Quick answer: WhatsApp (document)'s limit is 2 GB per file. Any file type, sent without compression. For anything bigger, send a download link: Share Large Video Files takes up to 20 GB per transfer, free and without an account.
The WhatsApp limit
| Plan or type | Limit | Details | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Any file type, sent without compression. Source | Sep 2026 |
| WhatsApp (photo and video) | Varies; compressed | Photos and videos sent from the gallery are compressed, and WhatsApp's help pages give different caps depending on app version and connection. Send as a document to keep the original. Source | Sep 2026 |
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 WhatsApp
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 |
|---|---|
| Telegram | 2 GB per file |
| Telegram Premium | 4 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 WhatsApp file size limit?
WhatsApp (document): 2 GB per file. Any file type, sent without compression.
How do I send a file larger than the WhatsApp limit?
Upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, free, no account) and paste the download link into WhatsApp. The recipient gets the original file.
When was this limit checked?
On September 29, 2026, against WhatsApp'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 WhatsApp?
Of the email and chat apps we track: Microsoft Teams (chat) (250 GB per file), Telegram Premium (4 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.
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