In a world where every moment is recorded, it’s not just about taking photos and videos; it’s about sharing them with those who matter. Kim from Tinton Falls, New Jersey, speaks to a common concern: “How can families share digital memories of past gatherings and current moments in a way that’s safe, private, and shareable?” The questions she posed to us were:
“My extended family wants to find a way to share lots of photos and videos (old ones and get-togethers). We’d like to find a site that’s free and doesn’t have a nasty privacy policy. We want to upload them all in folders with their own names so everyone can download them.” — Kim, Tinton Falls, NJ
Kim’s dilemma is one that many families face: they want a platform that is free, doesn’t invade their privacy, and respects it. A virtual space where every family member can add their own exclusive content to their own folders and download their precious memories at will. Ideally, this platform would also allow them to set expiration dates on shared content, so that their digital footprints don’t remain in the cloud indefinitely.
Here are some recommended solutions that meet Kim’s criteria for privacy, security, and ease of use for sharing family photos.
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Family photo (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
A private and free photo sharing platform
1. Google Photos
- Free Storage: 15 GB will be shared across Google services.
- Features: Auto-organization, shared albums, smart search.
- privacy: Google has a strong privacy policy, but users should review and adjust their privacy settings as needed.
- How to use: Create a shared album and invite family members to contribute. Each member can upload photos and videos to their own folder within the album.
- Notes: There have been concerns about Google’s data collection practices and privacy policies. If you are concerned about the privacy of your data, you should consider alternative storage solutions.
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How to set up Google Photos
- install Google Photos app Download it from Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
- Open the app Sign in With your Google account.
How to Create a Shared Album in Google Photos
- Go to “photograph” tab.
- Tap “library” Click on the tab “New album.”
- choose Photos and Videos What you want to include in the album.
- Tap “Share” button, Select Next “Create a shared album.”
- Enter email address Enter the names of the family members you want to invite. invitation I’ll be on the album.
Google Photos app (Google)
2. Dropbox
- Free Storage: 2GB.
- Features: File sync, easy sharing, mobile apps.
- privacy: Strong security features including two-factor authentication.
- How to use: Create a shared folder and invite family members to join, then they can upload and organize their own photos and videos in their own personal subfolders.
How to set up Dropbox
- install Dropbox app Download it from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS), or download the desktop application from the Dropbox website.
- Open the app and sign in If you have a Dropbox account, create a new one if you don’t have one.
How to upload files
- to start Dropbox app or Desktop application.
- Click here “upload” button. Photos and videos What you want to upload from your device.
How to Create a Shared Folder
- In the Dropbox app or desktop application, “New folder”.
- In the folder name Something the whole family can easily recognize.
- Right click folder Select “share” or Share icon.
- Enter email address Enter the names of the family members you want to invite. They will receive an invitation to join the folder.
How to organize your files
- Create in the shared folder Subfolders It helps you organize photos and videos for each family member.
- The whole family Upload photos and videos Navigate to the respective subfolder.
Dropbox website and app (Dropbox)
3. box
- Free Storage: 10GB.
- Features: Collaboration tools and secure sharing options.
- privacy: High level of security and compliance with various privacy regulations.
- How to use: Set up a shared folder for your family, where each member can create and manage their own subfolders.
How to set up Box
- Go to the Box website and Sign up for a free accountIf you don’t have one yet, please get one.
- install Box App Download it from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS), or download the desktop application from the Box website.
How to upload files
- to start Box App or Desktop application.
- Click here “upload” button. Photos and videos What you want to upload from your device.
How to Create a Shared Folder
- In the Box app or desktop application, “new” after that “folder.”
- In the folder name Something the whole family can easily recognize.
- Right-click the folder (or click the ellipsis (…)) “share” [その他のオプション]Select from the menu:
- Enter email address Enter the names of the family members you want to invite. They will receive an invitation to join the folder.
