Discord Send Files: How It Works & Limits
Yes, Discord lets you send files directly in chats, with a free upload limit of 25 MB per file and a 500 MB limit for paid Nitro users. You can attach images, videos, documents, audio, and other file types by dragging them into a channel or clicking the plus icon next to the message box. This article explains the exact steps, file type restrictions, common upload problems, and how Discord’s file system compares to other sharing methods.
How to Send a File on Discord
Sending a file is the same on desktop, browser, and mobile apps. The steps are:
- Open the server or direct message where you want to send the file.
- Click the + icon to the left of the message input box (on mobile, it’s a paperclip or plus icon).
- Select the file from your device’s file picker.
- Add a caption if you want, then press Enter (or the send button).
You can also drag and drop a file directly into the chat window on desktop. Multiple files can be attached at once, but each file must be under the size limit individually—there’s no way to combine smaller files to exceed the limit.
File Size Limits: Free vs. Nitro
The most common confusion is the exact upload cap. Here’s the breakdown:
- Free users: 25 MB per file.
- Nitro Basic: 50 MB per file (this tier also gives other perks like custom emoji).
- Nitro (full): 500 MB per file.
These limits apply to every file type, including images and videos. If you exceed the limit, Discord shows an error and the upload fails. The limit is per file, not per message, so you can send multiple 25 MB files in one message as long as each is under the cap.
Supported File Types and Restrictions
Discord allows most common file extensions: .jpg, .png, .gif, .mp4, .mov, .mp3, .wav, .pdf, .txt, .zip, and many more. However, some file types are blocked for security reasons—these include executables (.exe, .msi), scripts (.js, .sh), and other files that can run code. If you try to upload a blocked type, Discord will reject it.
For images and videos, Discord also has a built-in media player, so you can preview them directly in the chat. For other files, users see a download button. There’s no way to send a folder directly; you need to compress it into a .zip or .rar archive first.
What Happens After You Send a File?
When you upload a file, Discord stores it on their CDN (content delivery network) and generates a unique URL. The file stays accessible indefinitely as long as the message isn’t deleted. However, if the message is deleted, the file link becomes invalid. There’s no built-in expiration for uploaded files, unlike some messaging apps that auto-delete after 24 hours.
Important: Discord does not compress or resize files you upload. A 25 MB image stays 25 MB. This is different from some platforms that compress images to save space. The original file is always preserved.
Common Upload Problems and Fixes
Users often run into issues when sending files. Here are the most frequent problems and how to solve them:
- File too large: If you see “File is too large,� you need to compress the file. For images, you can reduce resolution or convert to a compressed format like JPEG. For videos, use a video converter or upload to a service like YouTube and share the link instead.
- Blocked file type: If Discord says “This file type is not allowed,� rename the extension to something allowed (e.g., .txt) or compress into a .zip archive.
- Upload stuck at 0%: This usually indicates a network issue. Try refreshing the app, checking your internet connection, or using a different network.
- Upload fails on mobile: On iOS/Android, ensure you’ve granted Discord permission to access your photos and files in your device settings.
If you’re trying to send a large video, consider uploading to YouTube or Streamable and pasting the link—this is a common workaround that avoids Discord’s size limits entirely.
How Discord Compares to Other Sharing Methods
Discord’s 25 MB free limit is lower than some competitors but higher than others. For example, Slack’s free tier allows 5 MB per file, while Telegram allows up to 2 GB per file. Discord’s advantage is that files are stored indefinitely and are easy to access within a server. However, for very large files, you’ll need to use a cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer and share the link.
Discord also has a feature called File Preview for images and videos, which makes it convenient for sharing visual content. But for documents, users must download them to view, which is similar to most chat apps.
Is There a File Retention Limit?
No, Discord does not delete files after a certain time. As long as the message remains, the file is downloadable. This is a key difference from services like Snapchat or Instagram, which auto-delete content. However, if a server is deleted, all its files are gone. Also, Discord’s terms of service allow them to moderate content, and they can remove files that violate their guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send files in a direct message?
Yes, the same file size limits apply to direct messages as to server channels. You can drag and drop or use the plus icon in any DM conversation.
Why is my file upload stuck at “Uploading�?
This usually means your internet connection is slow or unstable. Try pausing other downloads, switching to a wired connection, or restarting Discord. If the problem persists, check Discord’s server status—occasionally, their CDN has outages.
Can I send a file larger than 25 MB without Nitro?
No, the 25 MB limit is strict for free users. You can compress the file, split it into parts, or use a cloud storage link. Some users upload to a file hosting service and share the URL.
Does Discord compress images or videos?
No, Discord does not alter the original file. What you upload is exactly what others download. This is why a 24 MB image will still be 24 MB after upload.
Can I send a folder?
No, Discord doesn’t support folder uploads. You must compress the folder into a .zip or .rar file first, then attach that archive.
Are files deleted after a server is deleted?
Yes, when a server is deleted, all messages and attached files are permanently removed. There’s no way to recover them, so it’s wise to back up important files elsewhere.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.