How to Send Long Videos on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction

Sending long videos on iPhone can be a tedious task, especially when considering the limitations of MMS and the size limits for attachments on traditional email services. This article is designed to provide a comprehensive guide to sending long videos on iPhone via iCloud, AirDrop, Dropbox, third-party applications, compressing videos, and recording shorter videos.

II. Using iCloud

iCloud is a cloud-based storage platform that allows you to store and access your photos, videos, documents, and other files on all your Apple devices. Here’s how you can use iCloud to send long videos to your contacts:

1. Go to your Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Select the video you want to send and tap on the ‘Share’ icon.
3. Select ‘Add to iCloud Drive’.
4. Once the video has been uploaded to iCloud Drive, open the Files app on your iPhone.
5. Navigate to the ‘iCloud Drive’ folder and select the video you want to send.
6. Tap on the ‘Share’ icon and select the method you want to use to send the video, such as email, message, or a third-party app like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
7. Alternatively, you can copy the link to the video and share it with your contacts via email or message.

III. Using AirDrop

AirDrop is a built-in feature on iOS devices that allows you to wirelessly transfer files, photos, and videos between Apple devices. Here’s how you can use AirDrop to send long videos from iPhone to iPhone:

1. Ensure that both devices have AirDrop turned on and are within proximity to each other.
2. Open the Photos app on your iPhone and select the video you want to send.
3. Tap on the ‘Share’ icon and select the device you want to send the video to from the list of available AirDrop devices.
4. Wait for the video to transfer, and the recipient will be asked to accept the file transfer before it is completed.

Using AirDrop for video sharing is fast, secure, and does not require an internet connection, making it an excellent option for sending large files quickly.

IV. Using Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular cloud-based storage service that allows you to store and share files of all sizes, including videos. Here’s how to upload large video files to Dropbox and share them with your contacts:

1. Download and install the Dropbox app on your iPhone if you have not already done so.
2. Open the app and sign in with your Dropbox account credentials.
3. Tap on the ‘Plus’ icon at the bottom of the screen and select ‘Upload Files’.
4. Select the video you want to upload from your camera roll or files app.
5. Once the video has been uploaded, tap on the ‘Share’ icon next to it and select the method you want to use to send the video, such as link, email, or message.

Sending videos via Dropbox offers flexibility in terms of where your videos can be uploaded from and how they can be shared. Additionally, Dropbox allows recipients to download the video to their own device for future viewing.

V. Using a Third-Party App

Third-party apps can be an excellent alternative for sending large files that exceed the size limits of traditional messaging and email services. Here are some third-party apps you can use to send long videos on iPhone:

• WeTransfer: This app allows you to send large files up to 2GB to anyone, anywhere in the world.
• Google Drive: With Google Drive, you can upload and share files of any size with your contacts.
• WhatsApp: A popular messaging app that allows you to send videos up to 16MB in size.
• Facebook Messenger: This app allows you to send videos of up to 25MB in size.

Using third-party apps for video sharing provides more flexibility in terms of file size and device compatibility and can be especially useful for sending videos to non-Apple devices. However, you should also be cautious when sharing files through third-party apps, as they may not always offer the same level of security as Apple services.

VI. Compressing the Video

Compressing videos is a good option for reducing the file size of long videos while maintaining a reasonable quality for sharing. Here’s how to compress a video on iPhone:

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Select the video you want to compress.
3. Tap on the ‘Edit’ button and then tap on the ‘three dots’ icon at the top right corner of the screen.
4. Select ‘Resize’ and choose a smaller size for the video.
5. Tap ‘Save’ to save the resized video.

You can also use third-party apps like Video Compressor or Video Zip to compress and share videos on iPhone.

VII. Recording Shorter Videos

Recording shorter videos can also be an effective way to share long videos with your contacts. Here are some tips for recording and editing shorter video clips:

• Plan your shots beforehand and break up your video into shorter segments.
• Use the ‘Trim’ function on your iPhone to cut the video into smaller clips and only keep the parts you want to share.
• Use iMovie or other video editing apps to merge the shorter clips together.
• Add text, music, or stickers to make your video more engaging and shareable.

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to send long videos on iPhone, including using iCloud, AirDrop, Dropbox, third-party apps, compressing the video, and recording shorter videos. You can choose the best method based on your needs, the size of the video file, and the preferences of your contacts. Remember to respect the privacy and security of your files when sharing them online and always be mindful of the risks associated with using third-party apps.

Overall, sending long videos on iPhone can be a simple and hassle-free process with the right tools and techniques, helping you keep your memories alive and stay connected with your loved ones.