#file hosting

I need your recs for places to host images and other files.

What I absolutely need; non-negotiable:

Allows hotlinking. Otherwise there's literally no point. I want to show things on AO3.

Allows NSFW and does not hide porns behind login walls, age restrictions or any such rubbish. Again, I want to show things on AO3. I sometimes make porn.

Stable permalinks. I don't want to go back and change out every link in a year's time.

Not too tiny size limits. That said, I rarely upload images larger than a few hundred kB apiece. Sound is a different beast, though.

What I want, ideally not negotiable but if I run out of options maybe (ugh) fine:

A reasonable amount of trust that the service will stay online for a long time. I don't want to go back and change out every link in a year's time.

The ability to collect my files in one place, like albums or a personal account, so I can easily find them without keeping a list of URLs somewhere.

The ability to delete (permanently) any of my files whenever I like.

The ability to upload things that aren't images. I have smutty podfics too.

Nice-to-haves:

Delivers files decently fast

Not owned by a gross or untrustworthy company (like Xitter or Meta, say)

Acceptable UI?

This post brought to you by apparently the Internet Archive doesn't actually like smut on their servers, despite not making that clear anywhere in their terms (don't worry, I fucking checked), and what they do when they find smut on their servers is they mark the whole "item" (a bucket of related files) as "adult" and "logged in only" and now every piece of art in Scorn and the Saint-Maker past chapter 18 is an empty box because there also isn't an appeals procedure even if you remove the explicit files from the bucket.

Huge post be aware!!

We just want to share info from their bluesky, if anyone has info from their discord we absolutely would appreciate that however we aren't in their server [nor can we join any whoops] We also decided to add more information about GoDaddy, which is where the ".garden" domain filegarden uses comes from.

Here [link] is a link to their bluesky account if anyone needs it

The first three posts are from Febuary 11th @ 9:54 [am]. The resg are Febuary 12th @ 15:35 / 3:35pm

"The file.garden domain is currently down. The website (filegarden.com) and all files are fine, but direct links are inaccessible. The issue seems to be on Cloudflare's end (our domain provider). I contacted them and will post as soon as they reply. Unfortunately the average response time is 3 days."

"Cloudflare has confirmed they blocked the domain intentionally, and they did not notify me of this or provide any explanation. I submitted a request to get it unblocked and asked for further details. More updates to come."

"No response yet, but I completed a domain transfer from Cloudflare to Porkbun and can now begin restoring the domain's functionality. We relied on Cloudflare for some of our infrastructure, so replacing that may take some time. Rest assured that all will be restored. Thank you for your support. :)"

"The domain is still inaccessible on Porkbun's DNS, so Cloudflare likely misunderstood the situation and was wrong to take blame (fortunately). The issue is likely on the .garden registry's end instead (unfortunately), which is owned by GoDaddy. I contacted GoDaddy and Porkbun and will update you."

"GoDaddy confirmed they blocked file.garden for violating TLD community guidelines. This is the first I'm hearing of this, and they aren't clarifying how their guidelines were violated. They say our registrar Porkbun is responsible for appealing the block, so I'm in contact with them now."

There are also these two posts from Febuary 13th @ 18:34 / 6:34pm and 18:25 / 6:25pm respectively with the second being a reply to a user who asked "do you know how much longer it'll be till its back up ?"

"The Cloudflare support agent mistakenly confirmed they blocked the domain itself, when in reality they only blocked two individual user-uploaded files for containing abusive content. They conflated these two unrelated issues. Cloudflare hasn't wronged us other than by giving inaccurate support."

"There is no way to be sure unfortunately. We're posting more frequent minor updates on our Discord server, in case you'd like to keep track of everything going on with this case in more detail: filegarden.com/discord"

Now, I did want to discuss a bit about what a "TLD" is , a TLD is a top level domain, so urls are actually right to left. As an example "file.garden" is top level domain ".garden" This TLD , in the case of filegarden , comes from GoDaddy. I'll link their TLD policy page that shows when you look to "garden" [link].

