Quick answer: Telegram's limit is 2 GB per file. Free accounts. Anyone can download larger files sent by Premium users. For anything bigger, send a download link: Share Large Video Files takes up to 20 GB per transfer, free and without an account.
The Telegram limit
What happens when a file is too big
The app refuses the file, or sends a compressed copy (photos and videos picked from the gallery are often reduced). Documents are usually sent as they are, up to the limit.
How to send a bigger file with Telegram
Send a download link instead of the file. The link is short text, so it fits in any message:
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop the file 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.
Compared with other chat apps
| App | Limit |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file |
| Discord Nitro | 500 MB per file |
| Slack | 1 GB per file |
| Google Chat | 200 MB per file |
| LinkedIn messages | 20 MB per message |
| Microsoft Teams (chat) | 250 GB per file |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer, free |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Telegram file size limit?
Telegram: 2 GB per file. Free accounts. Anyone can download larger files sent by Premium users.
How do I send a file larger than the Telegram limit?
Upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, free, no account) and paste the download link into Telegram. The recipient gets the original file.
When was this limit checked?
On September 29, 2026, against Telegram's own help pages (linked in the table). Services change their limits, so follow the source link if your file is close to it.
Which apps accept bigger files than Telegram?
Of the email and chat apps we track: Microsoft Teams (chat) (250 GB per file). Cloud drives and transfer services go much higher; Share Large Video Files takes up to 20 GB per transfer, free.
Ready to send?
Drop your files, get a link, done. Free up to 20 GB — no account needed.
Send files free