Discord has recently updated its support page to announce a significant change in its file upload policy. The company has decided to reduce the file upload limit for free users from 25MB to 10MB. This modification comes as a surprise to many users, especially considering that the previous 25MB limit was only introduced in April, replacing the earlier 8MB restriction.
Reasons Behind the Change and User Impact
According to Discord, the decision to lower the file upload limit was primarily driven by the high costs associated with managing storage. The company states that the new 10MB limit was carefully chosen based on extensive usage statistics. Discord reports that nearly 99% of users typically send files smaller than 10MB, suggesting that the impact on the majority of free users will be minimal.
For users who frequently need to transfer larger files or those who prioritize high-quality file sharing, Discord continues to offer its premium subscription service, Nitro. The company emphasizes the long-term storage benefit of using their platform, stating, “Unlike other platforms, we keep your files for as long as you need them.”
Subscription Options and Comparisons
Discord provides two subscription tiers for users requiring higher file upload limits:
- Nitro Basic: Priced at $3 per month, this option increases the file upload limit to 50MB.
- Nitro: At $10 per month, this premium tier allows for file uploads up to 500MB. Additionally, Nitro subscribers enjoy extra perks such as 4K video streaming capabilities and the ability to use custom emojis in channels.
In comparison to other popular messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Telegram currently offer more generous file upload limits of 2GB for their users, notes NIX Solutions. This significant difference may influence users who frequently share large files to consider alternative platforms.
Discord acknowledges that this change may affect some users’ workflows and assures its community. We’ll keep you updated on any future changes or improvements to our file sharing capabilities.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that file sharing and storage remain critical features for communication platforms. While Discord’s decision may disappoint some free users, the company’s tiered approach aims to balance user needs with operational costs. Users who find themselves consistently bumping up against the new limit may need to evaluate whether a paid subscription aligns with their usage patterns or explore alternative file-sharing methods.