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file-compressor

Discord File Compressor

Compress video, images, GIFs and audio to fit Discord’s 20 MB upload limit without Nitro. Everything runs inside your browser, so your files are never uploaded to a server.

100% localNo uploadNo watermarkNo sign-up
Target size limit

Discord's current documented free limit (raised from 10 MB in August 2026).

Drop a file here, or

MP4, MOV, WebM, MKV, GIF, PNG, JPG, MP3, WAV, FLAC and more

How to compress a video for Discord’s 20 MB limit

Discord blocks any attachment over its upload cap with the message “Uh oh, this file exceeds the size limit.” As of October 2026 that cap is 20 MB for most free accounts — up from 10 MB — while Discord keeps testing higher limits like 25 MB for some users. Nitro raises it to 500 MB. This tool shrinks the file to fit instead of asking you to pay.

  1. Pick the size limit that matches your account (20 MB for most free users).
  2. Drop in your video, GIF, screenshot or audio clip.
  3. Check the predicted result — the tool tells you the exact resolution and quality you will get before it spends time encoding.
  4. Hit compress, then download and drag the file straight into Discord.

Why clip length matters more than file size

This is the part almost every other compressor hides from you. The size of your original file barely matters — duration is what decides quality. A 20 MB budget is a fixed number of bits, and those bits get spread across every second of footage.

That means a 300 MB, 30-second gameplay clip compresses to 20 MB at full 1080p and looks essentially identical. A 300 MB, 20-minute recording squeezed into the same 20 MB does not, and no tool can change that. Here is roughly how long a clip can be before quality starts dropping across the common Discord limits:

Output resolutionMax length at 20 MBMax length at 25 MBMax length at 10 MB
1080p (Full HD)30s37s15s
720p (HD)1m 6s1m 22s33s
480p2m 23s2m 59s1m 12s
360p4m 5s5m 6s2m 2s
240p8m 13s10m 17s4m 7s

Figures assume 30 fps and stereo audio. If your clip is longer than the row you want, trim it first — a sharp 40-second highlight beats a blurry 4-minute upload every time.

What this compressor supports

  • Video — MP4, MOV, WebM, MKV and MPEG-TS. Re-encoded to H.264 MP4, the format Discord previews most reliably.
  • Animated GIF — converted to MP4. GIF has no compression between frames, so this routinely cuts 90%+ off the size. Discord still autoplays and loops it exactly like a GIF.
  • Images — PNG, JPG, WebP, BMP and AVIF, resized and re-encoded only as much as needed to fit.
  • Audio — MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG and M4A, re-encoded to AAC or Opus.

What it cannot do (and why)

Being straight with you saves you time. Some files genuinely cannot be shrunk, and any tool that claims otherwise is either lying or silently destroying your data.

  • ZIP, RAR and 7z archives are already compressed. Re-compressing them saves nothing. Split them into parts instead.
  • PDFs and documents cannot be safely reduced in a browser without destroying selectable text, so this tool does not pretend to try.
  • AVI, WMV and FLV cannot be opened by web browsers at all. Convert them to MP4 on the desktop first.
  • HEIC and RAW photos are not decodable in most browsers. Export to PNG or JPG first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Discord file size limit?

As of October 2026 Discord's FAQ documents a 20 MB upload limit for free accounts, raised from the old 10 MB. Discord is still experimenting with upload sizes, so some accounts get more (often 25 MB, shown as BETA). Nitro Basic raises it to 50 MB and full Nitro to 500 MB.

Is Discord's file limit 20 MB or 25 MB?

Both numbers are real. 20 MB is what Discord documents for free accounts, but because it is still testing upload sizes some accounts see 25 MB with a BETA badge. Start at 20 MB; if an upload is rejected, drop to 10 MB, and if your account clearly accepts more, use the 25 MB or custom preset.

How do I fix "Uh oh, this file exceeds the size limit" on Discord?

Either compress the file so it fits under your account limit, upload it to an external host and paste the link, or subscribe to Discord Nitro. Compressing is free and works for most videos, GIFs, images and audio clips.

Can I compress a video to 20 MB without losing quality?

It depends entirely on the clip length, not the original file size. A 30-second clip fits in 20 MB at full 1080p with virtually no visible loss. A 10-minute video has to drop to around 360p to fit, which is noticeably softer. The tool predicts the output resolution and quality before it starts, so you can decide whether to trim the clip first.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. All compression happens locally in your browser using your device's hardware video encoder. No file data ever leaves your computer, and nothing is stored.

Does the Discord file compressor add a watermark?

No. There are no watermarks, no accounts, no file count limits and no paid tier.

Why can I not compress a ZIP or PDF file?

ZIP, RAR and 7z archives are already compressed, so re-compressing them saves nothing. PDFs cannot be reduced in a browser without destroying selectable text, so the tool does not attempt it rather than silently damaging your document.

Why is my compressed file slightly different in size each time?

Hardware video encoders cannot hit an exact byte count in a single pass. This tool measures the real output and automatically re-encodes with a corrected bitrate if it overshoots, so the result always lands under your chosen limit, but the exact final size varies a little.

Can I compress a video to 8 MB for older servers?

Discord's old 8 MB cap is gone, but the 10 MB preset covers the same use case, or you can type 8 into the custom field for an exact target. A clip under about 30 seconds will still look good at that size.

Does it work on phones?

Yes on modern iOS and Android browsers, but large videos are demanding. Keep the tab in the foreground while it works, and expect it to be slower than on a desktop.

Longer write-ups covering the background, edge cases and worked examples behind this tool.

How this tool handles your data

Nothing is uploaded
Everything runs as JavaScript in your own browser. We do not operate a database that could store what you type or open.
No account, no limits
Free to use as often as you like, with no sign-up, no watermark and no paid tier.
Independent project
Not affiliated with Discord Inc. Read our privacy policy or about page.