Can I send 4K video files online?
Yes. 4K video is sent the same way as any other file, and because a transfer service does not recompress, the recipient gets the original quality. The practical question is size: 4K footage is large, and one to three hours fits into 20 GB.
How large 4K video is
A short edited film usually fits in the free 20 GB transfer. Mastering codecs and raw footage require paid limits of 250 GB on Pro or unlimited on Enterprise.
| Source | Approximate size per minute |
|---|---|
| Phone 4K | 350 to 400 MB |
| Consumer camera 4K | 400 to 600 MB |
| High-bitrate 4K | 1 to 3 GB |
| ProRes or similar mastering codec | 5 to 12 GB |
| Raw camera formats | 10 GB and above |
Why not to send video through messaging apps
- they recompress video, discarding detail permanently
- resolution is often reduced without warning
- audio quality is degraded alongside the picture
- metadata and timecode can be lost
For anything that will be edited, graded, or broadcast, the original file has to arrive untouched.
Sending 4K efficiently
- Decide whether the recipient needs the master or a review copy.
- For review, export a compressed version and send that instead.
- For the master, upload the original without re-encoding.
- Use a wired connection for multi-gigabyte uploads.
- Set an expiration that allows for a slow download on the other end.
Review copy versus master
Most delays in video delivery come from sending masters when a review copy would do. A compressed review file is a fraction of the size, uploads in minutes, and is enough for approval rounds.
The master is then sent once, at the end, when the cut is locked.
FAQ
How do I send a 4K video without losing quality?
Upload the original file to a transfer service and send the link. Nothing is recompressed, so the recipient gets the file exactly as exported.
How much 4K video fits in a free transfer?
Roughly one to three hours, depending on codec and bitrate, within the 20 GB free limit.
Should I send the master for review?
Usually not. Send a compressed review copy for approval rounds and the master only once the cut is final.
Summary
4K video transfers without recompression, so quality survives the delivery. Size is the constraint: edited films fit the free 20 GB limit, while mastering codecs and raw footage need paid plans. Sending review copies instead of masters saves most of the waiting.