A direct download link is a link that takes a user directly to a file or content without having to wait for the page to load. There are many reasons why you should use a direct download link rather than a regular URL, but the most important reason is that it doesn’t take as long for the page to load. If you’re dealing with large files, this can make all the difference in how quickly your content gets downloaded and consumed by your customers.
Users may now simply click the link to download the linked file through that page, rather than using another method to acquire it. Platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft Cloud are typical examples of cloud storage services that give users the ability to store files online. P2P file sharing, for example, was formerly a popular method for Internet users to exchange data and media frequently infringing on copyright law. However, many organizations have cracked down on these services, prompting many individuals to utilize a direct link instead.
A direct download link is an optimal solution for large files that are liable to take a long time to load. A regular URL would always redirect the user to the page with the content, which is also prone to loading delays.
This is because when the user enters a URL, all of the information in between, including pictures and other kinds of graphics, is loaded onto the page in addition to the content they were looking for. Instead of waiting for this information to load, a direct download link takes them right to the content they want.
A direct download link can be easily shared through other social media platforms or email. A direct download link eliminates the need to wait for all of that other superfluous information to load since it doesn’t redirect the user to the page with the content.
This results in a much quicker download time, which will make users happy and more likely to return in the future. All you have to do is right-click on the file or content you want, click “copy” or “copy link,” then paste this information where you want it—whether that’s your website, blog posts, emails, etc.