For many of you, Discord has become your go-to platform for gaming communication, offering a mix of voice, text, and video chat options. But did you know that it also has a robust file sending feature? This allows you to share screen recordings, game clips, images, and even videos directly in your chat.
The Basics of Sending Files on Discord
Sending files on Discord is straightforward. Whether you’re in a private chat or a server, you can simply drag and drop files into the chat box, or click the ‘+’ button next to the message box to browse and upload files from your device. Discord supports a wide range of file types, making it easy to share exactly what you want with your friends or teammates.
However, there are some limitations to bear in mind. For one, there’s a file size limit. For regular users, the limit is 8MB, but if you’ve upgraded to Discord Nitro, it increases to 100MB. If the video you’re trying to send exceeds these limits, Discord will automatically try to send it as a file instead.
Common Issues When Sending Videos
One of the challenges you may encounter when sending videos through Discord is that the platform might send your video as a downloadable file instead of an embedded video. This is usually due to the video either exceeding Discord’s file size limit or being in an unsupported format.
When Discord sends a video as a file, the recipients have to download it to their devices to watch it. This is not only inconvenient but also might raise security concerns as not everyone feels comfortable downloading files from chat.
To help you navigate around these issues, our guide on ‘how to fix Discord sending videos as files‘ walks you through the problem and its possible solutions. Stay tuned for detailed troubleshooting steps, tips, and tricks to ensure your videos are sent and received as intended.
Remember, Discord is not just a platform for gamers to communicate; it’s a versatile tool that allows file sharing, video calls, and even business communication. Understanding its features and troubleshooting common issues can significantly enhance your Discord experience.
Problem: Discord Sends Videos as Files
Navigating the world of Discord can sometimes throw unexpected issues your way. One such problem that you might encounter is when Discord starts sending your videos as files. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re trying to share gameplay clips or other video content with your friends. In this section, we’ll examine the problem and possible reasons behind it.
Understanding the Problem
Typically, when you upload a video on Discord, it should automatically embed itself within the chat, allowing you and others to play it back directly in the chat window. However, you might sometimes find that instead of embedding as a playable video, Discord sends your video as a downloadable file. This means that instead of being able to play the video directly, other users would have to download the file to view it. This might not be the most convenient way to share videos, and it’s understandable if you’re looking for ways on how to fix Discord sending videos as files.
Possible Reasons for the Issue
The problem of Discord sending videos as files instead of embedding them can be due to various reasons, including but not limited to:
- File Format: Discord supports certain video file formats for embedding, such as .mp4 and .mov. If your video is in a different file format, Discord might not recognize it as a video and would send it as a file instead.
- File Size: Discord has a file size limit for video uploads, which is 8MB for free users and 100MB for Nitro users. If your video file exceeds these limits, Discord will not embed it in the chat and would send it as a file instead.
- Video Length: Discord also has a limit on the length of videos that can be embedded. If your video is too long, it might be sent as a file instead.
- Discord Settings: Depending on your Discord settings, videos might be automatically sent as files. You can check and adjust these settings to ensure videos are sent correctly.
Remember, understanding the problem is the first step towards finding the right solution. In the next sections, we will guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix this issue. Stay tuned!
Fixing the Issue: Step-By-Step Guide
If you’re experiencing the problem where Discord sends videos as files, there are a few steps you can follow to try to resolve the issue. Let’s explore these steps one by one.
Checking Your Video File Format
Discord supports a variety of video file formats. However, if your video is in an unsupported format, Discord may send it as a file instead of a playable video. Commonly supported video formats include .mp4, .mov, and .webm.
To check your video file format:
- Locate the video file on your device.
- Right-click the file and select Properties (on Windows) or Get Info (on Mac).
- Check the file type or format.
If your video is in an unsupported format, consider converting it to a supported format using a reliable video converter tool.
Ensuring Your Video File Size is Within Limit
Discord has a file size limit for uploads. For regular users, the limit is 8MB. For Nitro users, the limit increases to 100MB. If your video file exceeds these limits, Discord will send it as a file.
