A Google Drive Alternative for Sending Large Files

Many people end up sharing large files through Drive because Gmail offers to turn attachments over about 25 MB into a Drive link. That works, but it comes with a few common frustrations:

• Storage quota. A free Google account includes 15 GB shared across Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. A few big videos can fill it, and the files stay there until you remember to delete them.
• Sharing settings. Recipients outside your organisation often land on an access request page because the file was shared with specific people instead of anyone with the link.
• Warnings on large files. Drive may show recipients a notice that a large file cannot be scanned for viruses, which can make clients hesitate.
• Preview quality. Drive's in-browser player streams a converted version of your video, so a client who only watches the preview may not see the full quality you exported.

Google changes its limits and features from time to time, so check Google's own help pages for current details.

Transfers never count against a storage quota of yours, and each one holds up to 1000 files or a folder. Because transfers expire on their own, there is nothing to clean up afterwards. If you want a file gone sooner, delete it from the Transfers page.

1. Open the homepage in any modern browser.
2. Drag in your files or a folder, up to 20 GB in total.
3. Choose Link to paste the URL into Gmail, WhatsApp or Slack, or Email to have us send the link (you verify your address with a 6-digit code).
4. Optionally add a password, or choose to delete the transfer after its first download.
5. Keep the tab open until the upload finishes, then share the link.

Pasting a link into a Gmail message keeps the email tiny, so it never hits the attachment limit. More on that in email attachment too large.

We would rather you use the right tool. Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox are a better fit when you need:

• Permanent storage and backup, rather than a link that expires.
• Shared folders that a team keeps adding to over months.
• Editing documents together, version history or comments.
• Access limited to named Google accounts.

For one-off sending, such as delivering a video to a client or passing holiday footage to family, a transfer is usually simpler. Many people use both: Drive for storage, a transfer link for sending. Also compare our WeTransfer alternative page.