For years, you’ve been able to easily share photos and videos with friends from your iPhone or iPad. If the recipient also has an iOS, iPadOS or Mac device, the possibilities are great. You can share the photos via AirDrop or iMessage, but of course also via other means.
It is also possible to create a shared photo album or simply share the photos via WhatsApp. But it can be even easier with an iCloud link. The advantage of this is that anyone can open this link, regardless of which device. Thus, an Android user can also open and download the photo in high quality.
Share photo or video via iCloud link
Before you get started, it’s important to know that sharing a photo or video via an iCloud link is only available when you use iCloud Photos. This option makes it possible to have one library in the cloud and synchronize it with all your devices (more info).
- Open Photos on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Navigate to the photo or video you want to share
- Tap or click the share button (square with up arrow)
- Then choose the option ‘Copy iCloud link’
Please note that sharing photos and videos using an iCloud link is only possible on a Mac from macOS Sonoma.
The link will now be copied to your clipboard, you can then share it via WhatsApp, Messages, Mail, etc. by pasting the link in a new message. Open the sharing app, activate the text field and place your finger on the text field for a few moments. Let go and tap Paste in the pop-up menu.
Additional iCloud link options
Since iOS 13, you have even more options regarding photo sharing. After selecting the items and opening the share menu at the top, tap ‘options’. You can then choose to ‘Add’ to (disconnect) the location and all data from the photos and videos. You can also choose an iCloud link here, so you can immediately choose an app to share the link.
Also suitable for multiple photos and videos
In the example above we are talking about one image or video, but of course you can also share multiple items at once via the iCloud link. Open the Photos app and tap ‘Select’ at the top. Now tap all the photos and videos you want to share and then tap the share button. Now choose ‘Copy iCloud link’ and then paste it into a new message. Of course, you can also paste the link directly into Safari to open the link.
Consult iCloud links afterwards and availability
All links you have created in Photos can be found in the ‘For you’ tab, under ‘Recently shared’ or ‘iCloud links’. Tap or click the photos and then the three dots to copy the link again or stop sharing.
Good to know, the links do not remain available forever, once the iCloud link is created you can use it for 30 days, after which the link will expire. Via Photos â–¸ For you â–¸ Recently shared you can see the availability below the photos. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to use iCloud links through Photos for Mac.