Hubbry Logo
Amazon DriveAmazon DriveMain
Open search
Amazon Drive
Community hub
Amazon Drive
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Amazon Drive
Amazon Drive
Amazon Drive
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Amazon Drive, formerly known as Amazon Cloud Drive, was a cloud storage application managed by Amazon.[1] The service offered secure cloud storage, file backup, file sharing, and Photo printing. Using an Amazon account, the files and folders could be transferred and managed from multiple devices, including web browsers, desktop applications, mobiles, and tablets. Amazon Drive also let their U.S. users order photo prints and photo books using the Amazon Prints service.[2]

Key Information

Amazon Drive offered free unlimited photo storage with an Amazon Prime subscription or a Fire Tablet device, and a paid limited storage service.[3][4] Launched in major countries including the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Japan, and Australia,[5] it also functioned in Brazil and China as a free limited 5GB storage service.

On July 29, 2022, Amazon announced that the service would be discontinued on December 31, 2023, whereas Amazon Photos is continued.

History

[edit]

Amazon first announced the storage service on March 29, 2011, initially offering pay-as-you-need tiered storage plans for the users. Users paid only for the storage tier they utilized expandable up to a maximum of 1 terabyte plan.[6]

In March 2015, Unlimited Storage plans intended for non-business customer sections were introduced.[7] The plan offered a free 3-month free trial for the customers who wish to try the service before entering an annual subscription. During 2015 Black Friday, the plan became popular when Amazon offered 92% discounted Unlimited Storage plan for $5, down from $60, for a year from purchase.[8] The fine print stated that Unlimited Storage was "only for private use", was restricted by file type, and must not "substantially exceed or differ from normal use by other users". Amazon anytime "may impose other restrictions on use of the Service".[9]

In June 2017, Amazon reverted the unlimited storage plans in the US.[10]

On 15 November 2017, Amazon removed the unlimited storage plans for customers in Canada as well.

Storage Plans

[edit]

As of July 2019, Amazon offers two plans in their marketplaces: Prime Photos (since November 2014)[11] and free limited file storage in Brazil and China only.

Prime Photos

[edit]

The Prime Photos plan offers unlimited storage for photos and RAW files, and a 5 gigabytes of storage for videos and other files.[12] Photos can be uploaded to Amazon Drive with iOS or Android apps, Kindle device, or the Cloud Drive website. Additionally, users of Kindle Fire tablets also get the plan's benefits along with the purchase of device. Their photos and videos will automatically backup from device to the Amazon Drive's cloud storage.[13] According to Amazon, Prime Photos is only available for personal, non-commercial use and can't be used in conjunction with a photography business. Full resolution photo formats and RAW files can be uploaded, but most Raw formats won't be viewable within the service's web interface or apps.[11][14]

Free 5GB

[edit]

Brazil and China have Amazon Drive service but is limited to 5GB storage only.[15][16][17] This storage counts the space taken by photos, videos, and files of other types. For customers in these countries, Amazon Drive doesn't offer an expansion plan, neither tier-based nor unlimited, to store media files exceeding the limited 5GB.

Country support

[edit]
Country Prime Photos Unlimited Storage Free 5GB Amazon Prints
U.S.[18] Yes Until June 2017 Since June 2017 Yes
Canada[19] Yes Until November 15, 2017 Since November 15, 2017 Yes
U.K.,[20] Germany,[21] France,[22] Italy,[23] Spain[24] Yes Yes No No
Japan[25] Yes Yes No No
Australia[26] No Yes No No
Brazil[17] No No Yes No
China[16] No No Yes No
India Yes No Yes No

Supported devices

[edit]

Web

[edit]

The service is supported on almost all types of devices ranging from PCs to mobiles. The web application is supported in common web browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome. One can create folders to organize files, rename files, move them around, and so forth. The application handle photos better than files. From the Web app, photos and videos can be viewed and played, whereas files are not viewable. By default, the images are sorted by the date they were taken. The photos include basic metadata such as filename, capture date, added date, filesize, and pixel dimension.

