To share a video using Google, you typically use Google Drive, which allows you to share videos privately or publicly. The process involves uploading the video to your Google Drive and then configuring the sharing settings for the file.
Sharing a Video Using Google Drive
Based on the reference, sharing videos through Google Drive is a straightforward method. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
1. Upload Your Video to Google Drive
First, you need to get your video into your Google Drive storage.
- Go to Google Drive: Open your web browser and navigate to drive.google.com.
- Select 'New': As mentioned in the reference video thumbnail text ("I'll select new"), click on the "+ New" button, usually located in the top left corner.
- Choose 'File upload' or 'Folder upload':
- If your video is a single file, select "File upload".
- If you have multiple video files or a folder containing videos, you can select "Folder upload".
- Select your video file(s): Browse your computer to find the video file(s) you want to upload and select them.
- Wait for the upload: Google Drive will begin uploading your video. The time this takes depends on the file size and your internet connection speed.
2. Share Your Video from Google Drive
Once your video is uploaded to Google Drive, you can share it. The reference highlights the ability to share videos "privately or publicly". You control who can view your video by adjusting the sharing permissions.
- Locate the video: Find the video file you just uploaded in your Google Drive. You can search for it by name if needed.
- Right-click on the file: Right-click on the video file.
- Select 'Share': From the context menu, select the "Share" option. A sharing dialog box will appear.
3. Configure Sharing Options
The sharing dialog box allows you to choose between different levels of access, enabling you to share the video privately with specific individuals or make it publicly accessible.
Here are the primary sharing options:
| Sharing Option | Description | How it Works | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share with people or groups | Share privately with specific email addresses. | Enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with. You can set them as Viewer, Commenter, or Editor. | Sharing a video with colleagues, friends, or family members. |
| Get link | Control access for anyone with the link. This is where you choose between restricted and public access. | Click "Change to anyone with the link" or select a restriction level. | Sharing a video more broadly without listing every email. |
To share privately, you would typically use the "Share with people or groups" option, entering specific email addresses. Only those invited can access the video.
To share publicly (or more broadly), you would use the "Get link" option and change the audience from "Restricted" to "Anyone with the link". Once set to "Anyone with the link", you can choose the access level (Viewer, Commenter, or Editor, though Viewer is most common for videos). Anyone who has the link will be able to view the video.
Steps to get a shareable link:
- In the sharing dialog, look for the "Get link" section.
- Click on "Change" or the current setting (e.g., "Restricted").
- Select "Anyone with the link".
- Choose the access level (e.g., "Viewer").
- Click "Copy link".
- Click "Done".
You can now paste this copied link to share the video via email, social media, messaging apps, or embed it on a website, depending on the chosen access level and platform capabilities.
By following these steps, you can effectively share your videos through Google Drive, controlling the audience based on your needs, whether for private viewing or wider public distribution.
