How to send video files

Why videos can be difficult to send

Video files can be tens to hundreds of times larger than photos, so they exceed the limits of many transfer methods.

• ・Email attachments are too limited (Gmail's attachment limit is 25MB)
• ・With free upload-based services, larger files take longer both to upload and to download
• ・Server-based transfers are more prone to slowdowns during busy periods

Estimating size from video length

Smartphone video recorded at 1080p / 30fps is roughly 100–200MB per minute, while 4K video is around 350–400MB per minute. A single video can easily reach several GB.

FileExpress cloud transfers allow up to 5GB per transfer, which is roughly a little over 10 minutes of 4K video. For larger videos, use direct P2P transfer. Because browsers connect directly to each other, P2P transfers have no size limit.

The larger the video, the better the case for P2P

Upload-based services require both the time for the sender to upload to a server and the time for the recipient to download from it. Direct P2P transfer combines these 2 stages into 1 and is unaffected by server congestion.

Direct P2P transfers have a requirement: the sender and recipient must be online at the same time. Closing a browser tab during the transfer stops it. If the recipient can't collect the files immediately, choose a cloud transfer.

Original quality and format

FileExpress does not re-encode videos. Whether MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV or another format, the original captured or exported file is delivered unchanged. It's suitable for sharing editing materials or delivering finished work.

Steps to send videos

1. 1

   Select your video files

   Drag and drop videos on the home page. You can select multiple videos together.

2. 2

   Choose a method based on the recipient's availability

   Choose direct P2P transfer if the recipient can receive now, or a cloud transfer (up to 5GB) if they'll collect the files later.

3. 3

   Share the receive code

   A 4-character receive code and a QR code will appear. Just share the code to share the files.

4. 4

   Wait for the transfer to finish

   For direct P2P transfers, both sender and recipient must keep the page open until the transfer finishes.

Frequently asked questions

How many GB of video can I send?

Direct P2P mode has no size limit. Cloud transfer mode allows up to 5GB per transfer. For 4K video, 5GB is roughly 10–15 minutes.

Are videos recompressed?

No. Videos are not re-encoded or compressed, so recipients receive the original exported quality, bitrate and format.

What happens if I close the tab during a P2P transfer?

The transfer is interrupted. Direct P2P transfer connects the sender's and recipient's browsers, so closing either page stops the transfer. If the recipient cannot receive immediately, use a cloud transfer.

Can I send files while the recipient is offline?

Use cloud transfer mode. Files are encrypted and stored temporarily so the recipient can download them later. Choose a retention period of 1, 3, 7, 15 or 30 days.

How much does it cost?

Files totaling 100MB or less are free up to 3 times a day. Above that allowance, cloud transfers cost JPY 110 per 1GB, including tax, capped at JPY 330, including tax. Direct P2P transfers are free regardless of size.