Now GoDaddy doesn't have a good reputation, primarily with customers after they've bought their domain, with the common complaint being their customer service is awful. Heres a Reddit thread [link] we found, obviously not gospel but it does share a lot of the exact same points, ones we see within FileGarden, which is no communication from the people who work within GoDaddy about what happened and heres one going over information about pricing. 'Okay well those are old posts now' those posts are 2 and 3 yrs old respectively, however heres a post [link] from 6 months ago, another [link] from 4 months ago and also this one , discussing their trustpilot [link], from 3/4 months ago. 'Those are reddit posts tho people are biased' yes, they are reddit posts, hence why we say do not treat them as gospel, however isn't it weird everyone has the same problems? Slow site , pricing is really high compared to others, poor communication, ect. Another personal experience [link], which in this one they had to go through hoops for a refund of 4025$ USD. "I placed the pre-registration of the domain name and it costed about USD $4025. And, after placing the order the amount was deducted from my account. However soon I realized that renewal would not be at the base price but again have to pay the premium, which is not what was expected. I reached out to GoDaddy support and requested them to cancel my pre-registration. They suggested me to reached out after 14 days when the domain registration is done and then they will cancel the domain registration and do the refund."

'Why would they have a good rating if they're so bad though??' They're heavily promoted, and many people who haven't made a site before often don't know much about it or what options they may have. No domain hoster will be perfect , keep this in mind, even Cloudflare has problems of its own.

Lets look at their trust pilot , as much as I don't care heavily for it many people look there, I'll share some 1 star , 3 star and 5 star reviews, specifically the newest 3 available as most are within the last day [minus 3 stars which are older , I also skipped one as it was either a joke or wrong company.] You will notice some reviews say "invited" , all this means [per trustpilots website] "A review that's marked “Invited” indicates that the business invited the reviewer to write it by sharing a link leading directly to their review form." link

1 star;

Review 1: "On advice from a Guide I purchased a migration package and was told I needed it to avoid any issues when migrating my website from wordpress to GoDaddy. They failed to complete a successful migration, insisted it was not a guarantee, and collected my $200 fee. Used to be a fan, NO MORE, will move my business else ware. BEWARE!"

Review 2: "Just Avoid At All Costs. Terrible Company. Useless Customer service. They force you into upgrading. Free plan worked for my website great until they decided to push me into buying a plan. They limited my access to many sections of my website. And their useless customer service just wasted my time. I can't have this anymore. I'm moving my domain and website to another host." Review 3: "I removed all the cards to avoid any kid of payment to godaddy because I had previous issues with them. They don't care, and charged me again using my paypal account, which I can't remove from their panel. They literally steal hundreds the euros from me using different techniques like this one, so terrible company"

3 star ;

Review 1: "GoDaddy's call center expertise has always been swift, very intuitive and prompt. Unfortunately, GoDaddy has moved their call center off-shore (India, I presume). The gentleman was helpful to the point that he directed me to Hosting, after approximately an hour on the phone. His English was ok but hard to understand, as he investigated my issue, asked direction from his supervisor, and eventually sent me back to the US. The tech in Hosting was helpful and has submitted my code change to be completed within 72 hours."

Review 2: "GoDaddy talked the talk and at the time seemed like a good idea to pay for them to build me a website. I paid the amount in full over £1600 Which I thought was very reasonable. After half hour I decided that I’d made a mistake and basically had “buyers remorse” so called customer service to cancel the product and get a refund. They said it would have to be sent for “review “ and that I would get an email within 3 days. Didn’t hear from them so called again and again they said they would send for “review “ I asked them if they could email me proof that I had asked for a refund but they said they couldn’t send an email confirming this and that I had to wait for it to be reviewed. I still didn’t hear back so after a further 3 days I called again only to be told the same thing again only this time they cancelled the product as apparently they can’t refund until the product has been taken off . Why wasn’t I told this previously? Again they said they couldn’t send an email to confirm I had asked for a refund etc but once it had gone for “review “ ( a third time ) i would receive an email confirming the refund within 3 days So after approximately two hours of phone calls and 12 days later I finally received a refund so thank you for that. But I would have thought a company that deals in websites surly could have sent me an email confirming that I’d cancelled the product ."

Review 3: "Takes long to upload videos and very limited space , they make you buy storage to upload more videos"

5 star;

Review 1: "As someone who has minimal "tech" skills, I get very agitated and frustrated by tech issues. Mario, the person I worked with to resolve my issue, could not have been more patient, more kind nor more helpful. He not only assuaged my fears, he did it with kindness and patience. It was a huge issue to me and to my company so my appreciation for how he helped cannot be under-exaggerated. I am most grateful."

Review 2: "Jason was really helpful and resolved my issue. He even called me back because I had to do something. I told him I was not proficient with websites and he was really understanding. My overall experience with Jason and Godaddy has been exceptional! I will definately tell anyone who is planning on getting a website to use Godaddy as they provide the best customer support! Thanks!"

