We’ve come a long way when it comes to sharing files over the internet. Nowadays, super-fast file sharing is possible through the use of file-sharing services and APIs. However, it becomes overwhelming to choose due to market saturation and plenty of options available. If you’re looking for some reliable file hosting services and APIs, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. Here are the 6 leading file hosting APIs alongside their features so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a service.
Features of a File Hosting Service
There are 4 basic features that make a file-sharing API stand out. The first feature is its user interface. A simple and easy-to-use interface is necessary so anyone can adapt to it. The next feature to consider is its support for multiple platforms. Most APIs come in the form of plugins having integration capabilities with multiple platforms, making it easier to share files.
These APIs should also be able to integrate other file storage platforms for uploading or downloading content. Lastly, the file hosting service should handle data through secure and encrypted channels. Most APIs integrate the required security protocols ensuring safety from cyberattacks, malware, and data breaches. Now that we’ve discussed the features of a reliable file hosting service, let’s dig in deep and explore the 6 leading file hosting APIs of 2022.
1. 4shared
4shared is a free service offering 15GB of storage with a single file upload as big as 2GB. Antivirus protection, multiple file uploads, and video streaming are some features provided in the free version. However, the premium version charges a monthly fee of around $10. They offer 100 GB of storage with a single file upload size of 100GB.
Some exclusive features that come with the premium version include direct download links, ad-free sharing, SSL data encryption, and file recovery. The API is compatible with all major browsers and mobile platforms. If you’re looking for a free service with a few essential features, 4shared would be an excellent choice to make. However, there is a data storage cap of 100GB, and you cannot purchase additional space, meaning that you are limited in the number of files your share.
2. Shubox
This API’s framework is based on the AWS infrastructure, making file uploading, transforming, and converting images hassle-free. However, when it comes to platform support, Suhbox currently can only support Amazon S3. The JavaScript code is already built in the application, facilitating hassle-free uploads to the supported platform. The javascript-based API framework allows you to tweak it up according to the requirements. The image optimization tool of Shubox can transform multiple images for better delivery of content.
Image optimization also strips away the EXIF data, further reducing the file size. Images can be easily resized and converted to compatible formats for effective delivery. Shubox also works on the mechanism of credits where you pay to buy them and use them to perform tasks. Shubox is indeed a feasible option when you want to work on the Amazon S3 platform. We might see support for other platforms and integration as the API further refines over time.
3. ElephantDrive
It’s a monthly subscription service where you get 1 TB of storage space with their basic plan. Each additional 1 TB of storage will be charged an additional fee. The storage limit can be up to 15 TB with a file size limit of 2 GB. Text chat support, automatic backups, easy link sharing, and end-to-end encryption for maximum security. Several other plans are also available with varying storage space and features.
The market for file hosting and sharing APIs is indeed competitive. Developers are striving to stay ahead of their competitors by providing exclusive features that go beyond file sharing and hosting. There are several notable APIs providing exclusive features like custom file processing, file caching, and monitoring besides the conventional uploading and file storage services. The information shared at upload.io/file-upload-api will give you an idea of how file hosting and sharing APIs are changing and integrating all features necessary for file uploads and management.
4. Filestack
It’s an easy-to-integrate upload API with file processing and upload capabilities. The API supports multiple languages and can integrate seamlessly with other online file storage services. The API offers a file reviewer to view and edit files before uploading. Filestack can be integrated as a plugin in most apps and web-based applications.
The API has a CDN to support its content delivery and automatically adjusts to the user’s bandwidth. As it offers REST API support, allowing easy integration with other client applications is possible. They charge around $60 for their monthly plan and can go up, depending on the services you want to use.
5. Uploadcare.com
Uploadcare stands out as a contemporary and versatile platform, encompassing a stack-agnostic file uploader, comprehensive storage solutions, advanced image compression and transformations, and a robust multi-vendor Content Delivery Network.
They offer APIs for the entire file pipeline that is: uploading, file management, object recognition, malware detection, and image optimization including smart compression.
For those managing their operations as part of a team, Uploadcare offers the flexibility of accommodating up to 3 team members with varying levels of user access. This facilitates efficient collaboration and control over your account’s utilization.
The comprehensive set of services provided by Uploadcare can significantly augment your business operations, elevate customer experiences, and optimize your file-related processes. With compatibility across various platforms, extensive support, and seamless cloud integration, Uploadcare is poised to address a spectrum of business needs.
6. Cloudinary
Cloudinary is a sophisticated content delivery and file uploading platform catering to small and medium-sized businesses. They offer a media API, making uploads streamlined and allowing customizations for an unprecedented user experience. The notable features include bulk uploads, SDK integration, content transformation, dynamic URL transformation, and much more.
Many businesses and developers are already using the application. Cloudinary provides you credits against your payment and you will be using these credits to pay for the services. For example, using 1GB of data will be equivalent to 1 credit. Do check their pricing so you can better understand whether the option is feasible or not.
Top API solutions can indeed benefit your business, enhance customer experience, and streamline the uploading process. They have wide support for other platform integrations, support for multiple languages, and cloud platforms. Exploring your requirements can also aid in looking for the best APIs that will fulfill your needs.
About the Author
Jenna Kramer has been a content writer for more than three years. With her IT passion as a background, she hopes to share her knowledge with other tech enthusiasts. In her free time, Jenna likes to play video games and cook as a side hobby.
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