Last updated on February 19th, 2024 at 12:26 am
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When you share a video on WhatsApp, it is compressed.
When the video is compressed, there’s quality loss. This isn’t usually noticeable on a small smartphone screen.
Sometimes, however, the video appears blurry as a result of the compression.
However, sometimes you just want the recipient to view the video in full resolution so that he doesn’t miss out on color details.
There is a way to send and share WhatsApp videos without losing the original quality.
As you know, WhatsApp limits file size to 16MB for photos, videos, and voice messages.
However, this limitation can be overcome to retain the video resolution and quality.
Why Does WhatsApp Reduce Video Quality?
There are two main reasons why WhatsApp reduces video quality.
1. Bandwidth and Data Savings:
- Low user data usage: Sending large, high-quality videos consumes a huge amount of data, especially for users with limited data plans. Compression reduces file size, leading to faster transfers and lower data usage.
- Reduced server load: WhatsApp handles millions of users sending and receiving media daily. Compressing videos significantly reduces storage and processing requirements on their servers, ensuring smooth operation for everyone.
2. Faster Delivery and Improved Accessibility:
- Faster transfer times: Compressed videos upload and download quicker, especially for users with slower internet connections. This improves the overall user experience.
- Accessibility in regions with limited internet: In areas with poor internet infrastructure, compressed videos are more likely to reach recipients successfully, ensuring better communication.
Those are valid reasons for WhatsApp video quality loss, but sometimes quality matters over speed.
The recipient may want quality instead of the speed of downloading a video file.
Here are ways to avoid WhatsApp compression when sharing a high-quality video or photo.
How to Prevent WhatsApp Video Quality Loss?
Here are the two methods you can use to stop WhatsApp from reducing the quality of the videos you share.
To avoid WhatsApp compressing your video, you need to choose the Document mode when sharing it.
Wouldn’t WhatsApp compress my video in document mode as it’s larger than 16MB?
No, because the maximum file applies only to photos, videos, and voice messages.
As for documents, the maximum file size allowed is 100MB.
So make sure your video file size is below 100MB.
Steps to Sharing WhatsApp Video as a Document
Step 1 – Transfer the Video to Your Phone Document Folder
First of all, you need to move your video files to your documents folder. This is because WhatsApp only allows you to pick files from the document folder when sending your video in Document mode.
Go to your File browser app on your phone.
After opening it, choose your video folder.
Next, choose your video from the appropriate folder.
We have selected a video file larger than 16MB.
After selecting the video file, click on the three dots on the top right.
From the dropdown menu choose Move.
Move the video file to Internal Storage.
Next, choose the Documents folder.
Your video file is transferred to the Documents folder when you tap on done.
You’re now ready to send the video file as a document through WhatsApp.
Step 2 – Send Video File as a Document
First, choose the message recipient. Then tap on the paper clip icon.
Then select Document.
You’ll be brought to your documents folder. By default, all your document files will be listed.
If you don’t see your video file, do a search for it by entering .mp4.
You’ll see a list of your video files. Select the one you want to send.
You’ll be asked to confirm whether you want to send the video file. Click on Send.
You’ll see WhatsApp sending a video file that’s larger than 16MB.
Wait until the process the completed. It may take a while.
The video file which has a file size of 29MB has been successfully sent.
But what if your video file size exceeds 100MB?
Sharing WhatsApp Video Above 100MB
No matter what, you can’t send a video file exceeding 100MB in WhatsApp Document mode.
The workaround is to use a cloud storage app.
Google Drive is recommended.
First, select the video file from your phone. Then tap the Share button.
Choose Drive as your option.
Select the folder you wish to share the video to and then select Save.
Next, find the file in your Google Drive and click on the 3 dots.
From the menu, choose Copy link.
Next, go to WhatsApp and paste the link.
The person receiving the link would just have to click on the link to open and play the video.
Also, he can download the video and play it.
Those are the two ways you can share WhatsApp videos without losing quality.
Choosing these methods will ensure that WhatsApp doesn’t compress your video and reduce its quality.
Choose your preferred method and give it a try.
Video Guide
Check out the video guide below to refresh your understanding of the above steps.
Table Summary
To refresh your understanding of the topic, spend a few moments going through the table below.
Sharing WhatsApp Videos Above 16MB in Full Resolution
| Method | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Send as Document (Android) | – No quality loss | – Limited to 100MB | 1. Open chat, tap paperclip > Document > Browse other docs. 2. Find video, select, send. |
| Send as Document (iPhone – iOS 12 or older) | – No quality loss | – Limited to 100MB | 1. Open chat, tap attachment > Photo & Video Library > Documents. 2. Find video, select, send. |
| Send Original Quality Media (Android & iPhone) | – No compression | – May consume more data | 1. Open WhatsApp Settings > Media > Storage Usage. 2. Enable “Send using highest quality”. |
| Cloud Storage & Link Sharing | – No size limit | – Requires internet access, recipient downloads | 1. Upload video to Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. 2. Share link in chat. |
| Large File Transfer Apps | – Send large files directly | – Requires specific app, recipient may need it too | 1. Use apps like WeTransfer, Smash, etc. 2. Upload video, share link or send directly. |
| Video Compression Apps | – Reduce file size, some retain good quality | – Quality loss depends on compression level | 1. Use apps like VideoProc, HandBrake, etc. 2. Compress video, send via WhatsApp. |
Additional Notes:
- Sending as a document bypasses WhatsApp’s compression but has a lower size limit.
- Sending using original quality may be slow and consume more data.
- Cloud storage and large file transfer apps are good for large videos or sharing with multiple recipients.
- Video compression reduces quality but allows sending within WhatsApp’s size limit.
- Choose the method that best suits your needs, considering factors like video size, quality requirements, recipient access, and data usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whatsapp reduce video quality if I have a super fast Internet connection?
Even with a fast internet connection, WhatsApp still compresses videos by default, regardless of your upload or download speed.
How many videos can I send at once on WhatsApp?
The number of videos you can send at once on WhatsApp depends on two factors:
Sending Method
- Individual Videos: You can send up to 100 photos or videos simultaneously through the built-in media-sharing feature. This applies to both Android and iPhone users. Before February 2023, the limit was 30 photos or videos.
- Sending as Documents (Android only): This method bypasses WhatsApp’s compression but has a lower limit. You can send up to one document at a time; the maximum file size is 100MB.
File Size
- Each individual video or document must be within the size limit mentioned above. If you send multiple videos, their combined size cannot exceed the limit.
So, you can technically send up to 100 videos at once, as long as their combined size is less than 100MB. However, if you’re using the “Send as Document” method on Android, you’re limited to one video per message with a maximum size of 100MB.
Additional Tips
- Sending large numbers of videos at once can be slow and consume a lot of data, especially if you’re using mobile data.
- Consider compressing videos before sending them if you need to share multiple large files.
- Alternatively, you can upload videos to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link with your recipient.
