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Forum Discussion

Jasmine D.1's avatar
Jasmine D.1
New member | Level 1
10 years ago

Sharing video so it can be previewed but not downloaded?

I was trying to work out if I can share videos through Dropbox so people can preview but not download? Does anyone know if this is possible?

I have over 100GB of video uploaded and want to share it with someone so they can see it but only be able to download it until I change their shared abilities.

  • Has anyone found a way around this yet so we can share a video - view only - but not download 

    You can't. That's not how the Internet works. If I can view it, it's already on my computer.

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    Thats impossible I'm afraid.

    The internet simply doesnt work like that,

    ANY link from ANY provider will make it downloadable - thats how the web works.

  • Sandy A.3's avatar
    Sandy A.3
    New member | Level 1

    Has anyone found a way around this yet so we can share a video - view only - but not download 

  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    Has anyone found a way around this yet so we can share a video - view only - but not download 

    You can't. That's not how the Internet works. If I can view it, it's already on my computer.

  • scott2's avatar
    scott2
    New member | Level 2

    Short answer is yes you can - sign up for a free Wistia account at wistia.com.

    You can then allow them to play only, or change the settings so they can download it.

    ...and no I am not connected with Wistia, but dropbox could also learn from their customer service.

  • Simon K.15's avatar
    Simon K.15
    New member | Level 1

    Short answer is yes you can - sign up for a free Wistia account at wistia.com.

     

    Streaming = Downloading.

    So any video that is viewed is at the same time downloaded. You can't prevent users from downloading videos, but Dropbox could make it harder to download at least.

     

  • mgasperl's avatar
    mgasperl
    New member | Level 2

    You can share video securily and free (1 hour/month and 5$ per every additional hour) via api.video. The video is streamed and can't be downloaded via any usual method an a PC. The only way would be a hdmi grabber. I described how it works in my blog: https://www.gasperl.at/videos-sicher-einbinden-mit-api-video/

    Another (easier) method is using servces liek vdocipher (currently 99$ per year). It will do all the work for you and protect your videos from being downloaded.

    However, there is no 100% secure method. But you also won't find a way to 100% secure your bicycle. It's just about the effort you do to a potential thief.

     

     

     

     

    [This thread is now closed by moderators due to inactivity. If you're experiencing a similar behavior, feel free to start a new discussion in the Dropbox Community.]

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