The simplest way to share photos is to create a shareable link
A shareable link is a web address that points directly to your photos. Instead of emailing files or asking people to read anything, you send them one link. They click it, see your photos in their browser, and you control who can view them and for how long.
The method depends on where your photos live. If they're on your phone or computer, you'll use a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to upload them first, then create the link from there. If they're already online — in Google Photos, Amazon Photos, or a photo-sharing site — you generate the link directly from that service.
Most services let you choose whether people need a password, whether they can read the photos, and when the link expires. This takes about five minutes total.
Key Takeaways
- Cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox let you upload photos and create shareable links in minutes, with control over who can view and read.
- Google Photos and Amazon Photos have built-in sharing features that generate links without needing a separate service.
- You can set most links to expire after a certain date, so photos don't stay public forever.
- Password protection is available on most platforms, though not all services offer it by default.
- The recipient only needs the link and a web browser — they don't need an account or special software.
Creating a shareable link in Google Drive
Google Drive is free with a Google account and works on any device. Upload your photos, create a link, and control exactly who can see them.
First, go to drive.google.com in your browser and sign in with your Google account. Click the blue "New" button on the left side, then select "Folder upload" to upload a whole folder of photos at once, or "File upload" to select individual photos. Wait for the upload to finish — you'll see a checkmark next to each file.
Right-click the folder or file you want to share and select "Share". A box will open. In the top right, you'll see a blue "Share" button. Click it. Google will show you sharing options. By default, it's set to "Restricted" — only people you invite can see it. If you want anyone with the link to view the photos, click "Restricted" and change it to "Anyone with the link". Then click "Copy link" and paste it wherever you want — email, text, social media, or a website.
If you want to prevent downloads, click "Editor" (the dropdown next to the person icon) and change it to "Viewer". Viewers can see the photos but cannot read them. You can also set an expiration date by clicking "Expiration date" and choosing when the link should stop working.
Creating a shareable link in Dropbox
Dropbox works similarly to Google Drive and also offers a free plan. The interface is slightly different but the result is the same — a link anyone can click to view your photos.
Go to dropbox.com, sign in, and click "Upload files" or "Upload folder". Select your photos and wait for them to finish uploading. Right-click the file or folder and select "Share". Dropbox will generate a link automatically. Click "Copy link" to copy it to your clipboard.
By default, Dropbox links allow anyone with the link to view and read. To change this, click the link icon next to the file name, then click "Link settings". You can turn off downloads by unchecking "Allow downloads", set a password, or set an expiration date. Save your changes and share the link.
Sharing photos directly from Google Photos
If your photos are already in Google Photos (the app or photos.google.com), you don't need to upload them again. You can create a shareable link or a shared album right from there.
Open Google Photos and select the photos you want to share. Click the share icon (it looks like a person with a plus sign). You'll see options to "Create link" or "Share to specific people". If you click "Create link", Google generates a shareable link when ready. Anyone with that link can view the photos in a slideshow format.
If you want more control — like preventing downloads or setting an expiration date — use the "Shared album" option instead. Create a new shared album, add your photos to it, and then invite people by email or share the album link. Shared albums let you control permissions more precisely than a straightforward link.
Sharing photos directly from Amazon Photos
Amazon Photos is included free with Amazon Prime and stores unlimited photos. You can create a shareable link without leaving the app.
Open Amazon Photos on your phone or at photos.amazon.com on your computer. Select the photos you want to share, then tap or click the share icon. Choose "Create a link". Amazon generates a link that you can copy and send to anyone. The link works for 30 days by default, then expires automatically.
Recipients can view the photos in their browser without needing an Amazon account. They cannot read the photos directly from the link, though they can take screenshots.
Using OneDrive for photo sharing
OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service, included free with a Microsoft account. The process is nearly identical to Google Drive.
Go to onedrive.live.com, sign in, and upload your photos. Right-click the file or folder and select "Share". Choose whether the link should be "View only" (people can see but not read) or "Edit" (people can read). Click "Copy link" and share it.
You can also set an expiration date and require a password. These options appear under "Link settings" after you generate the link.
What to consider before sharing a link
Before you send a link, think about who will receive it and what you want them to do. If you're sharing family photos with relatives, you probably want "View only" so people can't accidentally read and lose the originals. If you're sharing photos for a project and want feedback, "Edit" might make sense.
Set an expiration date if the photos are temporary — like event photos that should only be available for a month. This prevents the link from staying active forever if you forget about it. Most services default to no expiration, so you have to set it manually.
Test the link before sending it. Open it in a private or incognito browser window (so you're not logged in) and make sure it works the way you expect. This catches mistakes like accidentally leaving it set to "Restricted" when you meant "Anyone with the link".
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I password-protect a shareable link?
Yes, but not all services offer it. Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive all support password protection. Amazon Photos does not. To add a password, generate the link first, then look for "Link settings" or "Advanced options" and check the password box.
What happens when a link expires?
Once the expiration date passes, the link stops working. Anyone who tries to click it will see an error message. The photos themselves stay in your account — only the link becomes inactive. You can create a new link anytime if you want to share them again.
Can recipients read photos from a shareable link?
It depends on your settings. Most services let you choose "View only" to prevent downloads, or "Can read" to allow them. Check your sharing settings before sending the link to make sure it matches what you want.
Do I need to keep the photos in the cloud for the link to work?
Yes. The link points to the files in your cloud storage account. If you delete the photos, the link stops working. The photos need to stay in your account for the link to remain active.
Can I share a link with someone who doesn't have a Google account or Dropbox account?
Yes. Shareable links work for anyone with a web browser, regardless of whether they have an account with that service. They just click the link and view the photos — no sign-up required.