Best Free Discord Video Compressors 2026
Discord’s file upload limits can frustrate anyone trying to share videos. Free users face a 10MB cap, while Nitro Basic allows 50MB and full Nitro permits up to 500MB. If you’re not paying for Nitro, that 10MB limit means most videos need serious compression before sharing.
Video compressors solve this problem by reducing file sizes while maintaining watchable quality. The right tool makes the difference between a pixelated mess and a sharp, clear video that fits within Discord’s restrictions.
Quick Picks: Top 3 Compressors
HandBrake - Free, open-source desktop tool with advanced controls. Best for power users who want maximum quality.
VEED - Browser-based with free 1GB uploads. Pro plan at $12/month removes watermarks.
Clideo - Simple interface, $9/month Pro plan. Good for quick compressions without learning curves.
Discord File Size Limits in 2026
Discord changed its upload limits in 2024, reducing the free tier from 25MB back to 10MB due to operational costs. Here’s the current breakdown:
Free users: 10MB maximum file size
Nitro Basic: 50MB limit
Nitro (full plan): 500MB limit
Server boosts: Level 1 gives 50MB, Level 2 gives 100MB, Level 3 gives 150MB for all server members
For free users sharing videos, this 10MB cap is tight. A 30-second 1080p video easily exceeds this limit without compression.
Comparison: Best Discord Video Compressors
| Tool | Type | Free Tier | Max Quality | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HandBrake | Desktop | Unlimited | 4K+ | Free | Advanced users |
| VEED | Browser | 1GB files | 720p free | $12/mo Pro | Quick edits |
| Clideo | Browser | Watermarked | 1080p | $9/mo Pro | Beginners |
| Kapwing | Browser | Watermarked | 720p free | $16/mo annual | Teams |
| Media.io | Browser | 500MB limit | 1080p | Varies | Batch jobs |
| FreeConvert | Browser | Standard | 1080p | Free | Format options |
| 8mb.video | Browser | 2GB input | Varies | Free | Discord-specific |
| Autocompressor | Browser | Target size | Auto | Free | Target size control |
Individual Tool Reviews
HandBrake
HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers precise control over codecs, bitrate, resolution, and encoding settings. HandBrake works best for users who understand video compression concepts and want maximum quality at any file size. The learning curve is steeper than browser tools, but the results are superior for anyone willing to learn the interface.
VEED
VEED is a browser-based video editor with compression tools built in. Free users can compress files up to 1GB but exports include a watermark and max out at 720p. The Pro plan ($12/month) removes watermarks and allows 1080p-4K exports. VEED works directly in your browser, so there’s no software to install.
Clideo
Clideo offers a simple drag-and-drop interface for video compression. The free version adds a watermark to outputs, while the Pro plan ($9/month or $6/month annually) removes it and provides unlimited storage time. Clideo is one of the easiest tools to use for anyone who just needs quick compression without technical settings.
Kapwing
Kapwing is a popular browser-based video editor with compression features. Free users get watermarked exports, while the Pro plan ($24/month or $16/month annually) includes 6GB file uploads and 120-minute exports. Kapwing is trusted by over 10 million creators and works well for teams who need collaborative editing features.
Media.io
Media.io compresses MP4, WEBM, MOV, AVI, MKV, and WMV formats without watermarks on the free tier. The free version limits you to compressing one video at a time with a 500MB maximum file size. Paid users can batch process up to 30 files simultaneously.
FreeConvert
FreeConvert is a browser-based compressor that lets you choose between H.264 and H.265 codecs. You can target specific file sizes, quality levels, resolutions, or bitrates. The default compression reduces file size by about 40%, and H.265 encoding provides better compression for 1080p and 4K videos.
8mb.video
8mb.video is a free tool designed specifically to compress videos under Discord’s old 8MB limit. It accepts input files up to 2GB and compresses them to just under 8MB. The tool includes options to mute audio, trim video, and auto-download when finished. While Discord’s free limit is now 10MB, this tool still works well for aggressive compression.
