In today’s digital world, sharing files and videos is part of everyday life. Whether it’s a presentation, high-quality photos, or a long video, you’ve likely encountered the common issue of file size limits when trying to send something larger than 25MB. This can be particularly frustrating when your email or messaging platform simply won’t cooperate.
But don’t worry! There are several effective ways to send large files and videos that are larger than the 25MB limit. In this article, we’ll walk through some of the best tips and tools for getting around size restrictions so you can send your files with ease.
Why Is There a 25MB Limit?
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand why many platforms like Gmail or Messenger impose a 25MB limit in the first place. Sending large files directly through email or other platforms uses significant bandwidth, and larger files could overwhelm the system, leading to delays or crashes. Platforms restrict file sizes to ensure smooth performance for users. But there are workarounds, and below, we’ll explore those.
Use Cloud Storage Services
The most convenient way to send large files and videos is to use cloud storage services. Cloud storage allows you to upload your files to a server, and then you can share a download link with your recipient.
1. Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage platforms. If you have a Gmail account, you already have access to Google Drive, which allows you to store up to 15GB for free. When sending an email in Gmail, you can attach files directly from Google Drive.
This is particularly useful if your file exceeds the 25MB limit because you can send large files without worrying about size restrictions.
How to use it:
- Upload your file or video to Google Drive.
- Right-click on the file and select Share.
- Set the file’s permission to Anyone with the link can view or edit.
- Copy the link and share it with your recipient via email or messaging platform.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox is another popular cloud storage service, allowing you to send large files easily. The free plan offers 2GB of storage, but you can upgrade for more space. Dropbox generates a shareable link that you can send to anyone, even if they don’t have a Dropbox account.
How to use it:
- Upload your file to Dropbox.
- Click on the Share button next to the file.
- Copy the link and send it to your recipient.
3. OneDrive
If you’re a Microsoft user, OneDrive is integrated with many of its products like Outlook and Microsoft Office. OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage, making it an excellent option for storing and sharing large files.
How to use it:
- Upload your large file to OneDrive.
- Right-click the file and choose Share.
- Select Anyone with this link can view and send the link to your recipient.
Compress Your Files
Another way to send large files is by compressing them. File compression reduces the file size, making it easier to send through email or messaging platforms without exceeding the size limit.
4. Use File Compression Software (ZIP or RAR)
There are many free file compression tools, such as WinRAR and 7-Zip, that can reduce the size of your files significantly. When you compress a file, it turns into a smaller ZIP or RAR file that can be easily sent over email.
How to use it:
- Download and install a file compression tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Right-click on the file or folder and choose Compress.
- After compression, you can send the ZIP or RAR file, which will likely be under 25MB.
Send via File Transfer Services
When cloud storage or compression isn’t enough, file transfer services are another great option. These services are designed specifically for sending large files, and many offer free options.
5. WeTransfer
WeTransfer is one of the easiest file transfer platforms. You can send files up to 2GB for free without needing to sign up for an account. The recipient will receive an email link that allows them to download the file directly from WeTransfer.
How to use it:
- Visit WeTransfer.com.
- Upload your file (up to 2GB).
- Enter your email and the recipient’s email.
- Send the transfer, and your recipient will get a link to download the file.
6. Send Anywhere
Send Anywhere is another excellent file transfer service that supports file sizes up to 10GB for free. What makes it unique is its security features—it generates a unique six-digit key for each file transfer, ensuring that only the recipient with the key can access the file.
How to use it:
- Go to Send-Anywhere.com.
- Upload your file and note the six-digit key.
- Share the key with the recipient, and they can enter it on the site to download the file.
7. Smash
Smash is an emerging file-sharing platform that allows you to send files without size limitations. The free version offers many benefits, such as no file size limit and transfers that remain available for 14 days.
How to use it:
- Go to fromsmash.com.
- Drag and drop your file into the upload area.
- Copy and share the link with your recipient.
Use Messaging Apps
Some messaging apps allow you to bypass email size limits by sharing files directly.
8. WhatsApp
WhatsApp lets you send files up to 100MB. While this isn’t a solution for extremely large files, it can work if your file size is under this limit. Simply use the app to attach and send your file.
9. Telegram
Telegram allows users to send files as large as 2GB, making it one of the best options for sharing larger files and videos.
How to use it:
- Open the Telegram app.
- Select the contact you want to send the file to.
- Tap the paperclip icon, choose the file, and send it.
FAQs
1. What should I do if my file is still too large after compression? If your file remains too large after compressing, consider breaking it into smaller parts. Most compression tools like WinRAR allow you to split files into multiple smaller volumes that you can send separately and reassemble later.
2. Can I use multiple methods together to send very large files? Yes, you can! For example, you could compress your file and then upload the compressed version to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. This gives you maximum flexibility in handling file size limitations.
Conclusion
Sending large files and videos doesn’t have to be a challenge. By leveraging cloud storage, file compression, and file transfer services, you can easily get around the 25MB limit imposed by many platforms. Whether you’re sharing files for work, school, or personal reasons, these tips will ensure that your large files reach their destination without a hitch.
