Quick answer: To send a large ZIP file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A zipped folder of photos is about 1.5 GB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a ZIP file?
ZIP is the most widely supported archive format. It bundles many files and folders into one, optionally compressing them, and Windows, macOS, iOS and Android can all open it without extra apps. That makes it the easiest way to send a whole project folder.
How much a ZIP shrinks depends on the contents. Text, spreadsheets, CSVs and uncompressed images compress well, while photos, videos, MP3s and most modern documents are already compressed and hardly shrink. A ZIP of videos is about the same size as the videos.
Extensions: .zip.
How big are ZIP files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| A folder of 200 JPEG photos | roughly 1 to 2 GB, about the same as the photos |
| A website or code project with assets | roughly 50 MB to 1 GB |
| A video project folder with footage | roughly 10 to 100 GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send a zipped folder of photos (about 1.5 GB) 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 | No, send a link |
| 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 ZIP files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop ZIP 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 ZIP files
- Zip a folder to preserve its structure and send it as one file.
- Do not expect a ZIP to shrink photos or video; it is for bundling.
- Use password protection with a strong password and share it through a different channel.
- Very old unzip tools may fail on archives over 4 GB; modern Windows and macOS handle them.
How to open a ZIP file
Windows: File Explorer opens ZIPs natively. Mac: double-click to extract with Archive Utility. iPhone: the Files app extracts ZIPs with a tap. Android: Files by Google and most file managers extract them.
Frequently asked questions
Why didn't zipping my videos make them smaller?
Video, photos and MP3s are already compressed, so ZIP cannot shrink them much. It still helps to bundle many files into one download.
Can a ZIP file be larger than 4 GB?
Yes. Modern ZIP tools use the ZIP64 extension, which allows much larger archives. Some very old tools do not support it.
How do I open a ZIP on an iPhone?
Tap it in the Files app and it extracts into a folder next to the ZIP. No extra app is needed.
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