Discord Video and File Upload Specs: What You Need to Know
Discord's video and file upload specs have changed as of August 2026. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your uploads fit and play back smoothly.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Max length | No duration limit - bounded only by file size (20 MB free / 50 MB Nitro Basic / 500 MB Nitro) |
| Aspect ratio | Not documented by Discord |
| Resolution | Not documented for uploads (mobile app has a 'Video Uploads' quality setting incl. Data Saver); Go Live streams boosted to 1080p60 at Server Boost Level 2+ |
| Max file size | Free: 20 MB (raised from 10 MB as of Aug 2026; now checked pre-compression on mobile as on desktop); Nitro Basic: 50 MB; Nitro: 500 MB; Server Boost Level 2: 50 MB and Level 3: 100 MB for all members (that server only); experiment: 250 MB via 'Larger File Uploads' perk (5 Boosts) for select servers |
| Formats / codecs | MP4 and MOV play inline (video encoded with H.264, HEVC/H.265 or AV1 - official); WebM (VP8/VP9) playback reported in Discord community posts (not in the official article); other file types show as non-preview embeds/downloads |
| Captions | No caption/subtitle features for uploaded video; burn captions in |
Sources: https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/25444343291031-File-Attachments-FAQ · https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000435108-What-are-Nitro-Nitro-Basic · https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360028038352-Server-Boosting-FAQ · https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360051091674-Support-Video-Playback-for-HEVC-H-265-Videos. Specs change - verify in the platform's help center before a big upload.

Key Discord Video Upload Specs (2026)
Discord’s current file upload limits are 20 MB for free users, 50 MB with Nitro Basic, and 500 MB with Nitro. There is no official duration limit - your video just needs to fit the file size cap. MP4 and MOV files (H.264, HEVC/H.265, AV1 codecs) play inline, while other formats may require download. Discord does not publish official limits for aspect ratio or resolution, but most standard video sizes work. Captions are not supported, so you must burn them into your video before uploading.
How to Export Clips That Fit Discord’s Limits
- Keep file size under the cap: For free users, compress your video to under 20 MB. Shorter clips and lower resolutions help.
- Use supported formats: Export as MP4 (H.264 is safest). MOV is also supported. Avoid uncommon codecs.
- Resolution and aspect ratio: Discord doesn’t enforce specific values. Vertical, square, and widescreen videos all upload, but test playback if using unusual formats.
- Burn in captions: Add subtitles directly into the video, since Discord won’t show separate caption files.
Tips for Creating Discord-Ready Clips
- Trim long videos: Since file size is the main limit, shorter clips are easier to fit under the cap.
- Compress wisely: Use export settings like 720p or 480p for longer clips to reduce file size without losing too much quality.
- Check before uploading: On Android, Discord checks file size before compression, so pre-compress your videos.
- Watch for NSFW scanning: Discord may block uploads it flags as unsafe.
Using Vidulk to Export Clips for Discord
Vidulk’s AI Clipper (iOS and Android) helps you find and export the best moments from long videos, podcasts, or livestreams. You can export vertical, captioned clips and adjust length or resolution to fit Discord’s 20 MB free upload limit. Just paste your source video, let Vidulk generate highlights, and export in MP4 format with burned-in captions. This workflow makes it easy to share short, high-impact clips in Discord without hitting file size issues.
Export clips that fit these specs automatically - Vidulk reframes to 9:16, captions and trims to length. Free to start on iOS and Android.
Try VidulkFAQ
What is the max video file size I can upload to Discord?
As of August 2026, free users can upload files up to 20 MB, Nitro Basic users up to 50 MB, and Nitro users up to 500 MB.
What video formats does Discord support for inline playback?
Discord officially supports MP4 and MOV files (H.264, HEVC/H.265, AV1 codecs) for inline playback. Other types may require download.
Does Discord support video captions or subtitles?
No. Discord does not support separate caption or subtitle files. Burn captions directly into your video before uploading.
Is there a max video length for Discord uploads?
There is no official duration limit for video uploads - just make sure your file fits under the size cap for your account type.
How can I make sure my video fits Discord’s upload limits?
Trim your video, export in MP4 (H.264), and reduce resolution or bitrate if needed. Use tools like Vidulk’s AI Clipper to generate short, compressed clips.