Desktop

[edit]

Amazon Drive has released a desktop application supported for both Mac and Windows designed as a drop panel allowing users to drag and drop their files to initiate uploading. Users will have to install the application on their PC or Mac to use the application. It supports a one-touch button for downloading all the files from cloud should they be restored. Notably, files above 2GB can only be uploaded to Amazon Drive by the desktop clients. During bulk upload, files and folders can be paused or cancelled while in progress.

Mobile

[edit]

Amazon Drive offers free smartphone application for iOS and Android mobile devices. The mobile application does everything on the Web and in addition automatically backs up and upload all the media files in the mobile device to the cloud. Amazon's proprietary devices, Kindle Fire and Fire Phone, ship with free unlimited photo storage which similarly backs up the photos files in the tablet to Amazon Drive.[27]

Features

[edit]

File sharing

[edit]

Amazon Prints

[edit]

In September 2016, Amazon Drive has launched Amazon Prints in U.S. through which users can edit their photos to order prints and photo books from the application. Once ordered, Amazon will ship the print orders to the customer's address similar to other retail orders.[2]

Multilingual support

[edit]

As the service is available in major Amazon Marketplaces, the applications are supported in multiple languages for usage in different countries. Popular languages that are supported are regional variations of English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.

Digital media players

[edit]

Amazon Drive is also built into Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Video application in other media players and Smart TVs. Having these devices, users can browse their personal photos and videos on large TV screens or view them as a slideshow.[28]

Limitations

[edit]

Prime Photo users can upload an unlimited number of picture file formats only, and rest of the formats including video formats will be counted in the additional 5GB storage in the plan. If additional files exceeding 5GB need to be stored, one can opt for one of the paid plans depending on the country. In the unlimited plans, files above 2GB are restricted from uploading to the application. The desktop application however, is exempted from uploading files greater than 2GB in size.[29] Amazon Drive streaming is not available for videos longer than 20 minutes or larger than 2 GB, but these can be stored in Amazon Drive to download and watch offline.[14] Unlike other popular file hosting services, Amazon Drive does not offer file-syncing or automatic backup in Web, so users cannot have the latest desktop version of all their documents and images. Also, shared documents cannot be collaborated with others, but can only be downloaded for editing. However, mobile applications support automatic backup capabilities.[28]

The service limits the usage for personal and non-commercial use. One may not use it to store, transfer or distribute the content of or on behalf of third parties, to operate own file storage application or service, to operate a photography business or other commercial service.[30]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Amazon Drive

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Amazon Drive was a service launched by Amazon in March 2011 as Amazon Cloud Drive, enabling users to securely store, back up, and share files such as documents, photos, videos, and music across devices via web browsers, mobile apps, and desktop software. It offered 5 GB of free storage space to all account holders, with additional paid plans available for expanded capacity, and provided unlimited full-resolution photo storage and 5 GB of video storage (shared with other files) as a benefit for members. The service emphasized ease of integration with other Amazon products, including automatic backups from mobile devices and sharing options through unique links. Over its lifespan, Amazon Drive competed with services like and by focusing on seamless access for Amazon ecosystem users, though it lacked advanced features found in some rivals. In July 2022, Amazon announced the deprecation of the service to prioritize Amazon , with uploads ceasing after January 31, 2023, and full access ending via apps on December 31, 2023. Post-deprecation, stored files remain accessible and downloadable through the Amazon website or desktop app, but the standalone Amazon Drive platform is no longer supported or updated. This shift integrated non-media files into Amazon for viewing, while encouraging users to migrate data to alternative storage solutions if needed.

