When you use a Discord webhook to send files, you may encounter an error message saying the file is too large. This happens because Discord enforces a specific upload size limit for webhooks, which differs from the limit for regular direct uploads. The limit depends on the type of Discord subscription attached to the server where the webhook is created. This article explains the exact file size limits for each subscription tier, how to check the limit for a specific webhook, and what to do if your file exceeds the limit.
Discord webhooks allow automated messages and file uploads from external services such as GitHub, Jenkins, or custom scripts. However, the maximum file size for a webhook upload is not the same as the 25 MB limit for free users in chat. Understanding this distinction helps you avoid upload failures and plan your file transfers correctly.
Key Takeaways: Discord Webhook File Upload Size Limits
- Free servers (no Nitro or Server Boost): Maximum file size per webhook upload is 8 MB
- Server Boost Tier 1: Maximum file size per webhook upload is 50 MB
- Server Boost Tier 2: Maximum file size per webhook upload is 100 MB
- Server Boost Tier 3: Maximum file size per webhook upload is 100 MB
- Nitro Classic or Nitro user uploading via webhook: No extra benefit — the server’s Boost tier determines the limit
How Discord Webhook File Upload Limits Work
Discord webhooks function as automated bots that can post messages and attach files to a specific text channel. The file size limit for a webhook upload is determined by the server’s current Server Boost level, not by the user’s Nitro subscription. This is a common point of confusion because regular file uploads in a chat are limited by the uploader’s Nitro status. For webhooks, the server owner or administrator must boost the server to increase the limit.
The following table shows the exact upload size limits for each server Boost tier:
| Boost Tier | Required Boosts | Webhook File Upload Limit |
|---|---|---|
| None | 0 | 8 MB |
| Tier 1 | 2 boosts | 50 MB |
| Tier 2 | 7 boosts | 100 MB |
| Tier 3 | 14 boosts | 100 MB |
The limit applies to the total file size of a single webhook execution. If you send multiple files in one webhook call, the combined size must not exceed the limit. Discord does not support chunked uploads or resumable uploads for webhooks. If the file exceeds the limit, Discord returns a 413 Request Entity Too Large HTTP status code.
How to Check the File Size Limit for a Specific Webhook
You can determine the effective file size limit for a webhook by checking the server’s Boost tier. Follow these steps:
- Open the target server in Discord
Select the server from the left sidebar. You must have the Manage Server permission to view server settings. - Navigate to Server Settings
Click the server name at the top left, then select Server Settings from the dropdown menu. - View the Server Boost level
In the left sidebar, click Server Boost. The current tier appears at the top of the page. The number of active boosts and the tier level (None, Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3) are displayed. - Match the tier to the file size limit
Use the table in the previous section to find the corresponding webhook upload limit. For example, if the server has Tier 2, the limit is 100 MB.
How to Increase the Webhook File Upload Limit
Only Server Boosts increase the webhook file size limit. Individual Nitro subscriptions do not affect webhook limits. To raise the limit, the server needs more active Boosts:
- Purchase or receive Nitro Boosts
Users with a Nitro subscription can boost a server by clicking the Boost button in the server dropdown menu. Each user can contribute up to 2 boosts per server (up to 4 with Nitro Basic). - Reach the required Boost count
To reach Tier 1, the server needs 2 boosts. Tier 2 requires 7 boosts. Tier 3 requires 14 boosts. The limit does not increase beyond 100 MB even with more than 14 boosts. - Verify the new limit
After the boosts are applied, check the Server Boost page again to confirm the new tier. The webhook limit updates immediately.
If you cannot boost the server, consider compressing the file before uploading. Use a tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR to create a compressed archive. For images, reduce the resolution or convert to a more efficient format such as JPEG or WebP.
What Happens When You Exceed the Webhook File Size Limit
When your file exceeds the limit, Discord rejects the upload and returns an error. The exact behavior depends on how you send the webhook:
Using a Custom Script or API Client
If you send the webhook directly via HTTP POST using a tool like curl or Python requests, you receive a 413 Request Entity Too Large HTTP response. The response body contains a JSON object with an error message. Example:
{
"code": 40005,
"message": "Request entity too large. Try uploading a file smaller than 8 MB"
}
Using a Third-Party Service or Integration
Services like GitHub, GitLab, or Zapier that send files via webhooks typically log the error. The file is not delivered, and the service may show a failure notification. Check the service’s logs for the 413 error code.
Limitations and Edge Cases
Several important limitations affect webhook file uploads:
No Resumable Uploads
Discord webhooks do not support resumable uploads. If the upload fails partway through, you must retry the entire file. For large files, consider splitting the file into smaller parts and uploading each part separately using multiple webhook calls.
Rate Limits Apply
Webhooks are subject to Discord’s rate limits. The default limit is 30 requests per minute per webhook. If you upload many files quickly, you may receive a 429 Too Many Requests error. Implement a delay between uploads to stay within the limit.
File Type Restrictions
Discord does not block specific file types for webhook uploads, but some file extensions may be flagged as unsafe. Executable files (.exe, .msi, .bat) and archive files containing executables are blocked. If your file is blocked, rename the extension or compress it into a password-protected archive.
Comparison of Discord File Upload Limits
| Upload Method | Free User | Nitro Classic | Nitro Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct chat upload (user) | 25 MB | 50 MB | 500 MB |
| Webhook upload (server-based) | 8 MB | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| Server Boost Tier 1 webhook | 50 MB | 50 MB | 50 MB |
| Server Boost Tier 2/Tier 3 webhook | 100 MB | 100 MB | 100 MB |
The key difference is that direct chat uploads depend on the user’s Nitro subscription, while webhook uploads depend solely on the server’s Boost tier. A user with Nitro Full cannot upload a 500 MB file through a webhook on a non-boosted server — the limit remains 8 MB.
You now understand how Discord webhook file upload limits work and how they relate to Server Boosts. To upload larger files through a webhook, boost the server to Tier 1 or higher. If boosting is not an option, compress the file or split it into smaller parts. For files that must remain large, consider using a file hosting service and sending the download link through the webhook instead.