Everything you need to know about large file hosting

If you’ve ever worked with high-resolution images, full HD videos, or heavy documents, you’re familiar with the type of headaches large files bring. They easily consume storage capacity, slow down your internet connection, and often leave you struggling to find the most recent version.

Large file hosting services free you from storage limitations and enable seamless collaboration regardless of content size, even across different locations. 

How large file hosting works

To understand  large file hosting and how it works, imagine you have recorded two training session videos for your team. The first video is ready to share, so you host it on a cloud storage platform — which means that anyone with access can watch it online. You haven’t edited the second video file yet, so you stored it on your laptop, making it inaccessible to your team.

“Hosting” a large file refers to making it accessible to others online, while “storing” it simply means saving it, whether on a device or in a cloud service.

When it comes to sharing, large files typically exceed the storage limits of email attachments or instant messaging apps, so you need a platform to send them securely to others. This is where large file hosting comes in.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Uploading: You start by transferring the large file from your device to a hosting service
2. Storage: The service stores your file on its servers — systems that offer enough space and infrastructure to manage and protect your data
3. Sharing: If you want to share the large file with others, you can generate a link or set permissions for users to view, edit, and download the content
4. Downloading: When someone clicks on the link, they are redirected to the hosting service’s server, where they can save the file
5. Security: Advanced platforms offer additional features to safeguard your content, like password protection, encrypted document sharing, and regular backups

Benefits of using a large file hosting service

As your business expands, the amount of data it generates also grows. Large file hosting offers scalable data storage to ensure your content is accessible anytime. 

Benefits include:

• Efficient storage management: Heavy files can quickly clog your local storage. Large file hosting services offer vast capacities, allowing you to manage your files and documents from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Improved information security: Handling sensitive data requires robust controls to protect files against unauthorized access. File hosting platforms often provide multi-factor authentication (MFA) and granular access controls, adding an extra login step and controlling who can view, edit, and download your content.
• Enhanced collaboration: Hosting your large files eliminates the hassle of co-editing a heavy presentation or submitting a video for multiple approvals. File hosting solutions offer features like document version control, allowing teams to revert to previous iterations of a file.
• Streamlined workflows: File hosting makes it easier to share and manage big files. Some options support digital workflow automation by offering activity tracking, security alerts, and pre-built integrations to connect applications you already use.

Where to host large files

Large file hosting services offer different options based on your security and storage capacity needs. Here are five options to consider:

1. Public file hosting

Public file hosting is a service where you upload content, and anyone with the link can access it. It’s typically a free or low-cost platform that doesn’t require account creation or authentication. These solutions offer simple upload and download functionality, with public links for file sharing.

This is an option for one-off situations, such as public presentations where you need to share large files as references. However, a public platform has limited security features, so make sure data privacy and protection aren’t concerns.

2. Private file hosting

This type of file hosting offers a secure storage solution where you can control who accesses your files. Unlike public hosting, users require permission to view, download, or edit data. You implement these levels of permission through user access controls and password protection. 

Private hosting services often provide more storage space than public options. They’re suitable for sharing files with a limited group while maintaining some level of security. Private file hosting includes on-prem solutions — managed within an organization’s infrastructure — and cloud-based systems hosted on remote servers with restricted access.

3. Cloud file hosting

This service enables you to access files from anywhere, using any device, via the cloud. Unlike storage methods limited by physical hardware, cloud storage services offer adaptable capacity. That’s why the global cloud storage market is projected to grow from $132.03B in 2024 to $665B by 2032, per Fortune and Business Insights forecast.

The rise of cloud platforms has changed how businesses store and access data, but it also reflects the critical need for robust security controls to protect sensitive information. If you need to host big files with confidential documents, personal information, or financial data, opt to manage your projects using the cloud.

Here are examples of large files you can host in the cloud:

4. File sharing software

Let’s say you’re collaborating on the content review for a new company video. Marketing and legal departments need to approve the last version. Imagine the burden if each member of the team had to download, watch, and discuss the approval by email.

With file sharing software, you can host large videos and collaborate in real time with multiple users. With a cloud solution, collaborators can leave comments, ask for modifications, and respond to feedback efficiently, streamlining the approval process. 

In a Box and Pulse survey, 72% of C-level executives said the main reason they’ve implemented collaboration tools is to improve productivity and efficiency. When looking for large file hosting, consider solutions that offer robust collaboration features and advanced security to optimize teamwork while ensuring data integrity and protection.

5. File archiving system

These solutions store large files over extended periods. File archiving systems protect data against loss through backups and disaster recovery protocols, safeguarding content from natural disasters and power outages.

However, this option may not be suitable for frequent sharing or collaboration. Consider it as a solution for the end of your content lifecycle — when you need to preserve legal records, historical data sets, or inactive project files.

Get all the benefits of cloud file hosting with Box

Box makes it easier for you to host large files. The Intelligent Content Cloud lets you upload, store, share, and manage your entire content lifecycle on one platform.

With our file transfer system, you create shareable links and control who can view, edit, and download your content. Protect your online files from loss and unauthorized access with enterprise-grade security and compliance that includes encryption, data leakage prevention, and password controls.

Connect with our team and explore the benefits of large file hosting with Box.

While we maintain our steadfast commitment to offering products and services with best-in-class privacy, security, and compliance, the information provided in this blog post is not intended to constitute legal advice. We strongly encourage prospective and current customers to perform their own due diligence when assessing compliance with applicable laws.