Overview

Service Description

Amazon Drive was a secure cloud storage service provided by Amazon, enabling users to back up, store, and access files, photos, videos, and documents across devices. Launched in March 2011 under the initial name Amazon Cloud Drive, it served as a personal digital locker with an early emphasis on media storage and playback. The core purpose of Amazon Drive was to offer reliable personal , allowing users to organize content into folders and access it seamlessly from various platforms. It integrated closely with Amazon Photos, providing Prime members with unlimited full-resolution photo storage alongside 5 GB of video storage as a standard benefit. This integration facilitated automatic backups and easy sharing within the Amazon ecosystem, enhancing user convenience for managing digital assets. In , Amazon rebranded the service from Amazon Cloud Drive to Amazon Drive to highlight its expanded capabilities for general file storage beyond its original music-focused origins. Key differentiators included the unlimited photo storage perk for subscribers, which set it apart from competitors charging for similar features, as well as direct connections to Amazon's e-commerce services like photo printing through Amazon Prints and media streaming options.

Current Status

Amazon announced the discontinuation of Amazon Drive on July 29, 2022. The deprecation proceeded in phases: Amazon Drive apps were removed from app stores on October 31, 2022; new file uploads ceased on January 31, 2023; and the service fully shut down on December 31, 2023, after which access via the apps ended. Following the shutdown, users' files became accessible through Amazon Photos, with original folder structures retained. Access to these files remains available through the Amazon Photos website at photos.amazon.com using the user's Amazon account, and the Amazon Photos desktop uploader app is recommended for downloading large collections exceeding 5 GB. However, no new uploads are permitted, and Drive-specific features such as general and organization tools are no longer supported. The discontinuation has significantly impacted users, particularly those relying on Amazon Drive for non-photo file storage, as Prime members now face a strict 5 GB limit for videos, documents, and other non-photo content in Amazon Photos, beyond which additional paid storage plans are required. Amazon recommends migrating non-photo files to alternative cloud services like or to avoid storage constraints and maintain functionality. As of 2025, Amazon Drive is fully deprecated, with Amazon directing all personal storage needs to Amazon Photos for photos and videos or to enterprise solutions like Amazon WorkDocs via AWS for broader file management requirements.

History

Launch and Early Development

Amazon Cloud Drive was launched on , 2011, as a service primarily focused on files, allowing users to and store their digital collections securely on Amazon's servers. The service offered 5 GB of free storage to all Amazon account holders, sufficient for approximately 1,000 songs, with paid tiers providing additional capacity starting at 20 GB for $20 per year and scaling up to 1 TB for $1,000 per year at a rate of $1 per GB annually. This pricing structure emphasized affordability for personal use, positioning the service as an accessible option for backing up libraries without the need for physical storage devices. Early features centered on seamless integration with Amazon's ecosystem, including web-based access through any browser for uploading and managing files, as well as automatic syncing of music purchased from the Amazon MP3 store directly to the cloud. Users could upload existing MP3 or AAC music files via a simple web interface, with the accompanying Amazon Cloud Player enabling streaming of stored music on computers or Android devices without downloading. The initial target audience comprised individual consumers looking for straightforward, cost-effective cloud backup solutions tied to their Amazon purchases, particularly music enthusiasts seeking to access collections across devices. In 2016, the service was rebranded as Amazon Drive to expand its scope beyond music-centric storage, incorporating general file types such as and documents to appeal to a broader range of personal needs. This shift marked a foundational evolution, building on the original music-focused infrastructure while maintaining the emphasis on simple, ecosystem-integrated backup for everyday users.

Storage Plan Changes

In March 2015, Amazon introduced the Unlimited Everything storage plan for Amazon Drive, priced at $59.99 per year, which allowed users to store an unlimited amount of , videos, files, documents, and in the . This plan was positioned as a competitive offering against services like and , with an accompanying Unlimited plan at $11.99 per year focused solely on storage. By October 2016, Amazon integrated unlimited photo storage as a core benefit for Prime members through the newly launched Prime Photos service, while capping video and file storage at 5 GB for non-subscribers; this shift effectively tied broader storage perks to the Prime membership without altering the standalone unlimited plans immediately. In June 2017, Amazon discontinued the Unlimited Everything plan in the United States, citing abuse by a small number of high-volume users who were storing extraordinary amounts of data, such as terabytes of backups or media libraries. The service transitioned to tiered paid plans, including 100 GB for $11.99 per year and 1 TB for $59.99 per year, with options to expand up to 30 TB at an additional $59.99 per terabyte; existing unlimited subscribers retained access until their current term expired. This change rolled out to in November 2017, aligning the region's offerings with the U.S. model. Over time, the free storage tier stabilized at 5 GB for all users globally.

