Quick answer: Telegram allows files of up to 2 GB each, or 4 GB with Telegram Premium, but compresses photos and videos sent the usual way; send them as a file to keep the original. Above 2 GB, or for people without Telegram, share a download link from here (up to 20 GB).
Telegram's file size limits
- 2 GB per file on a free account.
- 4 GB per file with Telegram Premium.
- Compression: photos and videos sent as media are compressed to play quickly in the chat. Sending them as a file keeps the original.
Those limits are high compared with most chat apps, but long 4K videos, full camera cards and project folders can still exceed them, and the recipient needs a Telegram account to receive anything. Telegram's own FAQ has the current figures.
Send a video as a file to avoid compression
- iPhone: tap the paperclip, then File, and choose from your gallery or the Files app. The video is sent uncompressed as a file.
- Android: tap the paperclip, then File, and pick the video from your gallery or storage.
- Telegram Desktop: drag the file into the chat and choose to send it as a file rather than as a video or photo.
Sent this way, the recipient gets the original file. It still counts towards the 2 GB (or 4 GB) limit per file.
Bigger than the limit, or for someone without Telegram
For files over the limit, or for recipients who do not use Telegram, upload once and share a link:
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser. There is no account to create.
- Add your files or a folder, up to 1000 files, totalling up to 20 GB.
- Choose Link, and add a password if you like.
- Keep the tab open until the upload is complete, then copy the link.
- Paste it into a Telegram chat, group or channel, or send it by text or email to people who are not on Telegram.
Recipients download the original file in their browser, with no compression and no account. The link works for 1 day, and you can delete the transfer earlier from the Transfers page, or choose delete after first download when sending.
Telegram file vs download link
| Telegram file | Download link | |
|---|---|---|
| Size per file | 2 GB, or 4 GB with Premium | Up to 20 GB per transfer |
| Recipient needs | A Telegram account | Only a browser |
| Quality | Original when sent as a file | Original |
| How long it stays | Until the message is deleted | 1 day, extendable |
| Password | No | Optional |
Tips for sending big files on Telegram
- Use Wi-Fi for multi-gigabyte files on your phone, and keep the upload screen or browser tab open until it finishes.
- Upload originals from your phone: on iPhone, save videos to the Files app first; on Android, pick them through the file manager. See the iPhone and Android guides.
- Channels and big groups: a link with a password lets you control who can download, and deleting the transfer stops the downloads.
- Want a smaller copy instead? Sending as a video lets Telegram compress it for you. We are also building a free video compressor for this site.
Sending on WhatsApp too? Read how to send large files on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Telegram file size limit?
Telegram allows files of up to 2 GB each, or up to 4 GB with Telegram Premium.
Does Telegram compress videos?
Videos and photos sent as media are compressed. Send them as a file to keep the original quality.
How do I send a file larger than 2 GB on Telegram?
Upgrade to Premium for up to 4 GB, or upload it here (up to 20 GB) and share the download link in the chat.
Can I send a file to someone who does not have Telegram?
Yes. Upload it here and send them the link by text or email. They download it in their browser.
Can I password-protect a file link?
Yes. Add an optional password when uploading and share it with the recipient separately.
How long can people download the file?
Transfer links work for 1 day. You can extend or delete a transfer from the Transfers page.
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