Help Center

Understanding Error 131053

Error 131053 is a WhatsApp Cloud API error that occurs when the system fails to upload a media file you are attempting to send. This prevents the message, along with its attached image, video, audio file, document, or sticker, from being delivered. The root cause is typically a problem with the file itself or how it is being sent.

Supported Media Types and Size Limits

To avoid this error, ensure your files meet WhatsApp's specific requirements. Files that fall outside these specifications will trigger Error 131053.

Images: Maximum size of 5 MB. Supported formats are JPEG and PNG. WebP format is not supported for standard image messages.
Videos: Maximum size of 16 MB. Must be in MP4 format using the H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec.
Audio: Maximum size of 16 MB. Supported formats include AAC, MP4, MPEG, AMR, and OGG (with OPUS codec).
Documents: Maximum size of 100 MB. Most common document formats like PDF, Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) are supported.
Stickers: Maximum size of 100 KB. Must be in WebP format, sized exactly 512 x 512 pixels, and have a transparent background.

Common Causes

Here are the typical reasons for encountering this error:

Unsupported File Format: The file type is not on the supported list. For example, attempting to send a WebP file as a regular image or a video with an incorrect codec.
File Size Exceeded: The file is larger than the permitted maximum for its category.
Corrupted File: The media file is damaged, incomplete, or contains problematic metadata.
Incorrect Sticker Specifications: The sticker does not meet the precise requirements for format, dimensions, or file size.
Unsupported Video Codec: The video does not use the required H.264 and AAC codecs.
Inaccessible Media URL: When sending media via a URL, the link must be publicly accessible over HTTPS. Links that are private, use HTTP, or are otherwise unreachable will fail.
Unclear URL File Extension: A URL used for sending media should end with a clear file extension (like .jpg or .mp4).

How to Resolve the Error

Step 1: Review the Error Details

Check the webhook response for the failed message. Look for the error_data.details field, which often provides a specific reason for the failure, such as an unsupported MIME type.

Step 2: Verify and Convert the File Format

Confirm your file's actual format against the supported types. If it is unsupported, convert it to an acceptable format.

Convert WebP images to JPEG or PNG for standard image messages.
Convert GIFs to MP4 video files.
Convert unsupported image formats like TIFF or BMP to JPEG or PNG.
Re-encode unsupported video formats (like MOV or AVI) to MP4 with H.264 and AAC codecs.
Convert unsupported audio formats (like WAV or FLAC) to AAC or MP3.
For files that are too large, compress them or send them as a document, which has a higher size limit.

Step 3: Confirm File Size

Ensure your file is under the maximum size limit for its type. If it is close to the limit, consider compressing it further to create a buffer.

How to Prevent Future Errors

To avoid Error 131053, always check your media files before sending. Use the supported types and size limits as a guide. When possible, pre-process files to ensure they meet the required specifications for format, codec, and dimensions.

Error 131053 — Media Upload Error