Discontinuation and Migration

On July 29, 2022, Amazon announced the discontinuation of Amazon Drive after more than a decade of operation, citing the need to concentrate resources on Amazon Photos as a dedicated service for consumer photo and video storage, while directing enterprise customers to AWS offerings like Amazon S3. The phased shutdown began with the removal of the Amazon Drive mobile apps from the Apple App Store and Store on October 31, 2022, after which no further updates or support were provided for those applications. File uploads to the service were disabled starting January 31, 2023, preventing any new content from being added. Access to existing files was fully terminated on December 31, 2023, marking the end of the service. For migration, Amazon automatically transferred photos and videos stored in Amazon Drive to Amazon Photos, where they remained accessible under the user's existing storage limits without additional action required for those media files. In contrast, documents, backups, and other non-media files were not automatically migrated and required users to manually download them before the cutoff date to avoid permanent loss. Amazon offered guidance through its web dashboard at amazon.com/clouddrive and the Amazon Photos desktop app for Windows and macOS, which facilitated bulk downloads of files and folders. Users were cautioned that downloading files would preserve their original folder structure locally, but migrating photos and videos to Amazon Photos would flatten the organization into a date-based or album view without retaining Drive's custom folders; additionally, all sharing links generated via would expire upon shutdown. The announcement elicited backlash from power users who depended on Amazon Drive for general file storage and organization beyond media, leading to recommendations for transferring data to alternative cloud services such as , , or Backblaze.

Storage and Pricing

Prime Photos Integration

Amazon Drive's integration with provided significant benefits for photo storage, particularly through the Prime Photos feature, which offered unlimited full-resolution photo and RAW file storage to Prime members starting in November 2014. This perk allowed users to securely back up their digital libraries without storage limits for images, encompassing common formats such as , TIFF, and various RAW files from major camera manufacturers. The service emphasized ease of use by enabling automatic backups from mobile devices via the Amazon Photos app, where users could toggle Auto-Save to upload photos and videos in the background whenever connected to Wi-Fi. In addition to unlimited photo storage, Prime members received 5 GB of extra space specifically for videos, documents, and other non-photo files, enhancing the utility of Amazon Drive as a comprehensive solution. This allocation supported basic media and file backups while encouraging upgrades for heavier users, though the photo unlimited tier remained a core Prime incentive. The integration streamlined workflows by allowing seamless access across devices, including automatic uploads from tablets, where enabling Auto-Save in the device's settings would transfer photos directly to the without manual intervention. A key aspect of this integration was the Family Vault feature, introduced in October 2016, which enabled Prime members to share their unlimited photo storage with up to five family members or friends through Amazon Household. The vault functioned as a shared digital archive, allowing contributors to upload and view photos collectively while maintaining individual privacy controls, such as the ability to create personal albums within the shared space. This fostered family-oriented photo management, tying into the broader Amazon ecosystem by facilitating uploads from devices and enabling media access on platforms like TV for viewing stored videos within the 5 GB limit. Following the discontinuation of unlimited storage options in 2017, Amazon Drive introduced tiered paid plans for additional capacity beyond the free 5 GB allotment. These plans were available to both personal and non-Prime users, allowing storage of any file type including documents, videos, and music. The initial structure offered 100 GB for $11.99 annually or 1 TB for $59.99 annually, with scalability up to 30 TB by adding $59.99 per additional terabyte. In November 2019, Amazon adjusted pricing for the entry-level tier, increasing the 100 GB plan to $19.99 per year while maintaining the 1 TB option at $59.99 annually; higher capacities followed the same per-terabyte rate, resulting in approximately $1,800 for a full 30 TB allocation. These tiers applied uniformly to personal and users, though businesses could provision multiple accounts for larger-scale needs without distinct enterprise pricing. Prior to these caps, unlimited storage had been briefly available to non-Prime users at $59.99 per year, but this was phased out to address unsustainable usage patterns. Subscriptions operated on an annual basis with automatic renewal through the user's Amazon account, billed directly to the associated payment method. Users could or downgrade plans at any time, with prorated refunds available for unused portions upon cancellation or reduction before the renewal date. One-time purchases were not offered; all expansions required ongoing subscriptions to retain access. Starting July 20, 2020, Amazon also introduced monthly billing equivalents, such as $1.99 for 100 GB or $6.99 for 1 TB, providing flexibility for shorter-term needs. These paid storage plans were available until the of Amazon Drive on December 31, 2023; afterward, additional storage is managed through Amazon Photos.

