Quick answer: A song's stems at 24-bit 48 kHz are about 17 MB per minute each, so a 4-minute song with 10 stems is about 700 MB. Upload them to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB) and they arrive bit-for-bit. For unreleased tracks, send view-only links so press and labels can listen with a watermark but not download; for session musicians, a file request collects their parts.
Files musicians and producers send, and how big they get
| File | Format | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo WAV, 16-bit 44.1 kHz | WAV | about 10.6 MB per minute |
| Stereo WAV, 24-bit 48 kHz | WAV | about 17 MB per minute |
| Stereo WAV, 24-bit 96 kHz master | WAV | about 35 MB per minute |
| 10 stems, 4 min, 24-bit 48 kHz stereo | WAV in a ZIP | about 690 MB |
| Lossless album | FLAC | about 300 to 500 MB |
| DAW project with audio and samples | Logic, Ableton, Pro Tools folder | 1 to 20 GB |
Uncompressed audio size = sample rate × bytes per sample × channels. For 24-bit 48 kHz stereo: 48,000 × 3 × 2 = 288,000 bytes a second, or about 17 MB a minute.
Can it go by email or chat?
Can you send 10 stems of a 4-minute song (about 660 MB) as an attachment?
| App | Limit | Fits? |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | Yes |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | Yes |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |
Limits from our file size limits by app table, checked against each service's help pages.
A workflow that works
- Stems for mixing: export all stems from bar 1 at the session sample rate, name them clearly, zip the folder and upload it.
- Collecting parts: create a Request files link and send it to session players; their WAVs arrive with you, untouched.
- Unreleased previews: upload the master, tick View only (no downloads) and set Who can open the link to confirmed emails. The track plays in the browser with the listener's email watermarked over the player.
- Fan downloads: use the Collect emails or Creator giveaway preset to ask for a name and email before the download.
Recommended options
| Option (under More options) | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| View only (no downloads) | On for unreleased tracks | Listen in the browser; no file to rip from the page |
| Who can open the link | Anyone who confirms their email | Every play is tied to a person |
| Download limits: per person | 1 (promo copies) | Fewer spare copies around |
| Ask for details before the files open | Name and email (fan downloads) | Build your mailing list |
| Available from | Release date and time | The download opens exactly on release |
Set these once, press Save current next to Preset, and reuse the same options for every release with one tap.
Feedback on a mix
On the download page an MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC or OGG plays with a waveform, and listeners can leave comments at an exact time (“vocal too loud at 1:42”), so notes on a mix arrive pinned to the right moment. The download is still the untouched original.
Why not send stems as MP3 or through chat?
MP3 and AAC throw away audio data; mixing from them adds artefacts. WhatsApp and Instagram re-encode audio and video. Send WAV or AIFF at the session's sample rate and bit depth, or FLAC if the recipient accepts it (lossless and about half the size).
Frequently asked questions
How big are stems?
About 17 MB per minute per stereo stem at 24-bit 48 kHz. Ten stems of a 4-minute song come to about 690 MB.
Will my WAV files be compressed?
No. They download exactly as uploaded, sample for sample.
Can I let a label listen without downloading?
Yes. View only lets them play the track in the browser with their email watermarked; there is no download button.
How do I collect parts from session musicians?
Create a file request and send them the link. They upload their WAVs without an account.
Ready to send?
Drop your files, get a link, done. Free up to 20 GB — no account needed.
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