Discord upload limits
| Account | Maximum file size |
|---|---|
| Free | 20 MB |
| Nitro Basic | 50 MB |
| Nitro | Up to 1 GB |
Figures from Discord’s File Attachments FAQ. If a file is over your limit, Discord won’t send it and suggests Nitro.
How to compress a video for Discord
- Choose the limit for your account. Most people need 20 MB.
- Choose the video or drop it on the box above.
- Download the MP4 and drag it into a Discord chat.
How the size is calculated
The converter takes the size limit, subtracts room for the sound and the file’s structure, and divides the rest by the video’s length to get the highest video bitrate that fits. It then picks a matching resolution, because low bitrates look sharper at smaller sizes:
| Bitrate available | Resolution used |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 Mbps | Up to 1080p |
| 1–2.5 Mbps | 720p |
| 0.5–1 Mbps | 480p |
| Under 0.5 Mbps | 360p |
If the first try comes out slightly too big, it’s encoded again at a lower bitrate, so the file always lands under the limit.
Tips for the best quality
- Trim first. Sending only the important 20 seconds lets them look far better.
- Short clips need nothing else. A 30-second clip fits in 20 MB at 720p.
- Very long videos may be too long to fit at a watchable quality; the tool tells you the longest length that works.
Discord also re-compresses videos for playback in some cases, so there’s no benefit in sending a file far above the quality it can show.
Privacy
The video is compressed in your browser and never uploaded to us or anyone else. It only goes to Discord when you send it.
Questions
What is Discord's file size limit?
According to Discord's File Attachments FAQ, free accounts can upload files up to 20 MB (raised from 10 MB in August 2026). Nitro Basic allows 50 MB and Nitro up to 1 GB. Discord says it's experimenting with limits, so some accounts may see different numbers.
Why is the quality lower for long videos?
The whole video has to fit in the size limit, so a longer video gets fewer bits per second. A 30-second clip under 20 MB looks good at 720p; a 5-minute video under 20 MB has to drop to a small size. Trimming to the part you want to share gives the best result.
Will the video play inside Discord?
Yes. The result is an MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio, which Discord plays in the chat on desktop, web and mobile.
My video is already under the limit. What happens?
You'll see a message that it can be sent as it is. There's no need to compress it.
Last reviewed 6 November 2026