Discord free tier limits files to 10 MB.
To send larger files, use Transfer.zip (unlimited size, instant link).
Just pick your files, copy the link, and paste it in Discord.
No need for an account.
Discord File Size Limits Explained
Discord's upload limits depend on your subscription level:
- Free accounts: 10 MB per file (recently decreased from 25 MB)
- Nitro Basic: 50 MB per file
- Nitro: 500 MB per file
If you're on the free tier and need to send files larger than 10 MB, you have several effective workarounds that don't require paying for Nitro.
Method 1: Use a File Transfer Service (Recommended)
The easiest solution is to upload your file to a transfer service, then share the download link in Discord. This works for files of any size and keeps Discord chat clean.
Best Services for Discord File Sharing:
Transfer.zip — Unlimited file size via P2P streaming. No sign-up needed, end-to-end encrypted. Select Quick Transfer, copy the instant link, paste in Discord. Link expires when you close the tab.
SwissTransfer - Up to 50 GB
- No account needed
- Files stored for 30 days
- Optional password protection
- Swiss privacy laws apply
WeTransfer - Up to 3 GB (free tier)
- Simple interface
- Files stored for 3 days
- 10 transfers per month limit
Method 2: Compress Your Files
Compression can significantly reduce file size, especially for documents, images, and certain video formats.
For Any File Type:
Windows: Right-click → Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder Mac: Right-click → Compress "[filename]"
For Better Compression:
- Download 7-Zip (Windows) or Keka (Mac)
- Right-click → 7-Zip/Keka → Add to archive
- Choose .7z format and set compression to Ultra or Maximum
- This can reduce file size by 30-70% depending on file type
For Videos Specifically:
Use Vert.sh, Clideo, or HandBrake to reduce resolution to 720p/1080p with 2-6 Mbps bitrate. A 100 MB 4K video can often compress to under 10 MB at 1080p.
See our detailed guide: How to compress a video
Method 3: Split Large Files into Parts
If compression isn't enough, split your file into smaller chunks that fit Discord's limit.
Using 7-Zip (Windows/Mac/Linux):
Install 7-Zip, right-click your file → Add to archive → set Split to volumes to 9M. Upload each part to Discord. Recipients download all parts into the same folder and extract with 7-Zip.
Important: Recipients need ALL parts in the same folder to extract. Make sure they download every part before trying to extract.
WinRAR alternative: Right-click → Add to archive → set Split to volumes to 9M.
Method 4: Use Cloud Storage Links
Upload to your existing cloud storage and share the link in Discord:
- Google Drive: Upload, right-click → Share → set to "Anyone with the link" → paste in Discord.
- Dropbox: Upload, click Share → Create link → share in Discord.
- OneDrive: Upload, right-click → Share → copy link.
- Files stay available long-term
- Easy to manage
- Uses your cloud storage quota
- May require sign-in for recipients
Method 5: Host Files on GitHub (For Code/Projects)
For code, projects, or text files: create a GitHub repository, upload your files, and share the repo or direct file links.
- Open-source projects
- Code sharing
- Documentation
- Large text-based files
Method 6: Use Discord Bots (Server Owners)
Some Discord bots can help with file management:
File.io Bot - Uploads files to temporary hosting Dropbox Bot - Integrates Dropbox with Discord Google Drive Bot - Links Google Drive files directly
Note: Requires server admin permissions to add bots
Special Case: Sending Videos and Images
For Images:
- Convert PNG to JPG (much smaller)
- Reduce image dimensions if high resolution isn't needed
- Use image compression tools like TinyPNG
For Videos:
- Reduce resolution (4K → 1080p or 720p)
- Lower frame rate (60fps → 30fps)
- Use efficient codecs (H.265/HEVC)
- Trim unnecessary footage
- See: How to compress a video for Discord
For GIFs:
- GIFs are notoriously large. Convert to MP4 instead using ezgif.com
- MP4 videos are typically 10x smaller than GIFs with better quality
Quick Comparison: Which Method to Use?
| Method | Best For | File Size Limit | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer.zip | Any large file, quick sharing | Unlimited (P2P) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Easy |
| SwissTransfer | Very large files (up to 50 GB) | 50 GB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Easy |
| Compression | Videos, images, documents | Varies (30-70% reduction) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy |
| File Splitting | Any file when compression fails | No limit | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Cloud Storage | Long-term sharing, collaboration | Varies by service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy |
| GitHub | Code, text files, projects | 100 MB per file | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
Tips and Best Practices
Security:
- Use password protection on sensitive files (most transfer services offer this)
- Share passwords via Discord DMs, not in the same message as the link
- Use end-to-end encrypted services like Transfer.zip for private files
- Be cautious with files from unknown sources
For Better Experience:
- Warn recipients about large downloads (especially on mobile data)
- Include file details in your message: name, size, what it contains
- Use descriptive filenames - "ProjectReport_Jan2026.pdf" not "document.pdf"
- Check file integrity after splitting/compressing
- Test the link before sharing to ensure it works
Discord Etiquette:
- Don't spam multiple large file links in quick succession
- Use spoiler tags for NSFW content:
||link|| - Pin important file links for easy access later
- Delete old/expired links to keep chat clean
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"This file is too large to upload"
- Try compressing first, then splitting if needed
- Use a file transfer service instead
"Recipients can't open the file"
- Ensure all split parts were downloaded (for split archives)
- Check that the file format is supported on their device
- Verify the download link hasn't expired
"Transfer speed is too slow"
- Large files take time - be patient
- For instant transfers, use Transfer.zip's P2P mode (streams directly)
- Check your internet connection speed
"Link expired"
- Most free services expire links after a few days
- Re-upload and send a new link
- Use services with longer retention (SwissTransfer: 30 days)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get banned for sharing large files on Discord? No, using external links is completely allowed and encouraged by Discord for files over the limit.
Is it safe to use file transfer services? Yes, reputable services like Transfer.zip, SwissTransfer, and WeTransfer are safe. Always use encryption for sensitive files.
Why doesn't Discord allow larger files for free? Server storage and bandwidth are expensive. The 10 MB limit helps Discord manage costs while staying free.
Can I send large files in Discord DMs? Yes, the same 10 MB limit applies. Use the same workarounds mentioned above.
What's the fastest method? Transfer.zip's Quick Transfer (P2P mode) streams files directly without upload waiting time.
Is Nitro Worth It Just for File Uploads?
Discord Nitro ($9.99/month) raises the limit to 500 MB and includes:
- Higher quality video streaming
- Custom emojis everywhere
- Profile decorations
- Server boosts
Worth it if:
- You frequently share 10-500 MB files
- You want the other Nitro perks
- You use Discord professionally
Not worth it if:
- You only occasionally send large files (use free transfer services)
- Your files are usually over 500 MB anyway (you'd still need external services)
- You're on a tight budget
Bottom line: You don't need Nitro to share large files on Discord. Services like Transfer.zip offer unlimited file sizes for free, with the added benefit of keeping Discord servers lean and fast.
Related guides: