Compress Video for WhatsApp
Free WhatsApp video compressor. Shrink any video to fit WhatsApp's 16MB file size limit. Runs in your browser with no signup and no server uploads.
WhatsApp rejects videos over 16MB or compresses them aggressively, killing the quality. Use our free video compressor to reduce file size on your terms. You control the resolution and quality. Everything runs locally in your browser using WebAssembly, so your files never leave your device.
Ready to compress?
Open the video compressor, upload your file, pick 480p + Medium quality, and download a WhatsApp-ready MP4.
Compress Video NowFree, no signup, works in any browser
WhatsApp File Size Limits (2026)
| Attachment Type | Max Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Video (media) | 16 MB | Plays inline in chat with preview thumbnail |
| Document | 2 GB | No inline preview, recipient must download and open |
| Status | 16 MB / 30 sec | Limited to 30 seconds and auto-compressed by WhatsApp |
For the best experience, compress your video below 16MB so it plays inline with a thumbnail. Sending as a document avoids compression but loses the preview. See our platform file size limits for all messaging apps.
How to Compress Video for WhatsApp
- 1Open the video compressor
Go to our video compressor. It loads FFmpeg in your browser so nothing gets uploaded to a server.
- 2Upload your video
Drag and drop your video file or tap to browse. Works with MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WebM, and most other formats. Works on iPhone, Android, and desktop.
- 3Pick WhatsApp-friendly settings
Choose 480p resolution and Medium quality. This keeps most clips well under 16MB. If the video is still too large, trim it with our video trimmer first.
- 4Download and send via WhatsApp
Click Compress, wait for processing, and download the MP4. Open WhatsApp and attach it as a video for inline playback with a thumbnail preview.
Why Pre-Compress Instead of Letting WhatsApp Do It?
- 1.Better quality. WhatsApp's auto-compression is aggressive and often creates visible artifacts, especially in dark scenes. Pre-compressing with Medium quality looks noticeably better.
- 2.Faster sending. Smaller files upload to WhatsApp faster, especially on slow mobile data connections.
- 3.Control the result. You choose the resolution and quality instead of leaving it up to WhatsApp's unpredictable algorithm.
- 4.Avoid rejections. Videos over 16MB get rejected entirely when sent as media. No error message, just nothing happens. Pre-compressing prevents this.
Tips for Smaller WhatsApp Videos
- 1.Trim first. Remove unnecessary footage with the video trimmer before compressing. Shorter clips mean smaller files.
- 2.Use 480p. WhatsApp plays video on a small phone screen. 480p looks fine at mobile viewing distance and saves a lot of space.
- 3.Convert to GIF for short clips. Clips under 5 seconds work great as GIFs that auto-play in WhatsApp chats.
- 4.Send as MP4. MP4 (H.264) is the most compatible format for WhatsApp. Our compressor always outputs MP4. If your source is MOV or MKV, you can also convert to MP4 first.
Estimated Output Size by Duration
Approximate MP4 file sizes after compression at Medium quality. Actual results vary based on video content and motion.
| Duration | 480p | 720p | Fits in 16MB? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 seconds | ~1-2 MB | ~2-4 MB | Yes |
| 30 seconds | ~3-5 MB | ~6-12 MB | Yes |
| 1 minute | ~5-10 MB | ~12-25 MB | 480p only |
| 3 minutes | ~15-30 MB | ~35-70 MB | Trim first |
For WhatsApp, a 30-second clip at 480p is the sweet spot. Use the video trimmer to cut longer clips down to size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WhatsApp's video file size limit?
WhatsApp limits video attachments to 16MB on most platforms. Videos larger than 16MB cannot be sent as media messages. You can send larger files (up to 2GB) as document attachments, but they lose the inline preview and thumbnail.
What settings should I use to compress video for WhatsApp?
Use 480p resolution and Medium quality in the video compressor. This keeps most 30-60 second clips well under 16MB with good visual quality on a phone screen.
Does WhatsApp compress videos automatically?
Yes. WhatsApp applies aggressive compression that often creates visible artifacts. Pre-compressing with controlled settings gives you better quality because you choose the level instead of letting WhatsApp decide.
Is my video uploaded to a server?
No. The compressor runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly (FFmpeg). Your video files never leave your device.
Can I compress videos for WhatsApp on my phone?
Yes. The compressor works in any mobile browser on iPhone and Android. Open the tool, upload your video, compress, and share directly to WhatsApp. No app install needed.
How long of a video can I send on WhatsApp?
At 480p Medium quality, you can fit roughly 30-60 seconds into 16MB. At Low quality, up to 2 minutes may fit. For longer clips, use the video trimmer to cut out the best part first.
Compress your video for WhatsApp now
No signup, no server uploads. Your files stay on your device.
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