Turn video files into direct URLs for API workflows
The video file is already generated or uploaded. The next API needs a fetchable URL. Use this as a direct media handoff, not a streaming or transcoding layer.
- Reviewed by
- GetFileURL technical team
- Updated
- File
- clip.mp4
- Content type
- video/mp4, video/quicktime, and other allowed video MIME types
- Not for
- a video streaming, transcoding, adaptive bitrate, or media editing platform
What this page answers
No. GetFileURL handles direct video file URL handoffs. Use a media platform when you need streaming, transcoding, thumbnails, or editing.
- Reviewed by
- GetFileURL technical team
- Last updated
Video URLs are often needed before another platform can fetch media.
Many moderation, publishing, and analysis APIs accept a URL to a video file. They need the file reachable during asynchronous processing.
Moderation and AI
Host clips long enough for video moderation, analysis, or indexing jobs.
Publishing
Provide a fetchable media URL to systems that import video asynchronously.
Workflow recordings
Pass generated recordings, screen captures, or webhook media through API steps.
Treat video as a large file handoff, not a transformation pipeline.
A direct URL can make a video reachable. It does not transcode, resize, stream adaptively, or optimize playback.
File size
Check both GetFileURL account limits and destination platform limits before uploading large videos.
Content type
Keep `video/mp4` or the correct media type visible for destination validation.
Retention
Check returned expiry against async imports and retries, then delete when the destination confirms fetch.
A playable browser link is not always enough for server-side media APIs.
The destination fetches from its own infrastructure. Validate public reachability, headers, and expiry from outside your logged-in session.
Unsupported format
Convert to the destination's accepted media format before upload when necessary.
Deleted too early
Do not delete the URL until the destination platform confirms it imported the video.
Need streaming
Use a media platform when you need transcoding, thumbnails, HLS/DASH, or player analytics.
Copy the same upload shape into code
curl -X POST https://api.getfileurl.com/v1/files \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer $GETFILEURL_KEY' \
-F 'file=@clip.mp4' \
-F 'visibility=public'Common questions
Is GetFileURL a video hosting platform?
No. GetFileURL handles direct video file URL handoffs. Use a media platform when you need streaming, transcoding, thumbnails, or editing.
Can I pass the URL to a video API?
Yes, when the destination accepts public video file URLs and the file type, size, and expiry window match its requirements.
How long should a video URL last?
Long enough for the destination to fetch and process it, including async imports and retries. Delete it after the workflow finishes.