Quick answer: To send a large MOV 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-minute 4K iPhone clip is about 180 MB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a MOV file?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container. It is what an iPhone saves when you record video, and it is the default output of many Mac apps and professional cameras. The container can hold several codecs, most often HEVC (H.265) or H.264 from phones, and ProRes from editing software and higher-end cameras.
MOV files get big because video is simply a lot of data. Resolution, frame rate and codec decide the size: a 4K clip at 60 fps holds roughly twice the data of the same clip at 30 fps, and ProRes files are many times larger than HEVC ones because they are built for editing rather than for saving space.
Extensions: .mov, .qt.
How big are MOV files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| 1 minute of 1080p 30 fps from an iPhone (HEVC) | about 60 MB |
| 1 minute of 4K 30 fps from an iPhone (HEVC) | about 170 to 190 MB |
| 1 minute of 4K 60 fps from an iPhone (HEVC) | about 400 to 450 MB |
| 1 minute of 4K 30 fps ProRes recorded on an iPhone Pro | about 6 GB |
| A 10-minute 4K 30 fps family video (HEVC) | roughly 1.7 to 2 GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send a 1-minute 4K iPhone clip (about 180 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.
How to send MOV files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop MOV files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
- Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
- 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 MOV files
- Send the original file from the Files or Photos export, not a screen recording or a copy saved from a chat app.
- On iPhone, choose "Options" then "All Photos Data" when exporting from Photos if you want to keep location and capture metadata.
- If your recipient is on an older Windows PC, mention that VLC will play HEVC MOV files without extra downloads.
- Only convert to MP4 if the recipient actually needs it. Converting re-encodes the video and can lower quality.
How to open a MOV file
Mac and iPhone: QuickTime Player, the Photos app and iMovie open MOV files natively. Windows: the Films & TV or Media Player app plays most MOV files, though HEVC clips may need Microsoft's HEVC Video Extensions. VLC plays almost any MOV on Windows, Mac and Android. Android: Google Photos and VLC play most phone MOV files.
On our download page: an HEVC MOV that a browser can't play gets a playable MP4 copy for the preview, so the recipient can watch before downloading; the download is still your original MOV.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iPhone MOV file so large?
Mostly because of resolution and frame rate. A minute of 4K 60 fps HEVC is roughly 400 MB, while the same minute at 1080p 30 fps is about 60 MB. ProRes recording is far larger again, around 6 GB per minute at 4K.
Will a Windows PC play a MOV file?
Usually yes. Windows media apps play most MOV files, but HEVC clips from an iPhone may need the HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. VLC, which is free, plays them without any add-on.
Should I convert MOV to MP4 before sending?
Only if the recipient asks for MP4. Both are containers for the same kind of video, and converting usually re-encodes it, which can soften detail. Sending the original MOV keeps full quality.
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