How to send a Facebook video on WhatsApp

Send it with the Send or save button, from your gallery, or as a document to keep the quality.

Sending a video to someone on WhatsApp is the most common reason people download a Facebook video. The post's link doesn't always do the job: the other person may not have Facebook, the post may get deleted, or their connection may not cope with streaming the video right then. With the file, they can watch whenever they like.

There are three ways to send it. The first is the quickest on a phone; the third is the best for keeping the quality.

1. Use the Send or save button

In the search result, tap Send or save. When the button changes to Share now, tap it again and pick WhatsApp from the list of apps. Then choose the chat or group.

2. Or send it from your gallery

If the video is already on your phone, open WhatsApp, go to the chat, tap the paperclip (Android) or the plus sign (iPhone) and choose Gallery or Photo & Video Library. Select the video and tap send. On iPhone, save the video to Photos first, as the iPhone guide shows.

3. To keep the quality, send it as a document

When you send a video from your gallery, WhatsApp compresses the file and the picture loses sharpness. To avoid that, tap the paperclip, choose Document and find the video in your Downloads folder (or the Files app, on iPhone). The video arrives exactly like the original, and the size limit for documents is much higher.

4. Check it arrived with picture and sound

Before you close the chat, tap the video you sent to check it. If it arrived silent, download it again choosing the highest quality option, which joins picture and sound.

When sending fails

WhatsApp says the file is too big. Download the SD version or send it as a document. The guide on videos too big for WhatsApp explains every way out.
The message is stuck on the clock icon. Your connection is slow. Switch to Wi-Fi or wait: WhatsApp keeps sending on its own.
WhatsApp isn't in the share menu. Swipe the row of apps sideways or tap More to turn it on.
The other person can't play it. Older phones sometimes struggle with HD files. Send the SD version instead.

Paste the video link here

Can I post the video to my WhatsApp status?

Yes. Status only takes short videos. To post just the best part, use Cut a clip in the search result: pick the start and the end, tap Cut clip, then Send clip and choose WhatsApp. If you prefer, WhatsApp itself also lets you pick the part you want when you post it.