Komms
Updated 21 October 2026
Files and storage
How files are encrypted and stored, how storage is counted, how long files are kept and what happens when a plan ends.
You can share documents, images and video in any conversation. Files in private conversations are encrypted on your device before they're uploaded.
Where files are stored#
Files are encrypted and stored with independent storage providers, starting with Hippius, a decentralised storage network. Komms keeps a record of which workspace or person each file is charged to, so storage allowances can be enforced.
File size#
Each file can be up to 64 MiB at launch. Larger files are planned for later.
Whose storage a file uses#
| What you share | Counts towards |
|---|---|
| Files in a workspace or server channel | That workspace's or server's storage |
| Files in direct messages and groups outside a workspace | Your personal storage |
| Your profile picture | Your personal storage |
| A workspace or server icon | That workspace's or server's storage |
| Backups of your own history | Your personal storage |
People receiving a file never pay for it. If the same file is shared twice in one workspace, it only counts once.
Storage on each plan#
Workspace and server storage depends on the plan: from 10 GB on the free plans to 1.5 TB on Scale. See Plans and pricing. Personal storage is 1 GB on the free plan.
New free workspaces start with 1 GB for their first 30 days, then move to the full 10 GB.
Members see the workspace's storage use, rounded, and their own contribution exactly. Admins see exact figures.
How long files are kept#
- Free plans: each file is kept for 12 months, on a rolling basis.
- Paid plans: files are kept for as long as the plan is active.
Note
Komms doesn't sell permanent storage. Storage lasts while the plan, and the storage provider, are paid for.
If a paid plan ends#
- If a yearly plan isn't renewed, storage becomes read-only for 90 days (14 days after a card payment is disputed). You can still read and export everything.
- Renewing during that window restores everything as it was.
- After the window, the oldest files are removed first until the workspace fits the free allowance. The workspace then carries on as a free one.
You can export your history at any time, including during the read-only window. An export can't bring back files that were already removed.
Deleting files#
Deleting a file releases its storage. Copies are removed from Komms and the provider is asked to delete them after a 48-hour hold. Komms can't promise a provider has physically erased every copy, and nobody can remove copies other people already downloaded.
File transfers#
Sending large files to people with an expiring link is coming soon. Until then, files you share count towards your storage.