Autocompressor
Autocompressor uses AUTO-REZ technology to compress videos to a specific target size while maintaining the highest possible quality. You set your desired file size (like 10MB for Discord), and the tool automatically adjusts encoding settings to hit that target. This is useful when you need precise size control.
How to Compress Videos for Discord
Step 1: Choose your tool Select a compressor based on your needs. Browser tools like VEED and Clideo work for quick jobs. HandBrake is better if you compress videos regularly and want control.
Step 2: Upload and set target size Upload your video and set the target file size to 9-10MB for Discord free accounts. Most tools let you choose between target size, quality level, or resolution.
Step 3: Download and test Download the compressed video and test it in Discord before sharing. Check that audio syncs properly and the quality meets your standards.
Share Videos Without Compression
ScreenApp lets you record, compress, and share videos through cloud links instead of direct uploads. Record your Discord conversations or gameplay, and ScreenApp automatically compresses them for sharing. Instead of uploading large files to Discord, you share a link that bypasses the 10MB limit entirely.
The tool also includes transcription and AI summarization features, making it useful for anyone who records Discord meetings, podcasts, or gaming sessions. You can share videos of any length without worrying about Discord’s file restrictions.
FAQ
What is Discord’s file upload limit in 2026?
Discord allows 10MB for free users, 50MB for Nitro Basic, and 500MB for full Nitro subscribers. Server boosts increase limits to 50MB (Level 1), 100MB (Level 2), or 150MB (Level 3) for all members.
Which video format works best for Discord?
MP4 with H.264 codec provides the best balance of quality, compatibility, and file size. H.265 (HEVC) compresses better but may have compatibility issues on some devices.
Can I compress videos without losing quality?
Some quality loss is inevitable with compression, but tools like HandBrake and VEED minimize it by using efficient codecs and variable bitrate encoding. The key is balancing file size with acceptable quality for your needs.
What resolution should I use for Discord videos?
720p (1280x720) works well for most Discord videos under 10MB. For longer videos, drop to 480p. Adjust bitrate to 1,000-2,000 Kbps for good quality within size limits.
Are free video compressors safe to use?
Reputable tools like HandBrake, VEED, Clideo, and Kapwing are safe. Browser-based tools process files on their servers, so avoid uploading sensitive content to free services. Desktop tools like HandBrake process files locally for better privacy.
Why did Discord reduce the free upload limit?
Discord lowered the free limit from 25MB to 10MB in 2024 citing operational and financial concerns. Storage costs for maintaining large file uploads became unsustainable for free accounts.
What’s the difference between H.264 and H.265 codecs?
H.265 (HEVC) compresses files about 50% smaller than H.264 at the same quality level, but requires more processing power and has limited device support. H.264 works on all devices and is the safer choice for Discord.
FAQ
Discord allows 10MB for free users, 50MB for Nitro Basic, and 500MB for full Nitro subscribers. Server boosts increase limits to 50MB (Level 1), 100MB (Level 2), or 150MB (Level 3) for all members.
MP4 with H.264 codec provides the best balance of quality, compatibility, and file size. H.265 (HEVC) compresses better but may have compatibility issues on some devices.
Some quality loss is inevitable with compression, but tools like HandBrake and VEED minimize it by using efficient codecs and variable bitrate encoding. The key is balancing file size with acceptable quality for your needs.
720p (1280x720) works well for most Discord videos under 10MB. For longer videos, drop to 480p. Adjust bitrate to 1,000-2,000 Kbps for good quality within size limits.
Reputable tools like HandBrake, VEED, Clideo, and Kapwing are safe. Browser-based tools process files on their servers, so avoid uploading sensitive content to free services. Desktop tools like HandBrake process files locally for better privacy.
Discord lowered the free limit from 25MB to 10MB in 2024 citing operational and financial concerns. Storage costs for maintaining large file uploads became unsustainable for free accounts.
H.265 (HEVC) compresses files about 50% smaller than H.264 at the same quality level, but requires more processing power and has limited device support. H.264 works on all devices and is the safer choice for Discord.
