Quick answer: Slack accepts files of up to 1 GB each, but plan limits, admin rules and guests from other companies can still get in the way. For bigger files or outside recipients, upload them here (up to 20 GB) and post the download link.
Slack's file limits and what affects them
- 1 GB per file: Slack accepts individual uploads of up to 1 GB.
- Free plan history: free workspaces only show the most recent 90 days of messages and files, so an older upload effectively disappears from view.
- Admin settings: workspace owners can restrict who may upload files, set retention policies that delete files after a set time, or limit sharing with external people.
- Storage: every file stays in the workspace until someone deletes it or a retention policy removes it.
Slack updates its plans from time to time, so its help centre has the current details for your workspace.
How to upload a file to Slack
- Open the channel or direct message.
- Click the + button in the message box and choose to upload from your computer, or drag the file into the conversation. On mobile, tap + and pick the file or video.
- Add a message and send.
If the file is over 1 GB, Slack will not accept it. If uploads are disabled in your workspace, the option will be missing or show an error. In both cases, sharing a link is the way through.
Share a download link instead
A link is also the better choice when the recipient is outside your workspace, or when you do not want a multi-gigabyte file stored in Slack forever:
- Open Share Large Video Files in your browser. No account is needed.
- Add your files or a folder, up to 1000 files, totalling up to 20 GB.
- Choose Link. For client work, add a password.
- Keep the tab open until the upload completes, then copy the link.
- Paste the link into Slack, in a channel, a DM or a thread.
Everyone with the link downloads the original files, whether or not they are in your workspace. The link expires after 1 day and the files are then deleted, so large files do not pile up. From the Transfers page you can see download counts, extend the expiry or delete the transfer when the job is done.
Before sharing work files outside Slack, check your company's policy on external services, and read our security overview for what is and is not offered.
When to use Slack uploads and when to use a link
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Screenshots, short clips and documents for your team | Upload to Slack |
| Files over 1 GB | Download link |
| Files for clients or people outside the workspace | Download link |
| Uploads disabled by your admin | Ask your admin, then a link if it is allowed |
| Files the team must find again months later | Upload to Slack, or your company's cloud storage |
Tips for desktop, iPhone and Android
- Desktop: upload in a browser tab while you keep working in Slack, and paste the link when it is ready. Uploads are sent in chunks, and brief connection drops are retried automatically while the tab stays open.
- iPhone and Android: upload in Safari or Chrome, then use the share sheet to send the link to Slack. See our iPhone and Android guides for picking the original video.
- Review copies: if the team just needs a quick look, a smaller export plays more easily. A free video compressor is on its way to this site; for the master file, send a link.
- Pin the link in the channel so people can find it until it expires.
Also on Discord? See how to send large files on Discord.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum file size in Slack?
Slack accepts files of up to 1 GB each. Your workspace admins can add further restrictions.
How do I send a file larger than 1 GB in Slack?
Upload it here, up to 20 GB, and paste the download link into the channel or DM.
Why can I not see files older than 90 days in Slack?
Free Slack workspaces only show the most recent 90 days of messages and files.
Can people outside my workspace download the file?
Yes, with a transfer link. Anyone with the link can download it, so add a password for sensitive files.
Does the link stay in Slack forever?
The message stays, but the link expires after 1 day and the files are deleted. You can extend it from the Transfers page.
Are files compressed?
No. Files are delivered in original quality, byte for byte.
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