# How to send MP3 files

MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III) files are often too big for email and chat apps. Here is how big they get and how to send them exactly as they are.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/send-mp3-files · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** To send a large MP3 file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A 1-hour podcast episode is about 60 MB, more than most email providers accept.

## What is a MP3 file?

MP3 is the most compatible compressed audio format. It is used for music demos, podcasts, audiobooks, voice notes and DJ sets, and plays on practically every device made in the last 25 years.

Single MP3s are small. At 320 kbps, the highest standard bitrate, a minute is about 2.4 MB, and at 128 kbps about 1 MB. Sizes only become a problem with long recordings, big libraries or a batch of episodes, which quickly pass email limits.

Extensions: .mp3.

## How big are MP3 files?

| File | Typical size |
| --- | --- |
| A 4-minute song at 320 kbps | about 9 to 10 MB |
| A 1-hour podcast episode at 128 kbps | about 55 to 60 MB |
| A 2-hour DJ mix at 320 kbps | about 290 MB |
| A 15-hour audiobook at 64 kbps | about 430 MB |

## Which apps can send one?

Can you send a 1-hour podcast episode (about 60 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 | Yes |
| 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](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/file-size-limits-by-app) table, checked against each service's help pages.

## How to send MP3 files without changing them

1. Open [Share Large Video Files](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/) in any browser and choose **Get a link** (or **Send by email**).
2. Drop MP3 files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
3. Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
4. Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.

## Tips for sending MP3 files

- Send the original MP3; re-encoding an MP3 to another MP3 loses quality each time.
- If you have a WAV master, export the MP3 from that rather than from another compressed file.
- Add ID3 tags (title, artist, artwork) before sending so the file is labelled in any player.
- Zip a batch of episodes or tracks into one download.

## How to open a MP3 file

Everything plays MP3: **Windows** Media Player, **Mac** Music and QuickTime, the **iPhone** Files app and **Android** music players and file managers. Web browsers play it too.

**On our download page:** a MP3 plays in the browser with a waveform, and the listener can leave comments at an exact time, which suits mix and voice-over reviews. The download is the original file.

## Frequently asked questions

### How big is an MP3 per minute?

About 2.4 MB at 320 kbps and about 1 MB at 128 kbps. The bitrate is the main factor.

### Why does my MP3 sound worse after sending it through a chat app?

Some apps re-encode audio to save data. A download link delivers the file unchanged.

### Should I send MP3 or WAV for a music demo?

MP3 at 320 kbps is fine for listening. Send WAV when someone needs to mix, master or edit the audio.