WhatsApp's video limits
WhatsApp sets its video limit by connection speed. On a fast connection a video can be up to 100 MB at 720p. On a slower one the limit is 64 MB at 480p. Anything bigger has to go as a document, up to 2 GB.
| App | Limit | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp video | 64 MB | 100 MB at 720p on fast connections, 64 MB at 480p on slow ones. | Help page |
| WhatsApp document | 2 GB | Sent as a file, so it arrives as the original. | Help page |
Why 64 MB at 720p
The WhatsApp button aims for a file that sends on either kind of connection: under 64 MB and no larger than 720p. WhatsApp doesn't send video above 720p anyway, so extra pixels would only cost size. If you know both phones have a fast connection, choose Custom and enter 100.
What fits
| Clip length | Starts at | Video bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 0:15 | 720p, 30 fps | 5.5 Mbps |
| 0:30 | 720p, 30 fps | 5.5 Mbps |
| 1:00 | 720p, 30 fps | 5.5 Mbps |
| 2:00 | 720p, 30 fps | 3.9 Mbps |
| 3:00 | 720p, 30 fps | 2.6 Mbps |
| 5:00 | 720p, 30 fps | 1.5 Mbps |
| 8:00 | 540p, 30 fps | 0.9 Mbps |
Videos up to about five minutes keep full 720p. Longer ones step down to 540p.
Sending the original as a document
If quality matters more than a preview in the chat, send the video as a document instead of as a video. Documents can be up to 2 GB and arrive as the original file, but the other person has to open the file to watch it.
Questions
Why does WhatsApp make my videos blurry?
WhatsApp re-encodes videos so they send quickly. Sending a clean 720p file inside its limit avoids an extra downscale, but WhatsApp may still compress it. For the untouched original, send it as a document.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. Open mp4mini in your phone's browser, tap Choose video, and when it's done, tap Share and pick WhatsApp.
Is my video uploaded anywhere?
No. It is compressed on your phone or computer and never leaves it. mp4mini isn't affiliated with WhatsApp.