For those who rely on file transfer platforms, particularly creatives, the issue of expiry dates has been a longstanding concern. If you don’t download files immediately after receiving the link or email, it’s easy to forget about them before the link expires. This can lead to a cumbersome process of requesting re-sent links, which can be frustrating for both parties involved.
A Confusing Announcement and a Partial Fix
WeTransfer has been aware of this issue and has attempted to address it by introducing a ‘Save for Now’ feature on its mobile app. This option allows receivers to modify the expiry date of files sent to them, which can be particularly useful when you don’t have time to download the files immediately but want to access them later without having to sift through your email inbox.
However, WeTransfer’s recent announcement on its X account has left users bewildered. The company claimed that users can extend the expiration date up to 30 days in its mobile app and even stated that ‘WeTransfer links will no longer expire.’ Unfortunately, this was not entirely accurate. In a subsequent clarification, it was revealed that while the expiry date can be extended using the ‘Save for Now’ feature, it’s still possible for links to expire if users don’t take action.
How the ‘Save for Now’ Feature Works
To prevent link expiration, users can save links sent to them to a separate folder on WeTransfer’s mobile app. This is achieved through the ‘Save for Now’ feature, which resembles a bookmark icon. Once you’ve saved the link, you can access it later without having to go through your email inbox.
Testing the ‘Save for Now’ Feature
In our testing, we discovered that with a free account, users can extend a link’s expiry date for up to seven days on the app. The default timeframe for extension is three days from the link creation. For paid accounts, the time limit for extension is significantly longer, reaching up to one year.
WeTransfer Under New Ownership
Last month, Italy-based Bending Spoons acquired WeTransfer, adding another notable property to its app portfolio, which also includes veteran platforms like Evernote and Meetup. At the time of the announcement, WeTransfer CEO Alexandar Vassilev highlighted the company’s impressive growth over the last decade, boasting 600,000 subscribers and 80 million monthly active users.
Implications for Users
While WeTransfer’s new ‘Save for Now’ feature is a step in the right direction, it’s essential to note that link expiration remains a possibility if users don’t take action. This can be particularly frustrating for those who rely on WeTransfer for file transfers. The company’s recent announcement has only added to the confusion, leaving many wondering about the true implications of this new feature.
What Does This Mean for Users?
As WeTransfer continues to evolve under its new ownership, it’s crucial that users understand the limitations and benefits of the ‘Save for Now’ feature. By being aware of these nuances, users can better navigate the platform and minimize the risk of link expiration. For creatives and professionals who rely on file transfer platforms, this is a welcome development, even if it doesn’t entirely eliminate the issue.
Conclusion
WeTransfer’s struggle to balance user convenience with technical limitations is not unique in the world of technology. As we continue to navigate the complex landscape of digital tools and services, it’s essential to remember that even the most well-intentioned solutions can have unintended consequences. By staying informed and adapting to these changes, users can maximize their experience on WeTransfer and other file transfer platforms.
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