As a royalty free music and voice over company we are always sending and receiving audio and video files that can be extremely large. Emailing them is just not possible as such large files tend to bounce back.
Here are some services that are really useful.
Dropbox
Currently, our preferred service is Dropbox. It is simple to use and there is even a free version. The paid for version that we use represents good value for money and the most convenient way to store and send files.
With Dropbox you download their software and it creates a file on your computer (called dropbox) that you can put any files and folders into. The software then uploads them to the cloud in encrypted format and you can access your files online by logging into your account.
Better still, if you are like me and have several machines, you can install the software on all of your machines and the software automatically synchronises the dropbox folder on all machines. The beauty of this is that I can download a client’s job requirements including music files, video files, and voice over files etc. into a client’s folder on my office PC then move over to my music PC and access it all a few minutes later in my studio. Once I have completed the work on my music PC the file updates in the office PC ready for sending.
The best bit
Now, at one time I used a file transfer service where I had to upload the file to send it to a client. Dropbox uploads it automatically and also lets me send the file via email to the client. This feature sends a link to the file or folder to my client and they can download instantly via a link. Also, the software allows me to ‘Get Link’ which means I can cut and paste the link into the body of the email that I am sending to the client.
So all in all, the automated features that works on multiple PC’s and the recently introduced send link feature means that dropbox is a brilliant solution for our file transfer and storage requirements. And, no I am not being paid to say this. This is my actual opinion.
We are on the 200GB plan but there is a free 2GB option.
YouSendIt
We used this service for several years and it offers a good option for sending files. There is a free version with 50mb file limit. Unfortunately, we no longer find it the best solution for us or the best value for money. However, if you are looking to send files smaller than 50mb, the free version will be useful and the service has been extremely reliable in the 5 years we have used it.
WeTransfer
We have used this service a few times now when composers or voice overs have sent files to us. We have found it pretty reliable but can’t profess to have extensively tested it. I know the company made lots of updates to it and the website is really simple and easy to use. Also, you can send 2GB file for free.
Other Services
I have not had experience of other services but felt it worthwhile listing a few more. Everyone’s backup and file transfer requirements will probably vary so it is worth finding the best for you, whether that comes down to budget or functionality.
I hope you find this information helpful and feel free to comment and share your opinions and experiences of these or other similar services.
can it be done over gmail?
I was surprised to read all the glowing bits here about dropbox, because dropbox have quite frankly become impossible to use. Every week when I try to send files, they’ve completely changed the format without warning or instruction, and every week, I have to go through every technical thing I know to force dropbox to send the silly file. They are no longer to purpose. So, I came here looking for viable alternatives to dropbox, and all I can find anywhere on the web by typing into the search engines that I want alternatives to dropbox are more lists of people who want to tell me how wonderful dropbox is. It isn’t. What’s more, users have no way to contact anyone at dropbox to complain or get any information. I tried sending a request for this through their “other requests” link, and when I clicked submit, it disappeared. They only pretend to let you contact them. They actually don’t seem to really exist, which is questionable in legal terms regarding being a business, agency or entity. If they also are the only real alternative for sending files, that brings into question the monopoly issue….all I want is a way to send files via email, and dropbox just isn’t it. They’re becoming more useless by the day. The only alternative you offered isn’t up to scratch, either, and I suspect that the bulk of your traffic comes from frustrated people trying to get away from dropbox. Thanks so much for the help.