Make a smaller MP4 for sharing. The 15 MB preset is a conservative target, not WhatsApp’s universal limit.
How to Compress a Video for WhatsApp
- Add the clip. Choose a supported video from your device.
- Set a target. Start with the 15 MB preset or enter another size. Choose a lower resolution if the clip needs to shrink further.
- Preview and send. Download the MP4, check the picture and sound, then attach it in WhatsApp.
Need a different use case? Open the MOV compressor for general settings.
Why a Video May Not Send
File size is one possible cause, but the sending method, connection, and the video’s codecs also matter. A smaller MP4 can be easier to send; it cannot fix every WhatsApp error.
Limits for chat media and documents differ. Check the current WhatsApp media guidance for your app rather than relying on an old 16 MB rule.
Start with a 15 MB Target
The 15 MB preset gives you a compact file for everyday sharing. It is our starting setting, not a statement about the maximum WhatsApp accepts.
Try a smaller target when upload speed matters. If a long clip loses too much detail, use a larger target or shorten it in your usual editor before compressing.
Keep Vertical Video Vertical
Leave Resolution on Original to keep the source dimensions, or choose 1080p, 720p, or 480p for a smaller output. Resizing preserves the aspect ratio instead of stretching a portrait clip into landscape.
Check the result preview for orientation, framing, and sound before sending, especially for a phone recording.
When to Send a Video as a Document
WhatsApp also supports file attachments sent as documents. Its official messaging page lists a 2 GB file limit, which is separate from the limits for chat video.
Use the app’s document option when you need to share a file that fits that allowance. Compress it here when you want to reduce the amount your recipient needs to download.
Questions & answers
Is WhatsApp’s video limit 15 MB?
No. Fifteen MB is this tool’s conservative sharing preset. WhatsApp’s limits depend on how you send the video and the app you use. Check WhatsApp’s current guidance for the applicable limit.
Can I compress a video without losing quality?
Re-encoding can lose detail. A small target may need a visible reduction in quality, especially for a long clip. Try a larger target or use Quality mode if the preset makes the picture too soft.
Does this add a watermark?
No. The output has no added watermark or logo, and you do not need to create an account.
Can I use this on a phone?
If your mobile browser can decode the input and encode the MP4 output, yes. The tool checks support for the selected file. Large recordings are better attempted on a computer with enough local storage.
Will my video stay vertical?
The resolution options preserve the source aspect ratio. Keep Original if you want the same dimensions, and check the output preview before sending it.
Is my video uploaded while it is compressed?
No. Compression happens on this device. Clear the queue to remove its temporary results. The storage cleanup button checks unused results left by closed tabs; original and downloaded files are separate.