How to Send Videos on Discord Without Nitro
To send videos on Discord without Nitro, you need to compress the video file to under 8MB, split large videos into smaller parts, or use external hosting services. Discord's free tier has an 8MB upload limit, but there are several workarounds to share video content effectively.
Discord File Limits:
- Free users: 8MB maximum file size
- Nitro Basic: 50MB maximum file size
- Nitro: 100MB maximum file size
- Server boosts: Can increase limits for all members
Method 1: Video Compression
Online Video Compressors
- Clideo: Free online video compressor with size targeting
- VideoSmaller: Simple compression tool with quality options
- Compress.com: Batch compression with format conversion
- FreeConvert: Advanced compression settings and formats
- Online UniConverter: Professional compression tools
Desktop Compression Software
- HandBrake (Free): Powerful open-source video encoder
- FFmpeg (Free): Command-line tool for advanced users
- VLC Media Player (Free): Built-in conversion features
- Adobe Media Encoder: Professional compression (paid)
- DaVinci Resolve (Free): Professional editing with export options
HandBrake Compression Steps
- Download and install HandBrake
- Open your video file in HandBrake
- Select "Fast 720p30" preset for good compression
- Adjust video quality (RF 22-28 for good balance)
- Set target file size to under 8MB if possible
- Choose MP4 format for best Discord compatibility
- Start encoding and wait for completion
- Check file size and adjust settings if needed
Method 2: Video Splitting
Free Video Splitting Tools
- LosslessCut: Cut videos without re-encoding
- VLC Media Player: Built-in splitting feature
- FFmpeg: Command-line splitting tool
- Online Video Cutter: Browser-based splitting
- Avidemux: Free video editor with cutting tools
VLC Video Splitting Steps
- Open VLC Media Player
- Go to Media > Convert/Save
- Add your video file
- Click "Convert/Save"
- Set start and stop times for each segment
- Choose output format (MP4 recommended)
- Convert each segment separately
- Check each file is under 8MB
Method 3: External Hosting Services
Free Video Hosting Platforms
- YouTube: Upload and share link (can be unlisted)
- Google Drive: Share video files with link
- Dropbox: Direct file sharing
- OneDrive: Microsoft's cloud storage
- WeTransfer: Temporary file sharing
- Imgur: Video hosting with direct links
- Streamable: Quick video hosting
YouTube Upload Process
- Create YouTube channel if you don't have one
- Upload your video to YouTube
- Set video to "Unlisted" for privacy
- Copy the video URL
- Paste the link in Discord chat
- Discord will show an embedded preview
Method 4: GIF Conversion
When to Use GIFs
- Short clips: 2-10 second animations
- Loops: Content that works well repeating
- Reactions: Quick reactions or memes
- Highlights: Key moments from longer videos
GIF Creation Tools
- GIPHY: Online GIF maker with editing tools
- Imgur GIF Maker: Simple video to GIF conversion
- EZGIF: Advanced GIF editing and optimization
- Photoshop: Professional GIF creation
- FFmpeg: Command-line GIF creation
Optimizing GIFs for Discord
- Keep it short: 2-5 seconds for best file size
- Reduce frame rate: 10-15 FPS instead of 30
- Lower resolution: 480p or 720p maximum
- Limit colors: Reduce color palette for smaller files
- Optimize loops: Ensure smooth looping animation
Compression Settings Guide
Recommended Settings for 8MB Limit
| Video Length | Resolution | Bitrate | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 seconds | 1080p | 5000 kbps | MP4 (H.264) |
| 30 seconds | 720p | 2000 kbps | MP4 (H.264) |
| 60 seconds | 480p | 1000 kbps | MP4 (H.264) |
| 2+ minutes | 360p | 500 kbps | MP4 (H.264) |
Quality vs File Size Balance
- High Quality: Higher resolution, shorter videos
- Longer Videos: Lower resolution, reduced bitrate
- Medium Balance: 720p, 1-2 minute videos
- Audio Quality: 128 kbps AAC for good quality
Mobile Video Compression
iOS Apps
- Video Compressor: Simple compression with presets
- Video Compress: Batch compression tool
- InShot: Video editor with export options
- iMovie: Built-in iOS video editor
Android Apps
- Video Compressor: Free compression app
- VidCompact: All-in-one video tool
- YouCut: Video editor with compression
- Video Converter: Format conversion and compression
Advanced Techniques
FFmpeg Command Line Examples
# Compress to target file size (8MB)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -fs 8M -c:v libx264 -crf 28 output.mp4
# Split video into 30-second segments
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c copy -segment_time 30 -f segment output_%03d.mp4
# Convert to GIF with optimization
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "fps=15,scale=480:-1" output.gifBatch Processing
- Scripts: Automate compression for multiple files
- Batch converters: Process many videos at once
- Cloud services: Use online tools for bulk processing
- Workflows: Set up automated compression pipelines
Troubleshooting Common Issues
File Still Too Large
Solutions:
- Further reduce quality: Lower resolution or bitrate
- Shorten the video: Trim unnecessary content
- Remove audio: Delete audio track if not needed
- Change format: Try different compression formats
- Split into parts: Divide into smaller segments
Quality Loss Issues
- Adjust compression settings: Find balance between size and quality
- Use better source: Start with highest quality original
- Two-pass encoding: Use more advanced compression methods
- Different codecs: Try H.265 for better compression
Upload Failures
- Check file format: Ensure Discord supports the format
- Verify file size: Confirm it's actually under 8MB
- Internet connection: Ensure stable connection for upload
- Discord status: Check if Discord services are operational
Best Practices
Video Preparation
- Plan for compression: Record in appropriate quality
- Edit before compressing: Trim unnecessary content first
- Keep originals: Save high-quality versions separately
- Test different settings: Find optimal compression for your content
Sharing Strategies
- Use previews: Share short preview clips
- Chapter videos: Split long videos into logical segments
- Progressive quality: Share low quality first, then high quality link
- Context matters: Choose method based on video importance
Alternative Solutions
Discord Nitro Benefits
- 50MB/100MB limits: Significantly larger file sizes
- Better quality streams:** Higher resolution screen sharing
- Server boosts:** Increased limits for entire servers
- No compression needed:** Upload larger files directly
Free Alternatives to Consider
- Telegram: 2GB file limit, no compression
- Signal: 100MB file limit
- WhatsApp:** 16MB limit but easy sharing
- Email:** 25MB+ depending on provider
✅ Pro Tip: For frequently shared content, create a template compression setting that consistently produces files under 8MB. This saves time and ensures reliable uploads to Discord.
Content-Specific Tips
Gaming Videos
- Highlight clips: Focus on key moments
- Lower frame rate:** 30 FPS often sufficient for highlights
- Crop unnecessary UI:** Remove static interface elements
- Use game built-in tools:** Many games have optimized clip export
Educational Content
- Screen recordings:** Often compress well due to static content
- Remove audio:** If explanation is in text or separate voice
- Key frames:** Focus on important steps or moments
- Multiple parts:** Break complex topics into segments
Creative Content
- Time-lapse:** Speed up long processes
- Stop motion:** Reduce frame rate for artistic effect
- Color optimization:** Limit color palette for better compression
- Artistic choices:** Use compression limitations creatively