Review 3: "I have been working with GoDaddy for over ten years and I must say your team gets better and better when it comes to service and support. The representative, Scooter I spoke with today went above and beyond in every aspect. He was super kind, patient, and innovative when it came to suggestions on how to help me. I'm very grateful for your kind words and help Scooter. Thank you! VV"

Why don't we trust, trustpilot? Fake reviews. Thats the simple answer. Sadly as most companies, they are "allowed" often due to a high payment, with fake reviews they often have little commentary to what they're reviewing, or what they say doesn't make much sense to what they're reviewing. We personally say , regardless of what site you use , look to 2-4 star reviews first as they do tend to be the most honest , 1 star reviews can be user error or something else so always pay attention. Every review needs a grain of salt to it because companies do pay for good reviews [we are NOT saying GoDaddy does this]. We also barely trust influencer reviews, Honey is a very good example of why. From r/outoftheloop [link] "Are YouTube content creators being scammed? Are watchers getting scammed? Who is this affecting?" "Answer: The Honey App is advertised as an extension that will automatically search coupon codes for you when you are doing some online shopping. Well, there has been investigations into the extension, and they are not being as honest as they are saying. One if you click on an affiliate link from a creator to buy something, they will sometimes get credit or a commission for you purchasing that Item. However, if you scan it with honey, honey will reload the web page so they get the commission. Two: Honey will say "We scoured the internet and found you 5 codes" well, they don't actually search the internet, what is actually happening is the seller of the item chooses what coupon codes honey can use. So you you may actually be able to find a better coupon code if not using honey." Honey , a browser extention which claims to find the best codes, also happens to be owned by PayPal, a company known for not having a great reputation , post from r/paypal [link] and also ttrustpilots reviews.

Just because a website has a "good reputation" does not mean they are trustworthy. We've seen this quite a few times now, I mean so many youtuber promoted products haven't actually been good or reliable, such as betterhelp , but it holds a "good" reputation because of youtubers and possibly false reviews regardless of if its truely "good".

Download Source Warning...Again

A fellow simmer brought this to my attention; they found this site has taken my files and re-hosted them on their own mediafire/mega accounts. Without permission of course. Not only is this super annoying, but also frankly rude as well as potentially harmful to someone else’s game. I’m not sure how to contact them to get them to not host their own links, and they probably wouldn't stop doing it anyway if I did ask. Not to mention if you’re going to take something...you could at least explain how it all works. Snatching the title picture and nothing else just tells me you don’t really care anyway.

So I’m taking this time to post a firm reminder about Sun&Moon files;

IF YOU DID NOT DOWNLOAD THEM FROM A SFS LINK FROM THE SUN&MOON TUMBLR/KEEP POST, AND FROM THE SUN+MOON SFS USER PROFILE, THEN THE FILES YOU HAVE ARE CONSIDERED UNSUPPORTED AND OUTDATED.

The Evolution of Digital File Sharing

In the digital age, the need to store and share files online is ubiquitous. For years, platforms like Zippyshare served as a popular solution for users looking to quickly upload and distribute files, from documents to small media clips. However, as the landscape of the internet evolves, with a greater emphasis on security, integration, and user experience, many are seeking more robust and versatile alternatives. The quest for the best free file storage sites is no longer just about finding a temporary locker for a link; it's about discovering platforms that offer reliability, ample space, and features that integrate seamlessly into both personal and professional workflows. This guide explores top-tier services that have moved beyond the basic model to provide comprehensive cloud storage solutions.

Google Drive: The Power of Ecosystem Integration

For anyone already embedded in the Google ecosystem, Google Drive stands out as a premier choice for free file storage. It offers a generous 15 GB of free storage space, which is shared across Gmail and Google Photos, providing a substantial amount for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Its greatest strength lies in its deep integration with Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing for real-time collaboration and editing. Files can be shared via a link with customizable view or edit permissions, and its powerful search functionality, even capable of recognizing text within images, makes file retrieval effortless. The seamless experience across all devices makes it an indispensable tool for students and professionals alike.

