How to share a screen recording on Discord
Updated September 24, 2026
You can upload the video file, which on a free Discord account must be 20 MB or smaller (50 MB with Nitro Basic, 500 MB with Nitro), or paste a link to a video that Discord plays right in the chat. With Clipiao you record part of your screen and paste the link it copies. No file is uploaded to Discord, so its upload limit doesn't get in the way.
Option 1: paste a link that plays in the chat
- Install Clipiao and sign in with Discord, Google or your email.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + 5 and drag a box around what you want to show. Recording starts when you let go.
- Press the check on the toolbar when you're done. The clip uploads and its link is copied.
- Paste the link in Discord with Ctrl + V. The video plays right in the chat, with sound.
Free clips can be up to 1 minute at 60 FPS and stay online for 30 days. Anyone without Discord can watch the same link in their browser.
Option 2: upload the video file
- Record with any app that saves a video file, such as Snipping Tool on Windows 11.
- Drag the file into the Discord chat, or click the plus button next to the message box and choose it.
- Press Enter to send it.
Discord limits the file size by plan. Since August 2026 the limits are:
| Discord plan | Largest file you can upload |
|---|---|
| Free | 20 MB |
| Nitro Basic | 50 MB |
| Nitro | 500 MB |
Discord checks the size before compressing the file, and says it is trying out different limits, so some accounts may see a higher one. Many older articles still say 10 MB for free accounts; that was the limit before August 2026. If a file is too big, record a shorter or smaller area, lower the frame rate or resolution, or share a link instead.
Why some video links don't play in Discord
Discord plays a video from a link only when the linked page points to the video file itself. Many services show a thumbnail and a link to their own site instead, so you have to click through to watch. Clipiao's links point to the video, so it plays in the chat.
Tips
- Record only the part of the screen that matters. The clip is clearer on a small chat window and uploads faster.
- Turn on the speaker button to record your computer's sound, and the mic button to add your voice.
- For a still image, press Ctrl + Shift + 4. Discord shows the picture itself.
Try Clipiao free. Record part of your screen and paste the link.
Questions
What is Discord's file size limit?
Since August 2026, free accounts can upload files up to 20 MB, Nitro Basic up to 50 MB and Nitro up to 500 MB. Discord says it is experimenting with limits, so some accounts see more.
Why doesn't my video link play in Discord?
Discord only plays a video from a link when the page points to the video file itself. Links to sites that show only a thumbnail open in the browser instead. Clipiao links play in the chat.
Can people without Discord watch the clip?
Yes. A Clipiao link opens in any browser, on a computer or a phone.
Does the link work in WhatsApp and Slack too?
Yes. WhatsApp, Slack, Telegram and X show a preview, and the clip opens in the browser.