It’s almost 2025. And let’s face it – limits are so last decade.
Yet here we are, wrestling with file size restrictions when uploading videos on Framer.
Frustrating? Absolutely.
But before we grab our pitchforks, let’s take a moment to understand why these limits exist. And more importantly, how to work around them.
Yes, there’s a way to bypass the dreaded Framer file size limit.
Without shelling out a single dime.
Let’s dive in.
Why Video is Crucial for Your Website
But before we dive into how to bypass Framer’s file size limits, let’s understand why video is in such high demand.
Video content keeps users engaged, increases time spent on your site, and conveys messages far more effectively than static content.
It’s dynamic, captivating, and a powerful storytelling tool.
Did you know that websites with video content are 53 times more likely to appear on the first page of Google search results (according to Forrester Research)?
Video isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have.
Here’s the kicker:
All these benefits vanish if your video quality is subpar.
Worse, it doesn’t load at all because of – you guessed it – size limits.
This makes the Framer video upload limit a significant hurdle for creators and businesses alike.
Why Does Framer Restrict Video Uploads?
Framer’s video upload limits depend on your subscription plan:
Mini: 5 MB
Basic: 10 MB
Pro: 20 MB
Startup: 50 MB
Scaleup: 100 MB
Enterprise: 150 MB
These limits exist to ensure servers don’t get overwhelmed and performance remains smooth.
While this is understandable, it doesn’t make your life any easier if you’re trying to upload a crisp 4K demo video.
So, what are your options? Let’s explore.
Framer Video Component vs. YouTube
Framer's Native Video Component
Framer’s native video component is an excellent choice for ensuring optimal performance.
It’s designed to load videos efficiently and supports both file uploads and URL-based fetching.
But there’s a catch.
With file size limits capping uploads at just 5 MB for basic users, even a short high-quality clip can be too much.
Sure, you could upgrade your plan, but paying $900 annually just for a higher upload limit? Not exactly a practical solution for most users.
YouTube Video Component
Another alternative is embedding videos via YouTube. This approach eliminates file size concerns entirely. However, it comes with some significant trade-offs:
No Customization: You’re stuck with YouTube’s watermark and controls, which can detract from your site’s professional look.
Limited Flexibility: It’s not ideal for full-screen headers or seamless integration into your site’s design.
YouTube is great for embedding videos further down the page.
But for polished and professional presentations, these limitations can be a dealbreaker.
The GOATED Solution
Here’s where things get exciting.
The secret to overcoming Framer’s video size limit? Use Framer’s native video component in combination with a third-party video hosting service.
The best tool for this? Cloudinary.
Why Cloudinary?
Cloudinary ticks all the boxes:
Generous Free Plan: 25 GB of free storage gives you plenty of room for high-quality videos.
Optimized Delivery: Videos load instantly, keeping your site performance top-notch.
Easy to Use: Even beginners can get started in minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Videos with Cloudinary
Create a Cloudinary Account
Head over to Cloudinary and sign up for a free account. You’ll instantly get access to their free-tier perks.
Upload Your Video
Navigate to the Media Explorer.
Click “Upload” and select the video file you want to add to your website. Cloudinary’s upload limit far surpasses Framer’s.
Get the Optimized URL
Once uploaded, locate your video in the library.
Double-click the file to open detailed options.
Under “Optimized Delivery,” copy the optimized video URL.
Embed in Framer
Open your Framer project.
Drag the Video Component onto your canvas.
Paste the Cloudinary URL into the URL field.
That’s it! Your high-quality video is now live, without worrying about Framer’s upload limits or impacting site performance.
Alternatives to Cloudinary
If Cloudinary doesn’t quite fit your needs, here are a few other hosting services worth considering:
Vimeo: Known for its professional video hosting, though the free plan is limited.
Wistia: Great for marketers, but not as generous with free storage.
Google Drive: A quick fix, but lacks optimization for video streaming.
Conclusion: No Limits, No Worries
Let’s be real – ignoring file size limits and settling for compressed, low-quality videos isn’t an option.
It hurts your brand’s image, affects user engagement, and ultimately impacts your bottom line.
By combining Framer’s native video component with optimized third-party hosting, you can enjoy high-quality videos without compromising your budget or your site’s performance.
Why settle when a solution is just a few clicks away?
(Shoutout to Shams Nahid for making a great video on this!)
FAQs
What is the Framer file size limit for videos?
It ranges from 5 MB on the Mini plan to 150 MB on the Enterprise plan.
Can I upload videos larger than the Framer video size limit?
Yes, by using Cloudinary or another third-party video hosting service.
Is Cloudinary free?
Cloudinary offers a generous free plan with 25 GB of storage.
Can I use YouTube videos on Framer?
Yes, but customization is limited, and the YouTube watermark is always visible.
Does using a hosting service affect video quality?
No, services like Cloudinary are designed to optimize delivery without compromising quality.