Microsoft OneDrive: Seamless with Windows and Office

Microsoft OneDrive is the natural choice for users who primarily operate within the Windows and Microsoft Office environment. Offering 5 GB of free storage upon sign-up, OneDrive is tightly woven into the Windows operating system, appearing as a native folder in File Explorer. This integration allows for easy saving and syncing of files directly from desktop applications. Its Office Online suite provides robust web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling collaborative editing on stored documents. The mobile app automatically backs up photos and videos from your smartphone, and features like Personal Vault add an extra layer of security for sensitive files, making it a powerful and convenient cloud storage solution.

Dropbox: The Pioneer of Cloud Synchronization

As one of the original pioneers in the cloud storage industry, Dropbox remains a highly reliable and user-friendly option. Its core strength has always been its flawless and intuitive file synchronization across an unlimited number of devices. While its free tier offers 2 GB of storage, which is less than some competitors, it is often sufficient for storing essential documents and small projects. Dropbox excels in its sharing capabilities, providing simple link sharing and folder collaboration. The platform is also known for its extensive third-party app integrations, connecting with popular tools like Slack, Zoom, and Adobe Creative Cloud, which enhances its utility within various professional and creative workflows.

MediaFire: A Generous Free Tier for Large Files

MediaFire has long been a favorite for users who need to share large files, positioning itself as a strong alternative to older services like Zippyshare. It provides a substantial 10 GB of free storage, and with the opportunity to earn more through referrals and app downloads, it can become even more capacious. The platform supports large file sizes, making it ideal for sharing high-resolution images, software installers, and video collections. While its focus is less on document collaboration and more on pure storage and distribution, its straightforward interface and reliable download speeds make it an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize simplicity and ample space for their digital assets.

File Hosting for Collaboration and Sharing

When evaluating a file hosting service, it's crucial to consider your primary needs. Are you looking for a simple digital locker, or a dynamic platform for teamwork? Services like Google Drive and OneDrive shine in collaborative environments, allowing multiple users to co-edit documents in real-time with comment and version history features. For simpler, direct file distribution, MediaFire and MEGA are excellent. The latter offers a significant 20 GB free plan with a focus on end-to-end encryption, ensuring your data remains private. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the balance you seek between storage capacity, security, and collaborative tools to efficiently manage and share your digital content.

MEGA: Security and Substantial Free Storage

For users who prioritize privacy and security, MEGA is a standout contender in the free file storage market. It distinguishes itself by offering a massive 20 GB of free storage, one of the most generous offerings available. More importantly, all files stored on MEGA are protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning only the user holds the decryption keys. This provides a high level of security for sensitive documents and personal data. The service also includes secure chat and file sharing with password protection and expiry dates for links. While its collaboration features are not as deeply integrated as some rivals, its unparalleled focus on security and its large free storage quota make it an incredibly compelling option.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs

In an age of rapid content consumption, efficient file downloading has become more important than ever. Users often rely on file hosting services such as Rapidgator, Nitroflare, and Uploaded to get access to large files, ranging from games and videos to professional resources. However, many of these services impose limits on free users, such as capped download speeds, long wait times, and multiple ads. To overcome these restrictions, users turn to tools like debrid services and premium link generators. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences that define their functionality, reliability, and value.

This article explores the distinctions between Debrid and Premium Link Generators, shedding light on their individual strengths and helping you decide which tool best suits your needs.

What Are Debrid Services?

Debrid services are online tools that aggregate premium access to multiple file hosting services through a single subscription. By subscribing to a Debrid service, users get access to high-speed downloads from various file hosts without needing individual accounts for each.

Key Features of Debrid Services:

●     Access to dozens of supported file hosts

●     High-speed and parallel downloads

●     Streaming support (for videos, music, etc.)

●     Browser plugins and Kodi integration

●     Torrent support (depending on the provider)

Popular Debrid Services:

●     Real-Debrid

●     AllDebrid

●     Premiumize

●     LinkSnappy

These services are known for their stability, long-term usability, and consistent customer support.

What Are Premium Link Generators?

Premium Link Generators are websites or tools that allow users to generate direct download links from file hosts without paying for a premium account. Unlike Debrid services, many Premium Link Generators are free or offer limited access without subscriptions.

Key Features of Premium Link Generators:

● Free or freemium access to premium links

● One-time or limited use without registration

● Direct links for popular hosts like Mega, Rapidgator, Nitroflare

● No software installation required

Popular Premium Link Generators:

● Deepbrid

● Cocoleech

● Leech.ninja

● Neodebrid

These platforms often operate on an ad-supported model, offering limited bandwidth or number of downloads unless you upgrade to a paid tier.

