Question 1

How do I upload files from Next.js Server Actions?

Accepted Answer

Call the files.link REST API from your Server Action using fetch. Handle the FormData on the server side and forward the file to files.link.

Question 2

Why not use Vercel Blob?

Accepted Answer

Vercel Blob locks you into the Vercel ecosystem and charges per-request. files.link works anywhere — Vercel, AWS, self-hosted — with prepaid credits and no vendor dependency. Comparing other options? See our Firebase Storage alternative page.

Question 3

Can I use files.link with Next.js API routes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Import fetch in your API route, call the files.link REST API, and return the CDN URL to your frontend. Works with both Pages Router and App Router.

Question 4

Does files.link support Next.js Image optimization?

Accepted Answer

files.link serves images via CDN URLs that work with Next.js Image component's loader. However, files.link doesn't perform server-side image transformations — use next/image's built-in optimization for resizing.

Question 5

What is files.link?

Accepted Answer

files.link is a developer-first file platform that makes it simple to store, secure, and deliver files globally. It provides signed URLs, public/private access, and an API-first design so you can integrate file delivery into any app without the usual complexity.

Question 6

How is files.link different from Google Drive or Dropbox?

Accepted Answer

Google Drive and Dropbox are built for consumer use and collaboration. files.link is built for developers and businesses, focusing on programmatic file hosting, global delivery, and usage-based pricing — without unnecessary bloat.

Question 7

Will my files still be available if files.link is down?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your files continue to be served globally even if the files.link dashboard or API is offline for maintenance. The delivery infrastructure runs independently, so your end users never notice downtime.

Question 8

What are signed URLs?

Accepted Answer

Signed URLs are secure, time-limited links that control who can access your files. They're ideal for private downloads, paid content, or temporary access.

Question 9

Can I use my own domain?

Accepted Answer

Coming soon.

Question 10

What is egress?

Accepted Answer

Egress means outbound data transfer. For example, if someone downloads a 1 GB file, that counts as 1 GB of egress.

Question 11

What pricing model do you use?

Accepted Answer

files.link uses prepaid credits with usage-based billing. Add a payment method to receive $5 in credits, then usage is deducted daily from your balance. When credits run low, we automatically recharge your account — no per-user fees or subscription tiers.

Question 12

Can I make permanent links?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Public files can have permanent links. For private files, files.link provides permalinks that automatically issue fresh signed URLs, keeping them secure while still always accessible.

Question 13

Who is files.link best for?

Accepted Answer

files.link is ideal for SaaS platforms, agencies, and developers who need reliable file hosting and delivery without managing cloud infrastructure directly. It's like Google Drive reimagined for developers.

Question 14

How does billing work?

Accepted Answer

files.link uses prepaid credits. When you add a payment method, we charge $5 to start your credit balance. As you use storage, bandwidth, and API requests, credits are deducted daily. When your balance runs low, we automatically recharge it. No monthly subscriptions — just simple usage-based pricing.

Question 15

How fast is file delivery?

Accepted Answer

files.link uses a global CDN with 450+ edge locations worldwide. Files are automatically cached close to your users for lightning-fast delivery, typically under 50ms in major cities.

Question 16

Can I migrate from S3, R2, or other services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. files.link provides a REST API that makes migration straightforward. Simply upload your files via the API or dashboard, and update your application to point to the new URLs.

Question 17

What file types are supported?

Accepted Answer

All file types are supported — images, videos, documents, archives, code, databases, and more. There are no restrictions on file types or extensions.

Question 18

Is there a file size limit?

Accepted Answer

files.link supports files of any size. Whether you're storing thumbnails or multi-gigabyte videos, the platform handles it seamlessly.

Question 19

How secure is my data?

Accepted Answer

All files are encrypted at rest and in transit. You can use signed URLs for private files, control access with permissions, and rely on enterprise-grade infrastructure for data protection.

Question 20

Do you offer an API?

Accepted Answer

Yes. files.link is API-first with a simple REST API for uploading, managing, and delivering files. Perfect for integrating file storage into your applications programmatically.

Question 21

Can I use files.link for video streaming?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. files.link's CDN is optimized for video delivery, providing fast streaming with global edge caching. It's perfect for on-demand video, course content, and live stream archives.

	Vercel Blob	Uploadthing	files.link
Global CDN (450+ locations)
Works outside Vercel ecosystem
No vendor lock-in
Permanent file URLs
Private files with signed URLs
Cold storage option

Next.js Application File Storage

File Storage for Next.js Applications

Serverless file storage for Next.js with global CDN delivery. Perfect for modern web apps.

Benefits With No Complexity

99.99% uptime

<50ms global latency

~90% cache hit ratio

What You Get

Unlimited files

Unlimited storage

Public + Private storage

CDN ready links

Prepaid credits

More coming soon

How files.link Works

1. Upload

2. Copy

3. Use Anywhere

Why Developers Choose files.link

A Better Way to Store & Deliver Files

Calculate Your Needs

Storage

Egress

CDN Bandwidth

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Frequently Asked Questions

files.link use cases