Flat / 3GP hosting
3GP hosting: share original mobile video recordings
Share an existing 3GP phone recording with a link. Publish from your browser or the CLI, then let recipients download it for a compatible player.
Checking your upload limits... · Public · Limits
Drop your 3GP files here
or choose them from your device.
Select 3GP filesWhat people see at your 3GP link
Original-file hosting. No built-in video player for this container.
Flat shows a download view for 3GP and 3GPP files. The example contains H.263 video and AAC audio.
Other 3GP recordings can use different audio or video codecs, including AMR audio. Their origin as a phone video does not guarantee playback in a current browser.
Public links open without a Flat account. Several files open in the explorer, where readers can choose a file. Original downloads remain available.
The exact path /motion.3gp serves the original file. Opening that URL does not convert its container or codecs.
How to upload 3GP files and get a link
Prepare your files
Copy the complete recording from the original device and keep an untouched copy. Check picture, sound, orientation, and duration in a compatible player.
Export a separate viewing copy if the recipient cannot play 3GP. Keep the original alongside it when preserving the old recording matters; hosting cannot recover detail the camera never recorded.
Publish from your browser or terminal
In your browserGo to uploaderDrop, publish, copy the link.
Select your finished files in the uploader above. Enter your email if signed out, then choose "Publish videos".
Selected files need unique names and publish at the top level. The browser uploader does not accept folders or extract ZIPs. Use the CLI when relative paths matter.
TerminalNode.js 20+One command. Files or folders.
npx -y @getflat/cli deploy ./motion.3gpReplace the example path with your file, or pass a folder path to preserve its structure. The CLI prints the published URL.
Check the published result
Download the 3GP and check it on the recipient's player. Compare any converted viewing copy against the original for sound and orientation.
Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. Sign in before expiry to keep them online, or sign in before publishing for no default expiry.
When to use 3GP hosting
Old phone recording transfers
Send a recording from an older mobile device without changing the source file during delivery.
Conversion handoffs
Give an editor the original 3GP so they can choose how to convert it. Include context about the device or recording when useful.
Keep a version, or keep an address.
Share this version
Every upload gets its own link. Publishing revised files creates a new link and leaves the earlier version unchanged. Use the version link when someone needs to review a specific upload.
Update files at one address
Use a named onflat.page address or your own domain. Sign in, then publish with the CLI using --domain. Publish revised files with the same domain to point that address to the new upload.
Named addresses are included on Free. Adding your own domain requires a paid plan. The browser uploader does not set up or repoint these addresses.
3GP hosting questions
Is hosting free, and what are the limits?
Yes. Signed-in Free includes 5 MiB per upload, 1 GiB of storage, and 5 GiB of monthly transfer, with no default expiry. The per-upload limit covers all files in that upload. Paid plans raise these limits.
Do readers need a Flat account?
No. Public links open without a Flat account. Anyone with the link can open the uploaded files. Password-protected links also require the visitor password.
Can I password-protect my upload?
Yes. Password protection is available on every plan. Add --password YOUR_PASSWORD to your CLI deploy command. It protects access to the upload and its files, but does not prevent someone with access from saving a copy. The browser uploader creates public uploads.
Can I replace files without changing the link?
A version link always refers to its original upload. For same-address updates, use a named address or your own domain. Publish revised files with the same --domain value in the CLI to point that address to the new upload.
What happens when an upload expires?
Flat stops serving it. An expired upload cannot be recovered. Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. For browser uploads, use the sign-in link shown after publishing. For CLI uploads, run npx -y @getflat/cli login. Complete sign-in before expiry to keep the upload online. If you chose a shorter expiry in the CLI, that deadline stays in place.
Does renaming 3GP to MP4 make it playable?
No. A new extension does not change the container or codecs. Export or remux it with an appropriate tool and check the result.
Is 3GP the same as 3G2?
They are related but distinct container specifications. This page covers 3GPP files; use the 3G2 guide for 3GPP2 recordings.
How large can a video upload be?
Upload allowances depend on your plan and cover all files in the upload. Compare current plan limits. A larger upload allowance does not add codecs, container support, or transcoding. Original files remain downloadable when a preview is unavailable.
Can I embed this file on my website?
You can link to the original download. An HTML video element does not add a decoder for this container. Export a browser-compatible viewing copy with your own tool if you need embedded playback. Flat does not convert the original.
Another video format?
Find the guide for your video file.
Share your 3GP files.
Upload your finished files, check the published result, and copy the URL.
Publish videosFree to start · View pricing