Sending and sharing large video files can be challenging due to email attachment size limits and slow upload/download speeds. However, with the right tools and services, you can easily transfer HD and even 4K video files. This guide covers the best methods for sending big video files online.
Table of Contents
Use Cloud Storage Services
One of the easiest ways to send large video files is by using popular cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Apple iCloud.
Benefits:
- Easy to use interface and folder sharing
- High capacity storage options
- File versioning and recovery
- Platform apps for mobile access
To send a video:
- Upload the file to your cloud storage account
- Share the file or folder via link or invite
- Recipient downloads file from shared link
Most cloud services offer some free storage, with affordable paid plans for more capacity:
- Google Drive: 15GB free, 100GB for $1.99/month
- Dropbox: 2GB free, 2TB for $9.99/month
- Microsoft OneDrive: 5GB free, 1TB for $6.99/month
- Apple iCloud: 5GB free, 2TB for $9.99/month
Use File Transfer Services
Dedicated file transfer services offer high-capacity sending options tailored for large files.
Benefits:
- Send very large files up to multiple GBs
- File expiration and password protection
- Transfer tracking and reporting
Some top services include:
WeTransfer
- 2GB file limit for free users
- 20GB file limit for WeTransfer Plus ($12/month)
- Unlimited transfers with WeTransfer Pro ($120/year)
Dropbox Transfer
- 100GB file limit
- File access reporting
- Customizable download page
MASV
- Up to 15TB per file
- Used widely in media production
- Email and link sharing
To send a file:
- Upload your video file
- Enter recipient’s email
- Service sends download link to recipient
Use Video Collaboration Software
Web-based video collaboration platforms allow easy cloud sharing for feedback and review.
Benefits:
- Share directly from the platform workspace
- Real-time co-editing capabilities
- Built-in annotations and comments
- Review and approval features
- Unlimited cloud storage
Some top options:
- Wipster: The leading video review and approval platform.
- Frame.io: Popular professional video collaboration tool.
- InVideo: All-in-one online video editor with cloud storage.
To share a video:
- Upload your video to the platform
- Invite reviewers via email
- Collaborators access real-time editing and annotation
Use External Hard Drives
For local network transfers or offline file sharing, external hard drives get the job done.
Benefits:
- Faster transfer speeds
- Bypass web upload/download
- Share large batches of files
- No capacity limits
Cons:
- Manual process
- Physical hardware required
To transfer files:
- Copy videos to external drive
- Ship drive to recipient
- Recipient copies files from drive
Affordable high-capacity external drives:
- WD My Passport 4TB: $94
- Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB: $139
- LaCie Rugged SSD 1TB: $139
Compress Video Files
Using video compressor software can reduce file size for easier transfers.
Benefits:
- Often 90% smaller files
- Faster upload and download
- Fit within email attachments
Cons:
- Loss of some video quality
- Time intensive to compress
Some top video compressor tools:
- Handbrake: Free open-source video compressor
- Adobe Media Encoder: Powerful encoding in Creative Cloud
- Avidemux: Lightweight compression for Linux and Mac
- Freemake Video Converter: Easy-to-use video optimization
The best method for sending big videos depends on your specific needs. Using cloud services, file transfer platforms, external drives, and video compression provides flexible options to share large files with anyone.
