# Discord Unveils New Upload Restriction: Users Annoyed, Rivals Amused
Discord, the widely-used online communication service, has revealed a major alteration to its file upload regulations, cutting the maximum file size for non-subscribers from 25 MB to 10 MB. This revised limit has incited widespread annoyance among users, while competitors in the online communication sector have seized the chance to ridicule the announcement.
## **The Updated 10 MB Limit**
Starting in September 2024, Discord has formally lowered the upload threshold for free users to 10 MB per file. This marks a significant drop from the former 25 MB limit, which had existed for multiple years. Individuals wishing to transmit larger files will now have to either compress them or opt for Discord’s premium offering, Nitro, which allows for greater file size allowances.
### **Discord’s Rationale: Storage Expenses**
Discord has justified its choice by referencing the steep costs tied to managing and storing the immense quantities of data uploaded to its platform each day. In a statement on Discord’s help page, the organization clarified that “storage management is costly,” and they must ensure the platform’s sustainability without sacrificing storage quality.
> “Daily, millions of files are uploaded to Discord and securely saved for your future access. Managing storage incurs expenses, so we routinely evaluate how users utilize Discord and what their storage requirements are. Our data indicates that 99% of users save files that are less than 10 MB in size,” the company asserted.
Discord further clarified that this decision was made to preserve the quality of its services, as the platform retains files for as long as users require them, unlike some rivals that may erase files after a certain timeframe.
## **User Outcry: Annoyance Over the Change**
In spite of Discord’s reasoning, numerous users have conveyed their displeasure with the updated limit. On platforms such as Reddit and X (previously Twitter), users have articulated their annoyance, with some claiming that the alteration was unwarranted given that most users were already operating within the previous 25 MB limit.
One individual on the subreddit **r/discordapp** highlighted that, per Discord’s own statistics, 99% of users were already uploading files smaller than 10 MB, challenging the necessity of the decrease. Others have griped that they now have to compress files that are already minimized, introducing additional steps to their processes.
Many users view this maneuver as a clear attempt to drive more individuals toward Discord’s paid subscription service, Nitro. Nitro subscriptions range from $2.99 to $9.99 monthly, or $29.99 to $99.99 annually, according to the plan. Nitro provides various benefits, including elevated file upload limits (up to 500 MB) and other premium features.
## **Competitor Responses: TeamSpeak Takes a Shot**
While Discord users are dealing with the new limits, competitors in the online communication arena are taking the chance to mock the announcement. A prominent example is TeamSpeak, a veteran voice communication service popular among gamers.
In reaction to a post by **Dexerto** on X, TeamSpeak shared a humorous video snippet of Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2017 World Player of the Year award ceremony, featuring the soccer player raising his fist in celebration. The clip was seen as a jab at Discord’s new rule, with TeamSpeak seemingly reveling in the potential to attract disgruntled Discord users.
This teasing comment did not go unnoticed by the X audience, with reactions ranging from positive to negative regarding TeamSpeak’s post. Some users commended TeamSpeak for leveraging the situation, while others condemned the platform for capitalizing on Discord’s decision.
## **Discord’s Recent Adjustments: A Year of Cost-Cutting**
The updated upload limit is just one of numerous major changes Discord has enacted in 2024. Earlier this year, the company terminated 170 employees, accounting for 17% of its workforce, as a move to reduce expenses. This decision followed a phase of rapid development during the pandemic when Discord became a leading platform for remote communication.
In April 2024, Discord also disclosed that it would initiate running sponsored advertisements on its platform, a notable shift from its prior position. Discord CEO Jason Citron had formerly opposed advertising, but the organization has since altered its stance in a bid to boost revenue.
These modifications reflect the mounting financial pressures on Discord as it attempts to reconcile user expansion with the expenses of sustaining its infrastructure. While the platform remains favored, particularly among gamers and online communities, its recent choices have raised worries about the service’s future trajectory.
## **What Lies Ahead for Discord Users?**
For the time being, users wishing to send files exceeding 10 MB will have to either compress their files or contemplate subscribing to Nitro. While some users might find the new limit exasperating, others may be inclined to pay for the extra features provided by Nitro, including enhanced upload limits, customized emojis, and upgraded