WhatsApp File Size Limits
File upload limits for WhatsApp in 2024
Documents
PDF, Office files, ZIP
Media (Mobile)
Photos, Videos, Audio
Media (Desktop)
Via WhatsApp Web/Desktop
Detailed WhatsApp Limits
| File Type | Mobile App | WhatsApp Web/Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Documents (PDF, DOC, etc.) | 16 MB | 2 GB |
| Videos | 16 MB (~90 sec HD) | 2 GB (~3 min 4K) |
| Photos | 16 MB (auto-compressed) | 16 MB |
| Audio Files | 16 MB (~16 min MP3) | 2 GB |
| Voice Messages | Unlimited duration | |
| Status/Story | 30 seconds max | |
| Group Members | 1,024 participants | |
| Broadcast List | 256 contacts | |
What Can You Send?
📸 Photos
- JPEG/JPG: ✅ Auto-compressed
- PNG: ✅ Auto-compressed
- GIF: ✅ Plays inline
- HEIC: ✅ Converted to JPEG
- WebP: ✅ Supported
Send as "Document" to avoid compression
🎥 Videos
- MP4: ✅ Best support
- MOV: ✅ Auto-converted
- AVI: ✅ Supported
- MKV: ✅ Supported
- 3GP: ✅ Supported
Mobile: ~90 sec max at 720p
🎵 Audio
- MP3: ✅ Inline player
- AAC: ✅ Inline player
- OGG: ✅ Inline player
- WAV: ✅ Inline player
- M4A: ✅ Inline player
Voice notes: unlimited length
📄 Documents
- PDF: ✅ In-app viewer
- DOC/DOCX: ✅ Supported
- XLS/XLSX: ✅ Supported
- PPT/PPTX: ✅ Supported
- ZIP/RAR: ✅ Up to 2GB
100 file types supported
Mobile vs Desktop Limits
📱 Mobile App (Android/iOS)
- All files: 16 MB limit
- Videos: ~90 seconds at 720p
- Photos: Automatically compressed
- Storage: Uses phone storage
- Advantage: Native camera integration
💻 WhatsApp Web/Desktop
- Documents: 2 GB limit
- Videos: Up to 2 GB (~3 min 4K)
- Photos: 16 MB (no compression)
- Storage: Uses phone + computer
- Advantage: Much larger file support
How to Share Larger Files
1. Use WhatsApp Desktop
Send files up to 2GB:
- Download WhatsApp Desktop app
- Link to your phone
- Send documents up to 2 GB
- Videos up to 2 GB supported
2. Compress Before Sending
Reduce file size:
- Videos: Use HandBrake or VLC
- Images: Send as document (no compression)
- Files: ZIP with compression
- Reduce video resolution/bitrate
3. Use Cloud Links
Upload and share link:
- Google Drive: 15 GB free
- Dropbox: 2 GB free
- OneDrive: 5 GB free
- WeTransfer: 2 GB free
4. Split Large Files
Break into parts:
- 7-Zip: Split into 16MB parts
- WinRAR: Multi-volume archives
- Video: Split with FFmpeg
- Send parts separately
Tips for Best Quality
📸 Preserve Photo Quality
- Send photos as "Documents" to avoid compression
- Original quality is preserved
- Recipients download full resolution
- Still limited to 16 MB on mobile
🎥 Video Compression
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec h264 -crf 28 -s 720x1280 output.mp4
Compress to ~15MB for mobile sharing
📄 Document Tips
- PDF: Compress before sending
- Office files: Remove unnecessary images
- ZIP: Use maximum compression
- Use Desktop app for files over 16MB
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does WhatsApp compress my photos?
WhatsApp automatically compresses photos to reduce data usage and storage. Photos are resized to 1600x1600 pixels max and compressed to JPEG. To send original quality, tap the attachment icon, choose "Document" instead of "Gallery," and select your photo.
Can I send videos longer than 90 seconds on mobile?
Yes, but they must be under 16 MB. Longer videos need lower resolution or bitrate. For example, 3 minutes at 480p might fit, but 720p won't. Use WhatsApp Desktop to send videos up to 2 GB (about 3 minutes at 4K or 30 minutes at 720p).
What's the difference between sending as media vs document?
Media (photos/videos): Automatically compressed, previewed in chat, stored in gallery. Documents: No compression, original quality preserved, shown as file attachment, doesn't save to gallery automatically.
Why is the 2GB limit only on Desktop?
Mobile data and storage constraints limit mobile apps to 16MB. Desktop apps have more resources and typically use WiFi, allowing larger transfers. The file still syncs to your phone but is stored more efficiently.
Do files expire or get deleted from WhatsApp?
Files remain accessible as long as you don't delete the chat. However, media auto-downloads can be disabled to save storage. If the sender deletes the message for everyone, the file is removed. WhatsApp doesn't have automatic expiration like some services.