Messaging apps are essential ways to communicate with each other and share memories. Communication is not only in the form of text or pictures; we can also share rich media files like videos and audio. Besides all the advantages of messaging apps, there is a concern about how long a video can be on a messaging app without losing its quality.
The storage of video on messaging apps varies according to various factors. Every messaging app has rules and limitations for sharing a video. When we send a video on a messaging app, we can share it for as long as the app’s server allows. The varying policies of social media platforms will determine when you can access the video on the platform.Here, we will give you a detailed breakdown of every platform, including how long videos are available in messages app servers and how to access them.
WhatsApp stores media, including video and images, on its server for a short time. It is one of the most used platforms for sharing videos and media files. Once we share the video with the recipient, it will be on the WhatsApp server for 30 days. If the recipient does not download the video within 30 days, then WhatsApp will automatically delete the file. However, if the recipient downloads the video, it will remain on your device unless deleted manually. Backup and storage with google drive and iCloud will help you access the video for a longer time. It will be part of your chat backup, but it also depends on the settings.
iMessage
iMessage is for Apple devices. It does not store your videos on Apple servers once they are delivered to the recipient. After receiving the video file from the sender, it will be primarily stored on your device. If you have iCloud backups, then your video will remain in chat backup as long as you have the chat. iCloud storage will retain the media until you manually delete it. The video on your Apple device will only be deleted if you delete it from your device manually.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook messenger is a great platform that stores videos indefinitely on its server. The videos will be there for you unless you manually delete the conversations. There is no strict expiration period for videos, so you can access them for months or even years. If you delete your chat or remove the video, then your video will permanently be deleted from the server. Facebook Messenger will keep the video as long as the chat exists.
Instagram DM
Instagram direct messages have different storage rules for videos. If you send a regular video message, it will remain accessible as part of the conversation as long as you manually delete it by sender or receiver. If you share a disappearing video through Instagram direct messages, it will only be available for the recipient once or twice, depending on the settings. After that, it will be permanently deleted from the server. Lastly, videos that you share through Instagram reels and stories will disappear after 24 hours. If you share reels or IGTV videos, they will be stored in your charge as long as the creator keeps them on your profile.
Telegram
Telegram stores any media files, including videos, indefinitely unless the user manually deletes them. Telegram cloud storage allows users to access videos without an expiration date, making Telegram the most flexible messaging app when it comes to media storage.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a unique messaging app designed specifically for sending videos and images. Videos sent through Snapchat messages are available on the server for a maximum of 30 days. Once the receiver opens the snap, the video will be deleted from the server. Videos shared on Snapchat are available only for 24 hours. You can manually store the video in your chat as memories.
TikTok Direct Messaging
Lastly, TikTok’s direct messaging is primarily focused on public video. You can send videos in messages, and they will remain part of conversations indefinitely. The video will remain in your chat unless the sender or receiver deletes it. The public videos on TikTok will remain on your profile and server as long as you want. So, the length and time of the video on the Messages app vary from app to app. Every messaging app has specific rules for storing the videos you send.