---
title: "How to share a video as a link (Quick & Simple)"
lang: en
canonical_url: https://www.papermark.com/blog/how-to-share-video-as-link
last_updated: 2026-07-21
published: 2024-03-21
category: [security]
author: "Marc Seitz"
summary: "Learn the best ways to share videos as links, including secure sharing options, viewer analytics, and step-by-step instructions for professional video sharing."
---

# How to share a video as a link (Quick & Simple)

![Links for video sharing](https://img.papermarkassets.com/upload/file_HKCLjWCkdTzc6qAFV2it65-all-links.png)

In today's digital world, sharing videos effectively and securely is crucial for businesses and professionals. Whether you're sending a product demo, training material, or a pitch video, the way you share it matters. Let's explore the best methods to share videos as links in 2024, with a focus on security and analytics.

## Why share videos as links?

Sharing videos as links offers several advantages over traditional file sharing:

- No file size limitations
- Easy access for recipients
- Tracking and analytics capabilities
- Better security control
- Professional presentation

## Quick overview: video sharing methods

1. **Cloud Storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)** - Simple file sharing with basic privacy controls
2. **Video Platforms (YouTube, Vimeo)** - Public or unlisted hosting with built-in players
3. **Social Media Platforms** - Quick sharing for wider reach with limited privacy
4. **Email Attachments with Links** - Traditional method with size limitations
5. **Papermark** - Simple solution with advanced security and analytics

## Step-by-step guide for video sharing

Papermark provides a comprehensive solution for secure video sharing with advanced analytics. Here's how to do it:

## Step 1: Upload your video

Upload your video file to Papermark. Supported formats include:

- MP4 (recommended)
- MOV
- AVI
- WebM
- OGG

![Link Settings Video](https://img.papermarkassets.com/upload/file_EhYT7ByQGyu1jvwARpL53-upload-document.png)

## Step 2: Configure security settings

Customize your sharing preferences with options like:

- Password protection
- Email verification
- Download permissions
- Screenshot protection
- Expiration dates

## Step 3: Preview and share

Before sharing, preview your video in Papermark's player:

![Link to Video Preview](https://img.papermarkassets.com/upload/file_XYmgGXoaDTmTCUhU7tgXsw-link-preview.png)

## Step 4: Track engagement

Monitor viewer interaction with detailed analytics:

![Video Analytics Overview](https://img.papermarkassets.com/upload/file_GSuBNDEBMUSSjkCUTDPg3N-video-analytics-v2.png)

You can track:

- Unique viewers
- Playback count
- Total visits
- Watch time
- Average view duration
- Visit duration
- Visit completion
- Last time visited
- Visitor location
- Visitor device type

## Alternative sharing methods

## 2.Cloud Storage Services

- **Google Drive**: Upload and share with basic privacy settings
- **Dropbox**: Simple sharing with collaboration features
- **OneDrive**: Microsoft's solution with Office integration

## 3. Video Platforms

- **YouTube**: Unlisted videos for semi-private sharing
- **Vimeo**: Professional hosting with basic analytics
- **Wistia**: Business-focused video hosting

## Best practices for video link sharing

1. **Choose the Right Platform**

   - Consider your security needs
   - Think about your audience
   - Factor in video size and format

2. **Optimize for Viewing**

   - Use recommended video formats
   - Check playback on different devices
   - Ensure fast loading times

3. **Monitor and Analyze**
   - Track viewer engagement
   - Analyze drop-off points
   - Use insights to improve content

![Video Analytics one visitor](https://img.papermarkassets.com/upload/file_D1wWztq1YHCoLcWDNJK44p-video-analytics-one-visitor.png)

## Security considerations

When sharing videos as links, always consider:

1. **Access Control**

   - Who can view the video
   - Download permissions
   - Sharing restrictions

2. **Content Protection**

   - Screen recording prevention
   - Watermarking options
   - Expiration settings

3. **Viewer Authentication**
   - Email verification
   - Password protection
   - Domain restrictions

## Conclusion

Sharing videos as links has become the standard for professional communication. While there are many options available, using a dedicated platform like Papermark provides the best balance of security, analytics, and professional presentation.

Remember to:

- Choose the right sharing method for your needs
- Implement appropriate security measures
- Monitor viewer engagement
- Use analytics to improve your content strategy

Start sharing your videos professionally today and make the most of your video content with proper tracking and security measures.

## FAQ

### How do I share a video as a link?

Upload the video to a platform that returns a shareable URL, then send the link instead of the file. With Papermark you upload an MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM, or OGG file, get a link in under 2 minutes, and can add a password or expiry. Free options like YouTube (unlisted) or Google Drive work too, but they do not show detailed watch analytics.

### How do I share a large video as a link?

Links solve the size problem that email cannot: most inboxes cap attachments at 25 MB. Papermark has no file size limit on video uploads, so a multi-gigabyte demo or training video shares as a single link. This avoids the compression and upload failures common with email or chat apps.

### How do I share a video as a link on iPhone?

On iPhone you can create an iCloud link from the Photos app, but it offers no password or tracking. For a professional, secure link, upload the video to Papermark from Safari or the web app and share the generated URL, which works the same on iOS, Android, and desktop and adds viewer analytics.

### Can I share a video privately and control who watches it?

Yes. Papermark lets you add password protection, email verification, screenshot protection, and expiration dates to any video link, and you can revoke access at any time. Public platforms like YouTube or a raw Google Drive link give you little of this control.

### Can I track who watched my video and for how long?

Yes, with a tracking platform. Papermark records unique viewers, playback count, total watch time, average view duration, completion rate, viewer location, and device type. This page-by-second insight is why sales and fundraising teams share demos through Papermark rather than a plain file link, and it is available on the free plan.

### What is the best way to share a video securely for business?

Use a dedicated platform that combines security and analytics. Papermark offers password protection, watermarking, expiry, and detailed watch analytics starting on a free plan ($0), with paid plans from €29/month for custom branding. That balance of control and insight is stronger than cloud storage or public video hosts.

---

_Markdown version of [this article](https://www.papermark.com/blog/how-to-share-video-as-link) for AI agents and LLMs._
_More Papermark content: [llms.txt](https://www.papermark.com/llms.txt) · [full index](https://www.papermark.com/llms-full.txt)._