WhatsApp may increase maximum file transfer size to 2GB

Whatsapp Desktop Green
Whatsapp Desktop Green (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • WhatsApp is trying out an increased file transfer limit of 2GB with some beta testers.
  • The current file size limit for WhatsApp is 100MB, which is relatively small compared to some competing platforms.
  • As smartphone cameras improve, the file sizes of photos and videos generally trend upward.

WhatsApp's current file size limit is 100MB. That cap is generally enough for any photo or short video but may not meet the demands of certain people. As smartphone cameras improve, the size of videos and photos increases, at least generally speaking. Videos that are around a minute long can easily be over 100MB with certain camera settings.

In addition to the limit restricting which content can be sent through WhatsApp, the cap is lower than that of some of the best WhatsApp alternatives. For example, Telegram supports files up to 2GB.

While WhatsApp trails behind some social media platforms, it is far ahead of Discord, which limits messages to 8MB unless users have Nitro, which allows for larger file transfers.

At the moment, only some users in Argentina have the option to send larger files through WhatsApp. The new option may roll out to a wider set of users in the future.

WhatsApp Beta

WhatsApp Beta

WhatsApp Beta allows you to try out upcoming and experimental features for WhatsApp, such as multi-device syncing that lets you use WhatsApp even when your phone is off. Some testers are able to send files as large as 2GB at the moment.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.