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WhatsApp, a globally renowned messaging application, is known for its diverse features that allow users to communicate with ease and share various types of media files.
Among these features is the ability to send documents and media files up to 100MB in size, with a 16MB limit specifically for videos recorded within the app.
While this size limit might seem restrictive, there is an efficient workaround for sharing larger files through WhatsApp using Google Drive.
This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to share files larger than the 16MB limit using Google Drive and WhatsApp.
Understanding WhatsApp’s File Size Limitations
Before diving into the process of sharing larger files, it is essential to understand WhatsApp’s file size limitations. The app imposes a maximum limit of 100MB for sharing documents and media files, which is more than enough for sharing images, audio files, and most documents. However, videos recorded within WhatsApp are subject to a 16MB limit, which may pose a challenge for users who wish to share high-resolution or longer videos. This is where Google Drive comes into play, offering an alternative solution to bypass the 16MB limit.
Benefits of Using Google Drive for Sharing Large Files
Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that allows users to store, share, and access files from any device. Integrating Google Drive with WhatsApp presents numerous benefits for users, including:
- Increased file size limits: Google Drive allows users to upload files up to 5TB in size, depending on the user’s storage plan, making it possible to share files far larger than WhatsApp’s 16MB limit.
- File format support: Users can upload and share various file formats, including videos, images, audio files, and documents, ensuring compatibility with different recipients.
- File accessibility: Once shared, recipients can access the files from any device, as long as they have the Google Drive app or access to a web browser.
- File security: Google Drive provides secure storage and sharing options, including the ability to restrict access to specific recipients or set expiration dates on shared links.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sharing Large Files via WhatsApp and Google Drive
Now that you understand the benefits of using Google Drive to share large files on WhatsApp, follow this step-by-step guide to successfully share files larger than the 16MB limit.
- Create a Google Drive account: If you do not have a Google Drive account, sign up for a free account at drive.google.com. You will receive 15GB of storage for free, with additional storage available for purchase if needed.
- Upload the file to Google Drive: On your computer or mobile device, open Google Drive and click the “+ New” button to upload a file from your device. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file into your Google Drive browser window. Ensure the file is uploaded and visible in your Google Drive folder.
- Create a shareable link: Locate the file you wish to share in your Google Drive folder, right-click on it (or long-press on mobile devices), and select “Get link” or “Share.” This will generate a shareable link that you can send to your WhatsApp contacts.
- Customize sharing permissions (optional): When creating the shareable link, you can also manage the sharing permissions. For instance, you can restrict access to specific recipients or set an expiration date on the link.
- Share the link on WhatsApp: Copy the shareable link generated in the previous step and open WhatsApp. Paste the link into the chat window of the desired recipient or group chat, and hit send. The recipient(s) will now be able to access the file directly from the shared link.
By following these simple steps, you can seamlessly share large files with your WhatsApp contacts using Google Drive. This workaround not only allows you to bypass WhatsApp’s 16MB video limit but also provides an efficient solution for sharing files of various formats and sizes.
WhatsApp’s integration with Google Drive offers a convenient solution for users looking to share larger files with their contacts. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily share files larger than the 16MB limit and enjoy a seamless file-sharing experience on WhatsApp.
