How to Send Long Videos on iPhone? Here's How
If you've tried to share a large video file on your iPhone but were met with an error message or "too large to send," you're not the only one. There are methods to bypass the limitations and send long videos on your iPhone without sacrificing quality. In this article I'll share what I've tried, what is reliable, and how to pick the most appropriate method for your requirements.
We'll talk about:
- Why does iPhone not allow sending long videos directly
- Methods to use AirDrop, Mail Drop, iCloud and cloud storage
- How do you convert or compress video files
- Pros, cons, and the best techniques
- FAQs and legal or privacy tips
Let's get started.
Why You Can't Just "Send" Huge Videos
If you click "share" in Photos or iMessage, iOS imposes a size limit (often approximately 100 MB or less, dependent on the carrier or service). Videos that exceed this limit are rejected or automatically compressed. Apple handles large-sized attachments with Mail Drop, which uploads to iCloud and sends a link instead.
I tried to send an 2GB video using iMessage and received a warning: "Video too large--use Mail Drop." This was the moment I realized that native sharing isn't always enough.
Best Methods to Send Long Videos on iPhone
Here are some methods that work for me and many others. You can mix and match depending on where your recipient is (iPhone, Android, web).
1. Use AirDrop (iPhone to iPhone / Mac)
One of my favorite options in situations where the recipient is near: AirDrop lets you send even massive video files over local connection, no size limit.
How to do it:
- Switch on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- On the recipient, set AirDrop to "Everyone" or "Contacts."
- Open Photos app, choose the long video.
- Tap Share - AirDrop - Device of the recipient.
- On the other end, accept the transfer.
It's quick and keeps the quality intact. I've tried this method and it allowed me to upload the full length concert video to my Mac within seconds.
Limitation: It only works between Apple devices, and only when they're physically near.
2. Mail Drop (iCloud link via Mail)
If your video is large to send directly, iOS offers Mail Drop. It lets you upload your videos to iCloud and provides the recipient a link that is compatible across platforms.
How to send with Mail Drop:
- Open the Mail app, and then start a new message.
- Tap the attachment icon to select the video.
- If the file exceeds the limit, iOS will prompt you to "Use Mail Drop."
- Tap Use Mail Drop.
- Send the email. The recipient receives a link to download within 30 days.
I tried this out when emailing a 1.2 GB video to a friend who has Android. It worked flawlessly through the link, there was no compression.
3. iCloud Link (Copy iCloud Link)
This method allows you to create an iCloud shareable link directly from Photos, which you can share via email, chat, or SMS.
Steps:
- Open Photos and find your video.
- Tap Share - Copy iCloud Link.
- Copy the link into WhatsApp, email, or chat.
The person receiving the video can download or view the video. This is seamless for long videos, as far as you have enough storage on iCloud.
4. Use Cloud Storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
Cloud services are typically the most flexible option for transferring data, particularly across platforms.
How to do it:
- Upload your video to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or similar.
- Once uploaded, get an easily shareable link.
- Send the link via WhatsApp or iMessage. You can also send it via email.
- When the recipient taps on the link, he can watch or download it.
I used Google Drive to send a 3GB travel video to a friend who was using Android. He was able to download the video easily by clicking the link.
Tips: Compress a little before uploading to minimize size without losing quality.
5. Compress or Trim Video Before Sending
If the video you are sharing is huge, trimming or compressing can be very helpful. Apps or built-in tools like iMovie let you reduce resolution or cut out excess parts.
My steps:
- Open video in iMovie or a video editor.
- Remove any unneeded sections.
- Export at 1080p or 720p, smaller file size.
- Then share using one of the above methods.
Although you may lose some resolution, It's still better than having your file rejected completely.
Pros & Cons of Each Method
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| AirDrop | Fast, intact quality, no size limit | Only works Apple-to-Apple, physically close |
| Mail Drop | Works across platforms, no quality loss | Link expires in 30 days, needs iCloud space |
| iCloud Link | Easy and built-in | Needs enough iCloud storage |
| Cloud Storage | Cross-platform, customizable | Upload time depends on connection |
| Compression / Trim | Makes file manageable | Some quality loss |
Tips for Better Results
- Make use of the Wi-Fi (not the mobile network) when uploading large video files.
- Take a look at iCloud Storage or Cloud storage before using links.
- Always test using a brief section to see how the method works.
- Inform your recipient of how to open the link or access the download.
- Shut down other applications for faster processing bandwidth.
FAQs
Q: What is the longest video that I can send via iPhone directly?
A: iMessages or Messages could offer up to 100 MB to a few hundred MB; for anything more, iOS uses Mail Drop or links automatically.
Q: Does AirDrop compress videos?
A: No, AirDrop transfers the original file at the highest quality.
Q: How long will the Mail Drop link stay active?
A: 30 days after the day you sent it.
Q: Can I send a long video to an Android user from iPhone?
A: Yes. You can do it via the Mail Drop link or cloud storage link. Native iMessage won't work.
Q: Does video quality decrease when it is uploaded on Drive or iCloud?
A: It's not always the case, especially if you select "original quality" settings. But when streaming, some preview compression may occur.
Conclusion
Now you know several solid ways to send long videos on iPhone—from AirDrop for local transfers, to Mail Drop and iCloud links, to using cloud storage services and compression tricks. I've tried each of them, and based on your settings and the person you are sending it to, certain methods are more efficient or secure than others.
The next time you're planning to share a video from your vacation, or birthday video, or a long 4K video, choose one of these options and it will be sent without any errors and no hassle. Enjoy sharing!