To check your video file size:
- Locate the video file on your device.
- Right-click the file and select Properties (on Windows) or Get Info (on Mac).
- Check the file size.
If your video file is too large, consider compressing it using a video compression tool or trim the video to a shorter length.
Updating Your Discord Application
Sometimes, the issue can be resolved by simply updating your Discord application. Developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
To update Discord:
- On your desktop, right-click the Discord shortcut and select Run as administrator.
- If an update is available, Discord will automatically download and install it.
After the update is complete, try sending your video again to see if the problem has been resolved.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue of Discord sending videos as files. If the problem persists, you may want to reach out to Discord Support or consult the Discord Community for further assistance.
Advanced Troubleshooting Methods
If the basic steps outlined above don’t resolve the issue of Discord sending videos as files, you might need to try some advanced troubleshooting methods. These can include clearing your Discord cache and adjusting Discord’s user settings.
Clearing Discord Cache
Discord, like many other applications, stores temporary data known as cache to speed up its operations. However, over time, this cache can become corrupted, leading to issues such as Discord sending videos as files. Clearing your Discord cache can help fix this issue.
Here’s how to clear your Discord cache:
- Close Discord completely. This can be done by right-clicking the Discord icon in your system tray and selecting ‘Quit Discord’.
- Open your file explorer and type
%appdata%into the address bar, then press enter. - In the folder that opens, find the ‘Discord’ folder.
- Delete this folder to clear your Discord cache.
- Restart Discord and try sending a video again.
Note: Clearing your Discord cache will not delete any of your personal data or settings. If you’re interested in learning more about Discord’s operation, check out our articles on how to use discord for business.
Adjusting Discord’s User Settings
Another possible solution to the video file issue is adjusting your Discord user settings. These settings control various aspects of Discord’s functionality, including how files are sent.
Here’s how to adjust your user settings:
- Open Discord and click the gear icon near your username to open the ‘User Settings’ menu.
- In the left-hand column, scroll down and click on ‘Text & Images’.
- Under ‘When I upload explicit content’, make sure ‘Scan direct messages from everyone’ is selected.
- Under ‘When I upload a file’, select ‘Ask me every time’.
- Restart Discord and try sending a video again.
By adjusting these settings, you’re telling Discord to check each file you send for explicit content. If Discord detects a video file, it should send it as a video rather than a file.
Remember, it’s important to keep your Discord application up-to-date to ensure all features are working as they should. If you’re interested in learning more about utilizing Discord’s features, check out our range of helpful articles, such as how to change your name on discord without password or how to add tags on discord.
Discord Community Solutions
Despite the best efforts, some issues may persist. If you’re still unable to fix the problem of Discord sending videos as files, it’s time to turn to the Discord community for help.
Finding Help in the Discord Community
The Discord community is a vibrant, active group of users who are always ready to aid their fellow members with a diverse array of problems, including how to fix Discord sending videos as files. You can seek help through Discord’s official support server or via online forums dedicated to Discord users.
When seeking help, remember to provide detailed information about your issue. This includes the type of device you’re using, your operating system, the version of Discord you’re running, and a thorough description of the issue. The more specific you can be, the easier it will be for others to assist you.
Common User Suggested Fixes
Over time, the community has suggested several common fixes for this issue. Here are a few that might prove useful:
- Reinstall Discord: Sometimes, reinstalling the application can resolve underlying issues. Make sure to back up any essential data before doing so.
- Change the video format: Some users have found that changing the video file format can help. Converting the video to a more compatible format could resolve the issue.
- Check for updates: Ensure that your Discord application is up to date. New updates often come with bug fixes that might solve the problem.
While these solutions might not work for everyone, they are worth a try if all else fails.
Remember, the Discord community is a great resource. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. There’s always someone who might have encountered the same issue and found a solution. For more Discord-related help, check out our other articles on topics like how to link discord to epic games and how to change your name on discord without password.