While WhatsApp does not allow users to share files larger than 100MB, there are a few ways in which they can do this. Over the years, WhatsApp has become one of the most popular instant-messaging platforms. It is easy to use and provides end-to-end encryption features and multi-device usage. In addition, people can share media files using the platform, including images, videos, documents, and more. However, one cannot transfer a file larger than 100MB on the platform yet.
As of now, the maximum file size allowed for sharing media files, including photos, videos, and voice messages, on WhatsApp is 16MB. If users want to share a larger file, they can do so by sharing it as a document. However, Android and iOS users cannot share files larger than 100MB and 128MB, respectively. While this may be enough for sending images or short videos without losing quality, the size is not enough for users who have to deal with multiple gigabytes of data daily and can use a handy platform to share large files.
Since there is no native feature to share large files on WhatsApp, uploading them to a cloud-based data storage service and sharing a link seems to be the best option. Let's assume that an Android user wants to share a video file that is 5GB in size. The user can head over to Google Drive (provided enough storage left) and upload the video. Once the video is uploaded, the user should tap on the three dots besides its thumbnail on Google Drive, tap on 'Manage people and links,' and set the link settings to 'Anyone with the link.' Now, copy the Google Drive link to the video and paste it into the WhatsApp chat with someone who has access to the video. This method works for videos, photographs, and word documents if someone wants to share an entire database over WhatsApp.
Use Cloud-Based Storage Services Like Google Drive and iCloud
Similarly, iOS users can upload their files on iCloud and share the link. To do so, users should head over to the file's location on their iPhone and select it. Then, they should tap on 'Copy iCloud Link' and wait for a few seconds before the video is uploaded on iCloud and a shareable link is generated. Once done, users can head over to WhatsApp and paste the link into a chat. This way, both Android and iOS users can share files larger than 100MB. Additionally, users can use other services to upload data and send accessible links, such as WeTransfer, allowing users to transfer up to 2GB for free. Other platforms with similar features include Dropbox, OneDrive and Smash.
According to a report by WhatsApp updates tracker WABetaInfo, the platform is testing a new feature that could enable users to share files that are larger than 100MB. Although the feature is only available to some beta testers in Argentina, there is a good chance that it will roll out to regular users soon. Other messaging services like Telegram already allow users to share large files directly through their app. Nevertheless, until this feature makes it to a stable release, users can share files larger than 100MB on WhatsApp via Google Drive and iCloud.
Source: Google Drive, iCloud, WeTransfer, WABetaInfo