Whether you’re sharing a cherished family memory, a work project, or a creative masterpiece, sending large video files can be challenging. File size limits, quality compression, and privacy concerns often complicate the process, making finding the right option for your needs feel much more difficult than it needs to be. Here, we will walk you through some of the most popular methods for sharing large videos and introduce a secure, reliable solution.
- Why is it difficult to send large video files?
- How to make large video files easier to send
- How to share large video files
- The best way to send large videos
Why is it difficult to send large video files?
Sending video files presents unique challenges due to their size, format, and quality requirements. While documents or images are easier to share due to smaller sizes, video files, such as .mp4, .mov, .avi, .mkv, or .hevc are often significantly larger than other file types because they combine high-resolution visuals with audio tracks.
Factors like frame rate, resolution, and compression settings also contribute to this, resulting in large video files that often exceed the limits of conventional file-sharing methods, making their transfer more complex.
The limitations and priorities of the video sharing services you use also play a role. Some services focus on minimizing costs for handling large files resulting in compression or file size limits. While others prioritize maximising profit from the data stored within your files, putting your content at risk of unauthorized access.
How to make large video files easier to send
If you face size limit issues when trying to send a video file, it’s often useful to reduce your video’s size before uploading it. Here are a few ways to make large video files more manageable:
Compress your videos
Use video compression software or online tools like HandBrake(nouvelle fenêtre) or Adobe Media Encoder(nouvelle fenêtre) to reduce the file size without severely impacting quality. Adjusting settings such as bitrate, resolution, or frame rate can significantly shrink the file without drastically reducing clarity.
Trim or edit unnecessary footage
If your video includes pauses, repeated takes, or unnecessary content, remove it before sharing. Simple editing apps (iMovie, Clipchamp, or QuickTime) allow you to cut out unneeded sections, lowering the final file size without sacrificing the important parts.
Convert to a more efficient format
Certain file formats (like h.265/hevc) compress data more effectively than older ones (like h.264). Converting your video to a newer, high-efficiency format can reduce size considerably while still keeping high-quality visuals and audio.
Split large videos into smaller segments
If compression alone isn’t enough, consider breaking the video into multiple parts. You can then send each part separately. Your recipients can reassemble them if they need to view the entire project as one file.
Alternatively, you can use a file sharing service like Proton Drive that lets you share files without size restrictions. With Proton Drive, you can upload videos in their original quality, length, and file size and securely send them to your chosen recipient with ease.
How to share large video files
Whether you need to make changes to your video to make it easier to send will depend on how you choose to send it. Here’s a breakdown of popular methods and their limitations:
Email is one of the most common and convenient ways to send your files to your chosen recipients, but it’s not ideal for large video files. Most email providers cap attachments at 25 MB, whereas a one-hour HD video typically ranges between 2 to 4 GB — far exceeding these limits.
Messaging services
Messaging apps like iMessage or Whatsapp offer a quick way to share videos recorded or edited on your phone. However, these apps compress your files to reduce their size and server load, resulting in significant quality loss. The sharp, vibrant footage you captured may appear pixelated or blurry after sending. It is also possible to send videos by SMS but, depending on your mobile plan, sending large files this way may result in hefty additional fees.
Airdrop or Quick Share
Built-in file-sharing services on iOS (Airdrop) and Android (Quick Share) allow you to send large video files directly without compression or size limits. However, these methods are limited to sharing between devices from the same manufacturer. For example, AirDrop only works between iOS devices, and Quick Share is exclusively for Android.
Video hosting sites
Platforms like YouTube or Vimeo allow you to upload videos and share a link with your recipient. These platforms also offer privacy options, like unlisted or private sharing. While convenient for streaming, this option is not ideal if your recipient needs the video file for editing or offline use.
Cloud sharing
Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and WeTransfer are popular options for sending large video files. Each allows you to upload your video to the cloud and share a link with your recipient, but their pros and cons vary when it comes to factors like file size limits or privacy concerns.
Is cloud video storage and sharing secure?
While most cloud services use encryption to protect your video files when you share them, not all offer the strongest form. Google Drive, Dropbox, and WeTransfer all use in-transit and at-rest encryption. This means that, during parts of the file transfer process, there are moments where your files are unencrypted. During these moments, your personal or professional content can be accessed by the service provider and they can use your data to support their business model or share it with third parties. There is also a chance that, if the service provider experiences a security breach (which some have a history of), your personal or professional videos can fall into the hands of bad actors with malicious intentions.
A more secure form of protection for cloud sharing is end-to-end encryption. This encryption method ensures that only the intended recipient can access your files as they are encrypted at every stage of the sharing process.
Proton Drive is an end-to-end encryption cloud storage that lets you share files with the confidence that they will stay private and secure at every step of the way.
The best way to send large videos
Unlike some other cloud sharing options, Proton Drive lets you share files without limits on file size. It doesn’t require you to trim your video down, convert it to a new format or put it through compression — so that clip of stunning scenery you encountered on vacation, or the promotional video you’ve spent hours editing will be shared with your recipient in the exact same quality as you uploaded them.
You can upload your files using any device. If you’re wondering how to send a long video on iPhone or Android, dedicated Proton Drive mobile apps let you securely share your files directly from the device you shot them on.
Manage access to shared files
Proton Drive also helps you stay in control after sending your videos. You can define who and how people interact with your videos with advanced controls that let you:
- Revoke Access: Deactivate the sharing link at any time.
- Monitor Activity: See who has accessed your file and when.
- Password Protection: Add an extra layer of security to your shared links.
- Link Expiration: Automatically disable access after a specified time.
How to send large video files with Proton Drive
- Create a Proton Drive account
- Access Proton Drive in your browser(nouvelle fenêtre) or download and open the mobile or desktop app
- Upload your video to Proton Drive
- Send an email invitation directly to your recipient or create a public sharing link
- Send the link to the recipient via email, text, or messaging app
Ready to simplify your video sharing? Try Proton Drive today and experience the safest way to send large videos securely.
