Video production and distribution can be confusing. We could all probably use a refresh on how to properly store and send video files. In this post, we’re sharing our best tips for how to send large video files without cutting them up or reducing the quality. 

Video file size is calculated by multiplying the video’s bitrate, duration, and compression ratio. While bitrate is the most influential factor here, all you really have to remember is this– the higher the resolution and the longer the video, the larger the file will be. 

On average, you can record 12 minutes of 4k video, 50 minutes of 1080p, 3.5 hours of 720p, and 8 hours of 480p per GB.

What exactly is a “large video file”?

Whether or not a file is considered large depends on the capability of the service you’re using. In Gmail, any file over 25MB is considered large and automatically sent as a google drive link. In most cases, any video file over 2GB is considered large.

How to share large video files: 3 proven methods

If you’re wondering how to share large video files on a computer, one option is to simply reduce the file size. Tools like HandBrake and VideoProc reduce the file size by cutting the resolution a bit or swapping to a more efficient video codec like HEVC. You can also use a video editor to shorten the video and render it at a lower resolution or bitrate.

Both of the above methods will likely impact the video’s quality at varying degrees. If that doesn’t jive with your goals, use one of the methods down below to share your large video file without lowering the resolution or altering the file at all. 

Video hosting sites (like Vimeo!)

Uploading your video to a video hosting site like Vimeo is one of the easiest ways to share large video files without compromising the quality. You can set the video to private or unlisted, then share the link directly with your viewers. 

YouTube compresses the videos after they’re uploaded, which tends to affect the quality. Another downside here is that you can’t download YouTube videos unless you have YouTube Premium. With Vimeo, you can download videos straight to your device or view them in the mobile app. 

Upload times can be longer for hosting sites that don’t compress videos. With Vimeo, you have the option to compress or not not compress your video. If you’re trying to share large video files in a hurry, compressing might be your best bet. 

But with Vimeo, you have the choice to wait rather than compromise quality. And since we use a higher bitrate than most other hosting sites, that quality is worth waiting for. 

Upload to the cloud 

Uploading to the cloud is a tried and true method for storing and sharing large video files. Simply upload your video to your cloud storage service of choice, then use the link to share your file with whomever you please.

Depending on the functionality of your cloud service, viewers will either download the file to watch or stream it right in the cloud. Uploading will usually take longer than downloading. 

This method is ideal for sharing large video files while keeping them organized. The only downside is that you’ll have to deal with permissions by either making your link public or giving viewers access one at a time. 

With DropBox, you can send a link that “explodes” (expires) after a certain period of time. That way, you can share files without handing eternal access to your recipient. 

WeTransfer

WeTransfer is a handy file transfer service. You can send video files under 2GB for free, or snag the paid version to upload files of up to 200 GB. WeTransfer also helps you track and manage your transfers and create customized mood boards to share files in style. 

How to send long videos on iPhone

The days of cutting your videos into jumbled up clips are over. Here are the three simplest ways to send long videos on iPhones. 

Airdrop

Apple’s airdrop feature makes sending long videos on iPhone easy. It works through bluetooth, so you’ll need to stay in close range of the recipient. They’ll also need to connect to iCloud, turn their bluetooth on, and enable airdrop in their settings. 

To send a long video file via airdrop, select the share icon on the bottom-left corner of your screen. Find your recipient in the airdrop section and tap their name. All they have to do is tap one button to accept, and your file will be in their photos. 

iCloud

Large video files can also be sent through iCloud via maildrop. To use this feature, head to the video you’d like to send and press the share icon. Next, press the mail icon. When you go to send your email, you’ll get a notification that your attachment is too large, offering Mail Drop as the solution. Tap “Use Mail Drop” to send your video to your recipient through the cloud. They can then download the file from their email. 

Google Drive

We’ve touched on this already, but Google Drive is a must-mention for sending large video files on iPhones. Simply open the Google Drive app, tap the + icon, tap “Upload” then click “Photos and Videos” and select the file you’d like to share. 

Once your video is safely uploaded to drive, click the three dots and select “Share”. You can type in your recipient’s email or forward them the share link. 

How to send long videos on Android

Android users– we haven’t forgotten about you! Here are three methods for sharing long video clips on android devices. 

Google Photos

If you use an Android, you can share a link to your large video files through Google Photos. If your photos and videos don’t already sync with the cloud, you’ll need to turn that feature on. 

Next, head to the video you want to share and tap and hold until you see the share icon at the top of the screen. A window will appear with the option to create a link. Select this, wait for the link, then tap the app you want to send your link in. This will take you to the app and automatically paste your link in a message draft. 

If you use a Samsung Galaxy and don’t want to use your cloud storage space, you have the option to send a temporary video link. 

Follow the same steps as above (tap and hold the video you want to send, then tap the share icon. This time, you should see “Link Sharing” in the list of apps. Click this and you’ll reach a pop-up window where you can tap “copy”. And with that, you’ve got your share link. 

Cloud storage services

Alternatively, you can follow the Google Drive steps above (they apply to iPhone and Android users). You can also use another cloud storage service like DropBox or OneDrive to send large videos files– it all comes down to what you’re most comfortable using. 

How to send a large video through email 

Sending large videos through email without compromising the quality can be tricky. You can always share a link after uploading the video to the cloud or a hosting site like Vimeo.

Alternatively, you can zip the file. This compresses the file into a smaller size. This method shouldn’t reduce the quality much, but it’s still not recommended for video files above 2K resolution. 

And if you’re wondering how to send a big video through Apple Mail, use Mail Drop to provide your recipient with 30-day access.

Final thoughts

You’re all set! Whether you’re sending funny home videos to your grandma or sharing high resolution files with your team, keeping these tips close by will make learning how to send videos without wrecking them a lot easier. And if you decide to use Vimeo to send your files (hint: you really should), don’t forget to check out our other cool collaboration and organization features.

Send your videos with Vimeo