Key Differences Between Debrid Services and Premium Link Generators

Let’s dive deeper into how these two options stacks up against each other.

1. Subscription Model

● Debrid Services: Typically require a monthly or yearly subscription for access. Prices range from $3 to $10/month.

● Premium Link Generators: Often provide free access with ads and offer optional paid upgrades for enhanced features.

2. Reliability & Uptime

● Debrid Services: Usually more reliable, with higher uptime and better server management.

● Premium Link Generators: Can be inconsistent. Free services are often overwhelmed by high traffic and may experience downtime.

3. Number of Supported Hosts

● Debrid Services: Support a broader range of file hosts and keep them updated.

● Premium Link Generators: May offer fewer hosts or only support the most popular ones.

4. Download Speed and Bandwidth

● Debrid Services: Provide consistently high-speed downloads with parallel connections.

● Premium Link Generators: Free versions often cap speed; premium tiers may offer better performance.

5. Ease of Use

● Debrid Services: May require setup (e.g., browser plugin or integration with apps like Kodi).

● Premium Link Generators: Usually web-based and simple; paste the link, click generate, and download.

6. Torrent Support

● Debrid Services: Often include torrent caching, letting users download torrent files directly as HTTP downloads.

● Premium Link Generators: Rarely offer torrent support.

7. Security and Privacy

● Debrid Services: More trustworthy with secure connections, privacy policies, and better encryption.

● Premium Link Generators: Vary in quality; some may log data or use invasive ads.

8. User Support

● Debrid Services: Offer customer support through forums, tickets, or chat.

● Premium Link Generators: Free versions rarely offer support; paid versions may offer email-based help.

9. Device Compatibility

● Debrid Services: Support integration with streaming apps, media centers, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles.

● Premium Link Generators: Typically limited to browser use.

When Should You Use Debrid Services?

●     If you regularly download files from various file hosts

●     If you need streaming and torrent support

●     If you want a reliable, ad-free experience

●     If you use Kodi, Plex, or other media platforms

A Debrid service is ideal for power users and tech-savvy individuals looking for seamless and high-speed downloads from multiple sources.

When Are Premium Link Generators the Better Choice?

●     If you only occasionally need access to a premium file

●     If you want to test a host before subscribing

●     If you don’t mind ads and slower speeds

●     If you want a quick, one-time download without registration

Premium Link Generators are better for casual users who want free access with minimal commitment.

Are Hybrid Services the Future?

Some providers are blending both approaches. For instance, sites like Deepbrid and Neodebrid offer both free and premium options, giving users flexibility based on their needs. These hybrid models are gaining traction due to their balance of convenience and performance.

Additionally, newer services are offering browser extensions, mobile apps, and cross-platform compatibility, making them more user-friendly and versatile.

The Role of Premium Link Generators in the Digital Ecosystem

While Debrid services continue to evolve with robust features and deeper integrations, Premium Link Generators are not going away. They play a critical role in accessibility, especially in regions where paid services are less feasible. Also, they serve as gateways for new users to experience premium downloads before committing to a subscription.

Tip: When using any third-party link generator, always verify the website’s reputation to avoid malware or scams. Tools like Reddit reviews, Trustpilot, and tech blogs are helpful in vetting these services.

Conclusion

While both Debrid services and Premium Link Generators aim to simplify file downloads, they differ significantly in how they deliver value.

Debrid services are more robust, secure, and ideal for frequent users or those involved in media streaming and large data transfers. In contrast, Premium Link Generators are better suited for occasional use, offering a no-frills solution for one-off downloads.

Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your download habits, preferred hosts, need for speed, and budget.

If you frequently find yourself navigating through slow downloads, ads, and broken links, a reliable Debrid service is a smart investment. On the other hand, if your needs are infrequent, Premium Link Generators still hold their ground as convenient, low-commitment tools.

FAQs

Q1: Are Premium Link Generators safe to use? A: Many are safe, but it’s essential to use well-reviewed platforms and avoid unknown or ad-heavy websites.

Q2: Can I use both Debrid and Premium Link Generators? A: Yes, many users use both depending on the file host and their urgency.

Q3: Which is better for torrents? A: Debrid services like Real-Debrid and Premiumize offer built-in torrent support, unlike most Premium Link Generators.

Q4: Do I need to install anything for Premium Link Generators? A: Usually no. Most are web-based tools that work directly in your browser.

Q5: Can Premium Link Generators be used with download managers? A: Yes, many support integration with tools like IDM once a direct link is generated.