Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. The site operator may earn a commission if you purchase a paid plan through these links. Details reflect the official help pages as of October 18, 2026.
You sent a client a pCloud link to collect footage, but they cannot upload without signing in. For a freelance video editor collecting client assets, the fix may be the type of link you sent: use a File Request when the client should not need a pCloud account.
Shared link vs. File Request
A pCloud shared link is meant for distributing files. Even when a shared link allows uploads, the uploader still needs a pCloud account. That defeats the purpose.
A File Request works differently:
- The sender does not need a pCloud account
- Anyone with the link can upload
- The sender cannot see files already in your folder
- Uploads land in the folder you chose
Folder invitations are for ongoing collaboration with other pCloud users. They can allow uploads, but they do not meet the requirement here: receiving client files without asking the sender to create a pCloud account.
Set it up
- In my.pCloud, open the three-dot menu on the destination folder
- Choose Request files
- Copy the link, test it with a small file, then send it to your client
Use one folder per project to keep client material separate.
You can include a short instruction: “Upload this project’s footage using this link. No pCloud account is needed. Please let me know which files you sent.” Confirm receipt in your folder before telling the client you have everything.
Set limits, then close it
In the File Requests list, choose the request and open Settings to set an upload limit and expiry date. When collection is complete, use Settings → Delete on that request to stop further uploads. Be sure you are managing the request, rather than deleting its destination folder.
Watch your storage
Received files count against your storage. The Free plan starts at 2GB (up to 10GB by following the listed steps), so a few camera files can fill it. Paid plans list 500GB (Premium) and 2TB (Premium Plus) of storage; storage, 30-day upload volume, and shared-link traffic are three separate numbers, so read the plan details before choosing.
Note that pCloud Transfer is a different tool: it lets someone send up to 5GB for free without signing up, but it is for sending, not a drop box you issue.
Already on Dropbox?
Dropbox file requests also work with no sender sign-up, including on free Basic accounts. If each file is within your plan’s limit and you have enough space, you may already have what you need. The single-file limit is 2GB on Basic, Plus and Family, and 250GB on Professional, Essentials, Business, Business Plus, Standard, Advanced and Enterprise. That is per file, separate from your total storage.
Try it free first
Start with a free account and test the flow yourself: send a file from a logged-out browser and confirm it arrives in the folder before you send the link to a client.
Don’t upgrade until you have estimated how much footage you actually hold at once.
These instructions follow the official help pages; this guide does not report a completed upload test or measured transfer speeds. Test with the equipment and connection you will use before relying on it for a deadline.
Sources
- pCloud Help: File Requests
- pCloud Transfer
- pCloud Help: Plan details
- Dropbox Help: Create a file request
Pricing and terms can change. Check the current details at the linked sources before signing up.