15% off · code CREATOR15

Messaging · Global

WhatsApp chat export settings and upload specs.

What WhatsApp chat publishes about chat (send video) uploads, with a link to each source, and the settings we would export with.

Recommended export

Shinel recommendation

720 x 1280 · 30 fps · H.264 High level 3.1 · 1.9 Mbps VBR · keyframe every 2 s · AAC 128 kbps 48 kHz · Rec. 709 (BT.709), 8-bit 4:2:0, limited (TV) range

Sized so a 1:00 clip fits the 16 MB limit with 4% headroom.

Change resolution, fps or HDR in the generator

WhatsApp chat upload limits

Each value links to where it was published.

Resolution
Desktop help: 720p by default on faster connections, 480p on slower ones How to send media, contacts, or location | WhatsApp Help Center, checked 2026-10-25
Video codec
Business Cloud API: H.264 video and AAC audio only; Main or Baseline profile without B-frames for Android Media - WhatsApp Business Platform (Meta for Developers), checked 2026-10-25
Container
3GP, AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MP4 (desktop help); MP4 or 3GP via Business Cloud API How to send media, contacts, or location | WhatsApp Help Center, checked 2026-10-25
Max file size
Up to 2 GB when sent as a document. As media, pages differ: 100 MB (64 MB on slow links) on desktop help, 16 MB on older FAQ pages.
  • Sent as media (older pages say 16 MB): 16 MB
  • Sent as media (desktop help): 100 MB
  • Sent as a document: 2 GB
Reactions, 2GB File Sharing, 512 Groups - WhatsApp Blog, checked 2026-10-25
Audio
AAC, one audio stream or none (Business Cloud API) Media - WhatsApp Business Platform (Meta for Developers), checked 2026-10-25

Good to know about WhatsApp chat

  • Video sent as media is compressed; send the file as a document to deliver it unchanged (up to 2 GB).
  • Business Cloud API: video media limit 16 MB; put the moov box before mdat (ffmpeg -movflags faststart).

WhatsApp chat export settings by editing app

Other WhatsApp formats

Frequently asked questions

What are the best export settings for WhatsApp chat?

720 x 1280, 30 fps, H.264 High, 1.9 Mbps VBR, AAC 128 kbps at 48 kHz, in an MP4. Sized so a 1:00 clip fits the 16 MB limit with 4% headroom.

What is WhatsApp chat's maximum file size?

Up to 2 GB when sent as a document. As media, pages differ: 100 MB (64 MB on slow links) on desktop help, 16 MB on older FAQ pages..

Shinel Studios

Rather send the footage and get WhatsApp chat-ready edits back?

Our editors cut, caption, colour and export to each platform's spec, with 2 revision rounds. Shorts come back in 48-72 hours, long videos in 5-10 days.

See video editing Prices