Is there any size limit on the media files attached in WhatsApp Template Messages?

Is there any size limit on the media files attached in WhatsApp Template Messages?

Yes. WhatsApp sets strict file size limits for media attachments used in template messages. Going over these limits will result in rejection or API errors.


đź—‚ Supported Media Types & Size Limits

Media Type

Max File Size

Recommended Specs

Remarks

Image (JPEG, PNG)

Up to 5 MB

Aspect ratio: 1.91:1 or 1:1

Commonly used in header media

Sticker (WebP)

Up to 500 KB

Square, 512x512 px recommended

For template headers only

Video (MP4)

Up to 16 MB

H.264 codec, AAC audio

Accepted as header media

Audio (AAC, MP4, AMR, OPUS)

Up to 16 MB

AAC/MP4 recommended

Limited to standalone messages, not headers

Document (PDF, DOC, PPT, etc.)

Up to 100 MB

PDFs preferred for compatibility

Can be included in header


⚠️ What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?

  • Template Rejection: Meta will reject your submission during approval.
  • API Error Response: The Cloud API will throw a media size error.

Example Error Response:

{  "error": {    "message": "Media file size too large",    "type": "OAuthException",    "code": 131051,    "error_subcode": 2494010,    "fbtrace_id": "AbCdEf123456"  }}

âś… Best Practices

  • Images & Stickers: Keep images under 5 MB, WebP under 500 KB.
  • Videos: Compress to ≤16 MB using H.264/AAC.
  • Documents: ≤100 MB, PDFs preferred.
  • Audio: Ensure ≤16 MB and proper encoding (AAC recommended).
  • Always preview: Test media before submitting the template.

đź–Ľ Visual Infographic: WhatsApp Media Size Limits


📚 References

  1. Meta Developers – WhatsApp Cloud API: Media Reference
  2. Trengo – Conditions for WhatsApp Templates
  3. Clickatell – WhatsApp Media File Limits
  4. Netcore – WhatsApp Template Image Specs