You've just finished your masterpiece video. The editing is perfect, the color grade is sublime—and then you try to send it. "File too large." Three words that can destroy a creator's soul in an instant.

It's a uniquely modern form of heartbreak—that moment when technology fails exactly when you need it most. No matter how advanced our phones get, they still struggle with the simple task of sending large video files.

The truth is, email was never designed to handle the 4K masterpieces we're all creating now. With most high-quality videos easily exceeding 100 megabytes, you need better options than hoping your attachment will somehow squeeze through. Here are the methods that actually work.

How to Send Large Video Files

There are several effective ways to send large video files over the web, including cloud storage, file transfer services, and direct sharing methods.

Best Cloud Solutions for Video Sharing

A widely used method for sharing large video files is uploading them to a cloud storage service, which allows you to store and share videos via a link.

Cloud services such as Google Drive (15GB free), Dropbox (2GB free with paid plans up to 5TB), OneDrive (5GB free), and WeTransfer (2GB free, up to 20GB for paid users) provide convenient options for storing and sharing large video files.

To send large video files via cloud storage, upload the file to your preferred platform and adjust its sharing settings. You can generate a shareable link or grant access using an email address.

Video Hosting Platforms for Large Files

Popular video hosting platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook also allow you to share large videos. If you prefer privacy, you can set your video to 'unlisted' so only those with the link can view it.

Email Options for Sending Videos

Email remains a simple option for sending smaller video files. Most providers, including Gmail, ProtonMail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook, have attachment limits ranging from 20MB to 25MB.

You can also try editing your video on your iPhone to trim unnecessary parts and reduce its size before sending. If you're wondering whether you can send the edited video, the short answer is yes—but file size limits still apply.

Sending Long Videos on iPhone: What to Know

Yes, you can send long videos from your iPhone, but the exact limit depends on the method you use.

The best method for sending long videos depends on the file size and recipient. Options include cloud storage, file transfer services, and compression techniques.

When sending a video directly from the Photos app, the general file size limit is around 100MB. However, in our tests, we successfully sent videos up to 213MB (two minutes at 1080p, 30fps) before encountering the 'file too large' message.

For videos over 500MB, iPhones automatically generate an iCloud link when sending via iMessage. The recipient can download the video within 14 days.

Sending videos via MMS to an Android device is not ideal due to small file size limits imposed by carriers, and additional charges may apply.

📚 Learn: How to make a slow motion video on iPhone: A 2023 guide

Cross-Platform Transfer Solutions

For those seeking to transfer large video files between iPhone and Android devices, cross-platform solutions are essential. Tools like AirDroid Personal facilitate seamless video transfers without size restrictions, preserving video quality during the process. These solutions ensure that users can share their high-quality videos with anyone, regardless of the device type.

Dedicated Transfer Apps

Using dedicated transfer apps can streamline the process of sharing large video files across platforms. Apps like Move to iOS and Send Anywhere offer efficient solutions for transferring videos between iPhone and Android devices. These apps are designed to handle large files, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transfer experience.

How to Send Large Video Files on iPhone

If your video exceeds the size limits of the Photos app or iMessage, you can use other methods like cloud storage, file transfer apps, or compression.

1. Airdrop

2. Cloud storage

3. Email

4. Video link

We'll give you a quick step-by-step tutorial for each method below. These steps are similar for all iOS devices, but may vary depending on your model of iPad or iPhone.

Method 1: Using AirDrop for Video Transfer

If you're near the recipient, AirDrop is a fast way to transfer large video files between Apple devices using WiFi and Bluetooth.

Step 1: Select the video you want to share in photos and videos app, and hit the Share icon.

Step 2: Select the "Airdrop" option.

Step 3: Select your recipient's iPhone (or other Apple device); they'll receive a pop-up notification that you're trying to send a file to them. Once they accept using Airdrop, the file will start sending.

Method 2: Using Cloud Storage Services

Google Drive is a popular and cross-platform cloud storage option, offering 15GB of free storage. It works on both Android and iPhone, making it a great choice for sharing large video files.

However, the steps will work similarly if you use a different platform (like Dropbox, for example). Make sure you have the app downloaded on your iPhone before starting.

Step 1: Upload your video to Google Drive. Open the camera roll, select the video, tap the Share icon, and choose Google Drive from the list of apps. If it doesn’t appear, tap 'More' to find it.

Step 2: Before hitting "upload", you also have the chance to add people to the upload if you know their Gmail:

Step 3: If you don't know the person's email, there is another option you can try once you've uploaded the video file. Go to the file in your Drive, click the three dots for the options menu, then hit "Copy link," which you can use to send the link via messaging apps of your choice:

Method 3: Sending Videos via Email

Email can be used to send videos under 25MB. If your file exceeds this limit, consider compressing it to reduce size while maintaining quality.

Compressing videos before sending helps reduce file size without sacrificing quality. Tools like Descript can make this process easy and efficient.

If your video is up to 25MB, you don't need to compress the video. All that's left is sending the file.

Step 1: Select the video from your camera roll or files and hit the Share icon.

Step 2: Select the email service provider app you want to use (Apple Mail, Gmail, YahooMail, etc.).

Step 3: Craft the email message you want to send (if it's formal, remember to remove the "Sent from iPhone" signature), then hit "Send".

Method 4: Creating and Sharing Video Links

Using a video link is one of the best ways to share large video files. Upload your video to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo and mark it as 'unlisted' to control who can access it.

Another option is to use an iCloud link, which allows recipients to watch or download the video within 14 days. Ensure your video is backed up to iCloud before sharing.

Step 1: Go to the video in your camera roll and select the "Share" icon.

Step 2: Scroll down in the options until you see the "Copy iCloud link" option.

Step 3: You've got your video link! Paste the link into the messaging platform of your choice. The recipient will have 14 days to download the video, but they can still watch it without downloading it.

Improve Your Video Editing and Sharing Workflow

Of course, the above methods are great if you're only sending fun videos to your friends and family. However, if you're looking to create high-quality videos with a better sharing experience across the web, Descript is a great tool to add to your arsenal, and it works on both Mac and Windows PCs.

Descript is a powerful video editing tool that helps you create professional-quality content. It offers features like Studio Sound, AI-powered editing, and seamless video publishing.

With Descript’s publishing tool, you can easily share your videos online or export them in various formats, making it a great option for content creators.

FAQs: Sending Long Videos on iPhone

How do you send a video that is too large?

If your video is too long to send via iMessage or SMS, you can use Mail Drop, AirDrop, or cloud storage to share it. Another option is sending a video link.

What to do when a video is too large to send?

If you've got an iPhone video that's too long, you have a few options:

1. Compress the video to reduce the file size.

2. Edit the video, trimming parts you don't want/need.

3. Use a web-based tool like cloud storage, email, or video link to send the video online.

What is the maximum video length for iPhone texts?

The maximum video length you can send depends on the resolution. A 720p video under 5 minutes typically fits within email limits, while 1080p videos may require alternative transfer methods.

How can I send large video files between iPhone and Android?

To send large video files between iPhone and Android devices, consider using cross-platform solutions like AirDroid Personal or dedicated apps such as Send Anywhere. These tools facilitate seamless transfers without size restrictions, ensuring your videos maintain their quality.

What apps can help with cross-platform video transfers?

Apps like Move to iOS and Send Anywhere are designed for efficient cross-platform video transfers. They are optimized for handling large files between iPhone and Android devices, making them ideal choices for users looking to share videos effortlessly.