Now that taking photos with a smartphone is second nature, numerous services have emerged that let you easily share your pictures. However, with so many options available, many people find themselves wondering, "Which one should I choose?"
This article explains the basic workings of photo sharing services and the key points to help you find the right one for your needs.
How Photo Sharing Services Work
Photo sharing services can be broadly categorized into three types:
- Cloud Storage Type: Services like Google Photos and iCloud that store photos in the cloud and share them via links or albums. These typically require account registration
- Social Media Type: Platforms like Instagram and LINE that share photos with followers or friends. There is a risk of photos being seen by unintended audiences
- URL Sharing Type: Services like PicTomo where only people who know the dedicated URL can access the photos. No account required, making them easy to use
4 Key Points for Choosing a Photo Sharing Service
1. Is Image Quality Preserved?
Some services significantly compress images during upload. If you want to share important photos in high quality, check the compression rate and maximum resolution.
2. Is Privacy Protected?
Important checkpoints include whether password protection and expiration dates can be set, and whether Exif data (such as location information) is automatically removed.
3. Ease of Use
Services that require app installation or account registration create a higher barrier for all participants. A service that works entirely in the browser lets anyone join immediately.
4. Cost
Check in advance whether the service is free or, if there are paid plans, what additional features they offer.
Features of PicTomo
PicTomo is a "URL sharing type" photo sharing service. No app installation or account registration is needed at all. Simply scan a QR code to upload photos from your smartphone instantly. It also supports automatic Exif data removal and password protection, ensuring privacy peace of mind.
Summary
The best photo sharing service depends on "who you're sharing with, what situation you're in, and what you prioritize." When you want to easily collect photos from many people at events or trips, consider a sharing service that doesn't require accounts.