Discord File Size Limit: How to Get Around It
To get around Discord’s file size limit, you need to either compress the file, use an external file hosting service, or upgrade to a paid tier that offers larger uploads. The standard limit is 10 MB per file for free users, while Discord Nitro Basic and Nitro raise it to 50 MB and 500 MB respectively.
Background: Why Discord Has a File Size Limit
Discord is a communication platform designed for real-time messaging, voice, and video. The file size limit exists because every uploaded file is stored on Discord’s servers and must be delivered to every member of the server or channel where it’s posted. Large files consume significant bandwidth and storage, which would increase operational costs and slow down message delivery. The limit also discourages using Discord as a general-purpose file backup service, a role it was never designed for.
Discord’s file size limit has changed over time. Initially, the limit was 8 MB, then it was raised to 10 MB in 2018. The introduction of Nitro tiers brought 50 MB and later 500 MB limits. These changes reflect Discord’s balancing act between user convenience and server infrastructure costs.
How the Limit Works: Free vs. Nitro Tiers
Discord applies the file size limit per individual file, not per batch. If you drag and drop 20 files, each file must be under the limit. The limit also applies to all file types, including images, videos, audio, PDFs, and archives. For free users, the max is 10 MB. Discord Nitro Basic (a cheaper tier) increases it to 50 MB, while full Discord Nitro allows up to 500 MB per file.
There is also a separate limit for screenshots and images shared via the “upload image” button—those are also capped at 10 MB for free users. Video files are subject to the same limit, but Discord may also apply compression to videos to reduce their size before storing them, which can degrade quality.
How to Get Around the Limit: Practical Methods
If you’re a free user and need to share a file larger than 10 MB, you have several options. The best choice depends on whether you need the file to be viewable directly in Discord or if a download link is acceptable.
Method 1: Compress the File
Compressing a file can often bring it under the limit. For documents, PDFs, and spreadsheets, you can use a tool like WinRAR, 7-Zip, or a built-in compression feature in your operating system. For videos, you can re-encode them with a lower resolution, bitrate, or using a more efficient codec like H.265. For images, you can resize or convert to a compressed format like JPEG (for photos) or WebP.
However, compression has limits. Already compressed files (like MP4 videos, MP3 audio, and JPEG images) won’t shrink much further. If you need to share a 100 MB video, compressing it to under 10 MB would require a significant drop in quality, which may not be acceptable.
Method 2: Use External File Hosting
This is the most common and reliable workaround. Upload the file to a cloud storage service or file-sharing site, then paste the link in Discord. Popular options include:
- Google Drive – 15 GB free storage, allows sharing via link.
- Dropbox – 2 GB free, basic sharing.
- OneDrive – 5 GB free with a Microsoft account.
- MediaFire – 10 GB free, direct download links.
- Catbox.moe – no account required, temporary file hosting.
When you share a link, Discord will not embed the file directly, but users can click the link to view or download it. This method works for any file size, as long as the hosting service allows it.
Method 3: Split the File into Parts
If you must share a file directly in Discord (for example, a modpack or a save file), you can split it into smaller parts using a tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR. For example, a 25 MB file can be split into three 9 MB parts. The recipient must download all parts and then recombine them. This is cumbersome but works for any file type.
Method 4: Upgrade to Nitro
If you frequently share large files, upgrading to Discord Nitro Basic ($2.99/month) or Nitro ($9.99/month) may be worth it. Nitro Basic gives you 50 MB uploads, while Nitro gives 500 MB. This is the only official way to increase the limit without workarounds. Note that Nitro also includes other perks like custom emojis and higher quality streaming.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Misconception: “Discord compresses images, so I can upload a huge image.” Discord does compress images, but only after checking the file size. If the original file is over 10 MB, it will be rejected before compression. So you can’t bypass the limit by uploading a 20 MB image and expecting Discord to shrink it.
Problem: “The file is under 10 MB but still won’t upload.” This can happen if the file is corrupted, if the filename contains unsupported characters, or if the file type is blocked. Discord blocks certain file types like executables (.exe) and archives containing them. Also, some browsers or the desktop app may have issues with very long filenames.
Problem: “I uploaded a video but it plays in low quality.” Discord may re-encode videos to reduce size, especially if they are large. This is separate from the file size limit—even a 5 MB video can be re-encoded if Discord’s system decides to optimize it.
How to Choose the Right Workaround
Consider the context and the recipient:
- For a quick share with friends: Use a temporary file host like Catbox or transfer.sh (for command-line users). No account needed, and links expire after a set time.
- For long-term storage: Use Google Drive or Dropbox, which keep files indefinitely as long as you don’t delete them.
- For large videos: Upload to YouTube (unlisted) or Streamable, then share the link. This avoids the file size limit entirely and provides streaming.
- For mods or code: Use GitHub or a file host that preserves file structure, like MediaFire.
Safety and Privacy Considerations
When using external file hosting, be aware of privacy. Files uploaded to public hosts like Catbox or MediaFire can be accessed by anyone with the link. If the file contains sensitive information, use a service that allows password protection or set the file to private (e.g., Google Drive’s “Anyone with the link” setting can be changed to “Restricted”).
Also, be cautious when downloading files from links shared in Discord, as they could contain malware. Only download from sources you trust. Discord’s own file scanning is limited, so external links are not scanned by Discord.
Alternatives to Discord for Large File Sharing
If you regularly need to share large files with a group, consider using a platform designed for that:
- Slack – 1 GB file limit for all plans, but free plan only allows 5 GB total storage.
- Microsoft Teams – 100 GB per file, but requires a Microsoft account.
- Telegram – 2 GB per file, but requires both parties to have Telegram.
- Email – Most providers cap attachments at 25 MB, but you can use a service like WeTransfer for up to 2 GB (free).
Each platform has its own trade-offs in terms of ease of use, storage, and whether the recipient needs an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Discord’s file size limit apply to images in chat?
Yes, the same limit applies to images uploaded directly to chat. However, if you copy and paste an image, it may be compressed and could bypass the limit if the compressed version is under 10 MB. But this is not reliable, and the original file still needs to be under the limit.
Can I increase the file size limit without paying?
No, the only official way is to upgrade to Nitro. There is no hidden setting or hack to increase the limit. Workarounds involve external hosting or compression.
Why does Discord have a 10 MB limit while other apps allow more?
Discord’s limit is a business decision based on server costs and the platform’s focus on real-time communication. Other apps like Telegram have higher limits because they are designed for file sharing, not just chat.
Will Discord ever increase the free limit?
It’s possible, but there’s no official announcement. Discord has raised the limit in the past (from 8 MB to 10 MB), so it’s not outside the realm of possibility, but it’s not guaranteed.
What’s the best way to share a 100 MB video in Discord?
Upload the video to YouTube (unlisted) or Streamable, then share the link. This avoids the file size limit and provides a player. If you need the actual file, use Google Drive or Dropbox.
Can I send a file larger than 10 MB in a direct message?
No, the limit applies to all channels, including direct messages. The only exception is if you have Nitro, which raises the limit to 50 MB or 500 MB.
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