How to organize your files
- Create in the shared folder Subfolders It helps you organize photos and videos for each family member.
- The whole family Upload photos and videos Navigate to the respective subfolder.
Box Websites and Apps (box)
While these solutions directly address Kim’s family photo sharing needs, it’s also worth considering device-specific options and additional cloud storage services. These can complement your chosen family sharing platform or offer alternative solutions depending on your device and preferences. It’s also important to keep in mind that any family sharing solution will require increased storage capacity if needed.
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Device-specific and cloud storage options
The solution you choose will also depend on what devices your family members use. Whether they’re an Apple owner, have an Android device, or use a combination of both, there are options to fit your needs. Let’s take a look at some device-specific cloud storage solutions.
Photo logo (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Photography Tools
Apple iCloud The free plan offers 5GB of storage and features like seamless integrations, automatic backups, and shared albums. Paid plans include 50GB for $0.99/month, 200GB for $2.99/month, and 2TB for $9.99/month.
Google Photos The free tier offers unlimited storage at limited resolution, smart search, auto-organize, and shared albums, and Google One plans offer 15 GB for free with various paid pricing options.
Amazon Prime Photos It’s included with your Amazon Prime subscription and offers unlimited full-resolution storage and family sharing; for a fee, Amazon Photos offers additional storage options.
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Make the most of your iOS/iPhone mobile storage
and iCloud PhotosGet more space on your devices and access your entire full-resolution collection wherever you are. To get started with iCloud Photos:
- Tap setting
- Click here name
- Next click iCloud
- Then tap photograph
- Tap Sync this iPhone. On iOS 15 or earlier, tap to turn on iCloud Photos.
- select Optimize your iPhone storage This is to save space on your device.
With Optimized Storage turned on, iCloud stores full-resolution photos and videos, and stores space-saving copies on your device as needed. You can store as many photos and videos as you want, as long as you have enough space in iCloud.
If you need more storage
- When you sign up for iCloud, you automatically get 5GB of free storage, and if you need more, you can upgrade to iCloud+.
- If you need more storage space on your device, you can transfer photos and videos that you don’t want to store in iCloud to your computer.
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iPad and iPhone with iCloud (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
How to remove your personal information from the internet
Make the most of your mobile storage on Android
vinegarSettings may vary depending on the Android smartphone manufacturer
- On your Android smartphone or tablet, Google Photos app
- Sign in To your Google account
- Top right Profile photo or initials
- Tap Photo Settings
- Next click backup
- Tap “Settings” Back up the device folder.
- choose folder I want to back it up.
Cloud Storage
Dropbox It offers 2GB of free storage with features like file syncing, easy sharing, and mobile apps. It also has paid plans like Plus, which offers 2TB for $9.99/month, and a Family plan that offers a shared 2TB for $16.99/month.
box It offers 10GB of free storage and includes collaboration tools and secure sharing options, and also offers a business plan that comes with more storage and additional features.
drive It offers 5GB for free and is designed for multi-device backup and file versioning, while the Personal plan includes 2TB of storage for $69.50 per year.
Photo services
Flicker It allows users to store up to 1,000 photos and videos for free and is known for its community and photo organization features. It offers a pro subscription with unlimited storage for $7.99 per month.
500 pixels Free users are allowed limited uploads, but it is a platform dedicated to the photography community and includes a portfolio feature. The Awesome plan is available for $6.49/month, while the Pro plan costs $12.99/month.
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Important points about the cart
These days, securely sharing family memories is both a challenge and a necessity. For Kim and families like hers, platforms like Google Photos, Dropbox, and Box offer free, secure solutions that balance privacy and ease of use. Device-specific options offer seamless integration, while cloud services ensure cross-platform accessibility. For the memories you cherish, regularly review your privacy settings, use strong passwords, and consider the 3-2-1 backup rule. By choosing the right platform and following best practices, you can create a private, shared digital space to cherish moments spent together, past and present.
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