Imagine this scenario: you finished a project, and it’s time to send your client the final versions. The only trouble is your files won’t send via email. No matter what you do, the dreaded error message appears: “File too large to send.” (Not to mention, this method reduces security and risks compression.)
The clock is ticking, and you need a fast solution. Fortunately, there are several reliable file-sharing platforms in existence today!
Dropbox
Learn how to share files from Dropbox here!
PROS: Free plan, fast upload speeds, valuable features, third-party integrations with thousands of applications (e.g., Vimeo, WeTransfer, Buffer, and Frame.io), file syncing across devices
CONS: Expensive, not the most user-friendly interface, average file move tool
Dropbox is a versatile cloud storage service that allows users to store, share, and manage files.
The Basic (free) plan only includes 2 GB of storage to store and share files. However, Dropbox’s paid plans offer:
Plus (2 TB of file storage; transfer files up to 50 GB) - $9.99/month
Essentials (3 TB of file storage; transfer files up to 100 GB) - $16.58/month
Business (Starts at 9 TB of file storage for the team; transfer files up to 100 GB) - $15/user/month
Business Plus (Starts at 15 TB of file storage for the team; transfer files up to 250 GB) - $24/user/month
If you pay to upgrade, you can unlock more advanced security features like password protection, file recovery, and watermarking. You can upload your company’s logo and branding, solidifying its reputation. Additionally, instead of depending on other software and websites, your team can gather client agreement signatures in one central place on Dropbox.
Sharing files and folders is as simple as copying and pasting a link. When I send design previews for client approval, I can easily customize the settings, enabling viewing but temporarily restricting downloads.
WeTransfer
Learn how to share files from WeTransfer here!
PROS: Free plan, fast upload speeds, no account required, user-friendly interface, efficient process, data encryption, 2-factor authentication, no file transfer/storage size restrictions (paid plans), no platform transaction fees (paid plans)
CONS: Limited integrations, no link history, no file password protection, no access logs to trace downloads, file transfers expire within 7 days (free plan), intrusive advertising
What is WeTransfer? It is a cloud-based service designed for users who frequently send and receive large files over the web.
You don’t need an account to start, but it’s recommended. Sharing large files is fast and efficient with up to 2 GB free! Plus, every membership level offers complimentary client branding, data encryption, and two-factor authentication.
The Pro plan ($10/month) allows users to share large files (200 GB max) regularly. It also includes brand customization and 1 TB of storage per person with 5 portals.
Aside from brand customization, the Premium plan ($19/month) doesn’t place a size limit on transfers. It offers unlimited storage and portals/reviews. Although competitors may offer more “advanced” features, these are a MAJOR win!
I just learned that their Pro and Premium subscriptions have a new revolutionary feature. While the Free plan charges a 5% platform fee to sell files and receive payment, there are NO PLATFORM FEES for the Pro and Premium subscriptions.
(Forgive the ALL CAPS. I’m really excited about these features! Just nerd things…😂)
Google Drive
Learn how to share files from Google Drive here!
PROS: Free plan, generous complimentary storage space, third-party integrations, productivity suite collaboration, file syncing across devices, popular and accessible
CONS: No password protection for shared files, less privacy, advanced functions require additional apps
If you have a Gmail account, you already have access to Google Drive! While the attachment limit for Gmail is 25 MB per email, there is far more flexibility with their cloud-based storage service.
You can start with a free Google Drive account, which comes with 15 GB of storage. Once you hit the limit, you can upgrade to their paid plans:
Basic (100 GB of file storage) - $19.99/year
Premium (2 TB of file storage) - $99.99/year
Simply upload one file or several files to a custom folder. When you click “share,” 2 options are unveiled. You can manually add a client’s email address, and Google Drive will send them an invitation to join or review the designated content areas. Additionally, you can customize the settings under “general access” and send a direct link for viewing, commenting, or editing.
Box, Inc.
Learn how to share files from Box Inc. here!
PROS: Free plan, 1,500+ integrations, robust security and compliance, trusted by leading organizations, unlimited storage and e-signatures (for high-tier business plans)
CONS: Expensive, limit on file uploads, steep learning curve, less mobile optimization
Box.com is a cloud-based content management system highlighting organization, collaboration, security, and analytics. With add-ons for different industries, its service can be tailored to meet the needs of small and large companies alike.
The free Individual plan on box.com is limited to 10 GB of storage and 250 MB for every file upload. However, if more features are required, you can save 25% with an annual subscription:
Personal Pro (100 GB of file storage; upload files up to 5 GB) - $10/month
Business Starter (100 GB of file storage; upload files up to 2 GB) - $5/month
Business (Unlimited storage; upload files up to 5 GB) - $15/user/month
Business Plus (Unlimited storage; upload files up to 15 GB) - $25/user/month
Enterprise (Unlimited storage; upload files up to 50 GB) - $35/user/month
Enterprise Plus (Unlimited storage; upload files up to 150 GB) - $50/per user/month
Full disclosure: I’ve never experimented with Box Inc., but reputable companies like Morgan Stanley and AirBnB consistently utilize their platform.
Hightail
Learn how to share files from Hightail here!
PROS: Free plan, detailed tracking, user-friendly interface, collaboration, monitor project activity and to-dos from the dashboard, offers key integrations
CONS: Limit on file uploads, only paid plans include increased security, file transfers expire within 7 days (free plan), doesn’t show file size during uploads, common file types are not supported, functionality declines across multiple apps
Formerly known as YouSendIt, Hightail is a cloud-based service offering file sharing, real-time collaboration and tracking, creative reviews, file previews, file syncing, and digital signing.
The free Lite plan doesn’t require a credit card to sign up. However, it’s best for sharing smaller files, since it only allows 2 GB of storage and maximum file uploads of 100 MB. Paid subscriptions include:
Pro (Unlimited file storage; upload files up to 25 GB) - $12/month
Teams (Unlimited file storage; upload files up to 50 GB) - $24/user/month *up to 30 users
Business (Unlimited file storage; upload files up to 500 GB) - $36/user/month
Full disclosure: I’ve only used Hightail a handful of times, but it was reliable.
BONUS:
Frame.io
If you work in film and television, Frame.io has become an industry standard. It is “one central hub that lets you share media, track feedback, and streamline your workflow…from anywhere in the world.”1 This is the go-to platform for creative collaboration.
Need instant feedback on the latest video edit? Frame.io allows clients to review footage and leave time-stamped comments. It seamlessly integrates with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro X, and Slack.
My favorite feature? Camera to Cloud allows users to send media quickly and securely from set to remote production personnel.
MASV
Massive is extremely expensive, BUT it’s “the fastest file transfer for media.”2 Companies like ARRI, BBC, and Spotify rely on this tool for high-performance file sharing.
Which method will you try? I primarily use Dropbox and Google Drive, but I’m now tempted to explore more of WeTransfer’s features…
Let us know which platform you prefer!