This may violate copyright law in certain countries.
Videos Blocked By WhatsApp
In rare cases, WhatsApp themselves may block certain videos from being shared on their platform. This is most commonly done to remove videos that violate WhatsApp’s terms of service and community guidelines.
For example, videos that depict extreme violence, hate speech, nudity, dangerous or illegal acts may be blocked by WhatsApp. The app can use automated filters or manual reviewers to identify and stop these videos from circulating.
Trying to send a video that violates WhatsApp’s rules will result in an error, and your account could even be banned if you repeatedly try to share blocked content.
Network Connection Issues
Technical issues with your network connection can also prevent videos being sent on WhatsApp properly. A poor internet connection, weak WiFi signal, or data issues on your mobile network can all disrupt sending videos.
Large video files need steady connectivity to upload and send to recipients. Check that you have a strong WiFi or cellular data signal before trying to send a video. Move closer to your wireless router or switch from WiFi to mobile data if needed.
In some cases, you may need to wait until you have a better network connection to send your video. WhatsApp will keep retrying the upload if it fails initially due to a connection problem.
How to Fix WhatsApp Video Sending Errors
If you’re running into errors sending videos on WhatsApp, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Compress your video to under 100MB using a video compressor app
- Convert your video to a supported format like MP4 using an online converter
- Avoid sending copyright-protected or DRM videos purchased from other services
- Make sure your video doesn’t violate WhatsApp’s content policies
- Check your internet connection and try switching between WiFi and mobile data
- Update to the latest version of WhatsApp in case it’s a bug
- Clear WhatsApp’s cache and data to remove corrupt files
- Restart your phone to refresh the operating system and connections
With the right troubleshooting, you should be able to resolve most WhatsApp video sending issues. Reach out to WhatsApp support if the problems persist across devices and networks.
Maximum Duration for WhatsApp Videos
In addition to file size limits, WhatsApp also restricts the maximum duration allowed for videos sent through the app:
| Video Type | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
| Photo to Video | 30 seconds |
| Recorded Video | 60 seconds |
| Imported Video | Up to 100MB limit |
The 30 second limit applies to videos created using WhatsApp’s photo to video feature. This converts still photos into short video clips.
For videos recorded directly within WhatsApp, the limit is 60 seconds.
Imported videos from your phone’s gallery have no duration limit, as long as they are under the 100MB file size restriction.
Trying to send longer videos will result in an error. You’ll need to trim or split the video into segments under the duration limits before sending.
Will WhatsApp Increase Video Time Limits?
WhatsApp has not indicated any plans to increase the duration limits for videos. The current 30 second and 60 second caps have been in place for several years.
These limits are likely to avoid overly large video files being shared, which would put a strain on WhatsApp’s servers. The company has focused more on increasing file size limits rather than duration.
However, WhatsApp has been gradually improving video call capabilities. It’s possible duration limits on sending recorded videos may also see small increases in the future.
For now, users must work within the 30 second and 60 second constraints for directly recorded WhatsApp videos. Any other imported video can be longer, as long as it’s under 100MB.
Tips for Sending Long Videos on WhatsApp
If you need to share a long video that exceeds WhatsApp duration limits, here are some options:
- Compress the video to shrink the file size below 100MB
- Split the long video into multiple smaller segments
- Upload the video to a cloud drive like Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link
- Use a separate video sharing app to send the longer video
- Enable Google Photos integration to access longer videos right within WhatsApp
While WhatsApp limits how long your video can be, there are workarounds to share longer videos through links, cloud drives, and integrated apps.
Quality and Resolution Settings for WhatsApp Videos
WhatsApp allows you to choose the resolution, quality, and file size of videos recorded and sent directly through the app. Higher resolution gives better quality, but also increases file size.
Go to WhatsApp Settings > Storage and Data > Media Auto Download to configure video quality settings:
| Setting | Resolution | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Auto (Recommended) | 480p | Smaller file |
| Best Quality | 720p | Higher quality, larger file |
| Data Saver | 144p | Lower quality, smallest file |
Finding the right balance between video quality and file size can help avoid errors when sending videos on WhatsApp.
Using WhatsApp Web/Desktop for Videos
If you’re having issues sending videos from your phone’s WhatsApp app, try using WhatsApp Web or Desktop instead.
Open web.whatsapp.com in your desktop browser or install WhatsApp Desktop to send messages and videos from your computer.
The web and desktop versions have the same video restrictions but may be more stable and reliable for sending large files. You can also more easily compress or convert videos using desktop tools before uploading to WhatsApp Web.
Conclusion
WhatsApp limits on video file size, duration, and format are in place to ensure smooth operation and prevent abuse. Work within 100MB file limits, 60 second duration for recorded videos, and supported formats like MP4 when sending videos.
Compress files, split long videos, convert formats, and leverage web tools when you need to send videos that exceed WhatsApp’s guidelines and restrictions. With the right optimizations, you can ensure your videos deliver successfully in WhatsApp.