WeTransfer has been facing criticism from users, especially creatives, regarding the expiry dates of their file transfer links. The biggest issue is that if users do not immediately download the files upon receiving the link or email, they risk forgetting to do so before the link expires. This can lead to the inconvenience of having to request the files to be resent, causing frustration for both parties involved.
Recognizing the frustration caused by expiring links, WeTransfer has introduced a new feature on their mobile app called “Save for Now.” This feature allows recipients to modify the expiry date of files, providing users with more control over the longevity of their links. However, it is important to note that this solution is not a complete fix to the problem.
Confusion Surrounding Expiry Dates
A recent announcement by WeTransfer regarding their X account raised confusion among users. The company claimed that users could extend the expiration date of links up to 30 days on their mobile app, stating that “WeTransfer links will no longer expire.” However, WeTransfer later clarified that the extension of expiry dates would depend on the user’s plan, and links could still expire if not saved using the “Save for Now” option.
Many users were disappointed with WeTransfer’s messaging, as it gave the impression that the company was eliminating link expiry altogether, which was not the case. Users still need to take action to prevent their links from expiring. To address this issue, users now have the option to save links to a designated folder on the WeTransfer mobile app using the “Save for Now” feature, resembling a bookmark icon. This feature is particularly useful for users who may not have the time to download files immediately but want to access them at a later time without searching through their email inbox.
Through testing, it was discovered that with a free account, users can extend a link’s expiry date for up to seven days using the app, compared to the default three-day expiry date. Additionally, following the acquisition of WeTransfer by Italy-based Bending Spoons, the company aims to enhance its platform further. WeTransfer CEO Alexandar Vassilev revealed that the file transfer platform has acquired 600,000 subscribers and 80 million monthly active users over the last decade, indicating significant growth and potential for improvement in the future.