When you upload images or videos to Discord, a URL using Discord's CDN is generated. This allows users to display images on external sites or share URLs on social media and chat, making Discord a handy file storage service for some.
However, the attachments in Discord are primarily meant to be "attached to messages on Discord." Using it as an external image storage or file sharing service can lead to inconvenience regarding URL handling or file management.
This is where a file uploader that can be used instead of Discord CDN becomes useful.
Especially if you "don't want to use a Discord account", "want to temporarily make an image public", or "want to directly obtain a URL unrelated to Discord", using a dedicated uploader is simpler.
If you're looking for a service that doesn't require registration and is free to use, UploadF is also an option.
Discord CDN is the mechanism used to deliver attachments such as images and videos posted on Discord.
When an image is posted on Discord, not only is it displayed in the message, but a URL for accessing the attachment is also generated. This URL can be used to display images or files from outside Discord.
This mechanism is very convenient, but the original purpose of Discord is as a communication service. Therefore, its use differs from dedicated services that are meant for long-term file storage and management.
Additionally, when a link is pasted into a message on Discord, a Discord bot can fetch the destination of the link and generate a preview. For images and videos, copies may be stored temporarily to speed up display.
If you are using Discord CDN as a substitute for image hosting or file sharing, you might encounter the following issues:
Particularly important to note is the case of saving Discord CDN URLs in your database and using them as long-term file storage.
As per the current specifications, signed URLs are being used for Discord's attachment files, hence caution is needed when treating Discord attachment URLs as permanent file URLs. Some external services note that if they save Discord CDN URLs, access may be denied over time.
Therefore, it is advisable to separate the purposes of temporarily sharing files on Discord from managing file URLs that are to be used long-term.
When selecting alternatives to Discord CDN, it's essential to think about how you want to use them, not just whether they can "upload files."
If you only want to share an image once, registering an account can be somewhat cumbersome.
An uploader that doesn't require registration allows you to simply open the site and select a file, which might be more straightforward than posting an image to Discord.
If you want to handle not only images but also videos, ZIPs, PDFs, and text files, a service that supports a wide range of extensions is useful.
Especially when used as a Discord CDN alternative, it's preferable to choose a general-purpose file uploader, rather than a service exclusively for images.
After the URL has been made public, there may be instances when you think, "I want to delete it after all."
Thus, selecting a service that allows individual file deletion provides peace of mind. Look for management features after uploading, not just the ability to upload files.
If you're sharing temporarily, a short storage duration is sufficient, but a service that allows for long-term storage is preferable if you intend to use the URL multiple times later.
Depending on whether you want to "make it public for a few days" or "keep it for as long as possible," the suitable service may vary.
There are several methods that can be considered as alternatives to Discord CDN.
Among these, if you simply want to "upload images or files and obtain a URL," using a file uploader is the easiest option.
On the other hand, if you want to store a large number of files long-term, or automatically upload from an API, cloud or object storage might be more appropriate.
If your goal is to "upload files and obtain URLs as an alternative to Discord CDN," UploadF is also available.
UploadF is a free file uploader that can be used without account registration.
It's compatible with both PCs and smartphones, allowing you to select files not only from the browser but also by drag-and-drop.
You can upload a maximum of 100 files at once, making it handy for sharing numerous files at once compared to posting images to Discord one by one.
Each uploaded file is assigned a unique URL, and you can set passwords for them as needed or delete files individually.
The storage period can also be set from one day, with options for extension as needed.
This provides an easy way to complete the process of "posting a file to Discord and obtaining the URL" solely on a dedicated file upload site.
| Item | Discord CDN | UploadF |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Distribution of Discord attachments | File uploading and sharing |
| Discord account | Generally uses Discord | Not required |
| PC use | Possible | Possible |
| Smartphone | Possible | Possible |
| Multiple files | Used as Discord posts | Upload a maximum of 100 files simultaneously |
| Password | Different system from Discord permissions | Can be set for individual files |
| Individual deletion | Dependent on messages in Discord | Can delete individual files |
| Storage period | Depends on Discord specifications | 1 day to unlimited |
Of course, since Discord itself is a chat service, it's most convenient to use Discord directly to share files with friends or communities on Discord.
However, if you want to create file URLs unrelated to Discord, a file uploader like UploadF aligns better with that purpose.
Among those looking for alternatives to Discord CDN, some may actually want to "create image URLs without using Discord."
With UploadF, after uploading an image, you can obtain a URL and share that URL by pasting it into Discord, social media, emails, blogs, etc.
There is no need to leave files on Discord, which eliminates the hassle of "posting to Discord simply to share images."
Moreover, it supports handling multiple images together. Features to list multiple files or summarize them as ZIP files are also available.
UploadF offers not only simple file uploads but also convenient tools for when you upload images.
For example, you can use it to add a mosaic to an image or change its size before sharing on Discord, or read text within an image using OCR.
Therefore, it is useful not just as a "Discord CDN Alternative" but also when you want to upload an image and perform necessary processing right away.
When using a file uploader, be cautious about the content of the files you are uploading.
In file sharing where people can access URLs if they know them, the URL itself becomes a means of access. If uploading files containing personal information, passwords, or confidential information, check for features that allow password protection.
Additionally, relying solely on free uploaders for the long-term storage of important data is not advisable.
For temporary sharing, use file uploaders; for storing important data, consider backups or cloud storage, and divide services according to their intended usage.
If you're unsure about which service to use, check the following items.
If several items apply, it might be more convenient to use a dedicated file uploader rather than Discord CDN.
Discord CDN is incredibly convenient for sharing images and files on Discord. However, if you want to save and share files independently of Discord, there are dedicated file uploaders available.
Especially if you are looking for options that are registration-free, free of charge, and smartphone compatible, UploadF is a handy choice.
It supports not just images but also videos and ZIPs, along with features like direct uploading of multiple files, password settings, individual deletions, and adjustable storage periods.
If you want to shift from the method of "posting images to Discord to use their URL" to "placing files directly in an uploader to obtain URLs," give UploadF a try.