Turn video files into direct URLs for API workflows
Use GetFileURL when a generated clip, recording, upload, or workflow video file needs a fetchable URL for another API. It is a direct file handoff, not video transcoding or streaming.
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
Set expiry long enough for 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 or workflow steps
Use the same endpoint from a shell, backend route, worker, or automation code step. Upload the file, set expiry, then map the returned URL.
cURL
upload examplecurl -X POST https://api.getfileurl.com/v1/files \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer $GETFILEURL_KEY' \
-F 'file=@clip.mp4' \
-F 'expires_in=24h'JavaScript
upload exampleconst form = new FormData();
form.append("file", file);
form.append("expires_in", "24h");
const res = await fetch("https://api.getfileurl.com/v1/files", {
method: "POST",
headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${process.env.GETFILEURL_KEY}` },
body: form,
});
const { url, file_id } = await res.json();
return { url, file_id };Answers before the workflow breaks
Is GetFileURL a video hosting platform?
No. This page is for 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.