Free Storage Options

Amazon Drive provided a standard free storage tier of 5 GB to all users upon creating an Amazon account, enabling basic storage and trials for photos, videos, and other files. This allocation was automatically activated during account signup, with in-app and email prompts encouraging upgrades to paid plans for additional capacity once the limit was approached. The free tier supported general file management but imposed restrictions, such as excluding streaming for videos longer than 20 minutes or larger than 2 GB, though such files could still be stored for download and offline viewing. Upload limits also applied, with web-based uploads capped at 2 GB per file, while desktop applications allowed up to 5 GB. In its early years, Amazon Drive offered unlimited photo storage as a free benefit for Prime members starting in November , expanding access to full-resolution image backups without additional cost beyond the Prime subscription. This perk was later adjusted; by 2017, Amazon discontinued non-Prime unlimited storage options, limiting non-Prime users worldwide to the 5 GB free tier for all file types, while Prime members retained unlimited photo storage and 5 GB for other files. Regionally, free storage varied: in , launched in , the service was restricted to 5 GB free with no paid upgrade options available. Similarly, in , Amazon Drive operated solely as a 5 GB free tier without expanded plans, reflecting localized service constraints by 2020. The 5 GB free tier remained available in the and EU until the service's deprecation on December 31, 2023, after which access shifted to Amazon .

Platform Support

Web Interface

The Amazon Drive web interface provided users with browser-based access to their cloud storage during the service's operation from 2011 to 2023. It was designed for seamless file management without requiring software installations, supporting major web browsers including , Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and . The interface required and capabilities to enable features like uploads and previews, ensuring compatibility across desktop operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and . Key functions included drag-and-drop uploading for individual files or batches, with support for files up to 2 GB in size across all formats. Users could create, view, and organize folders through a straightforward navigation system, starting with default categories like Documents, Pictures, and Videos that could be customized. File previews were available directly in the browser for supported types such as images and PDFs, allowing quick inspection without downloading. These capabilities facilitated efficient from any compatible device. The user interface featured a central displaying storage usage metrics, such as total capacity and consumed space, to help users monitor their allocation. A search bar enabled querying by file name or type, streamlining retrieval in larger libraries. Access was integrated with the user's existing Amazon account , providing a unified entry point while extending briefly to synchronization with desktop and mobile apps for broader ecosystem use. Security measures encompassed encryption for all data transfers between the browser and Amazon's servers, protecting against interception during uploads and downloads. Additionally, two-factor authentication was supported through the Amazon account system, requiring a second verification step like a code from an authenticator app or for login. These protocols aligned with Amazon's overall account security standards, though the service did not implement client-side .

Desktop Applications

Amazon Drive offered dedicated desktop applications for Windows and macOS, allowing users to back up, sync, and manage files directly from their computers until the service's discontinuation. These apps were downloadable from the official Amazon website up to 2023, providing a more robust alternative to the web interface for computer-based file handling. The applications were compatible with and later versions, as well as macOS 10.10 and newer systems. Installation required downloading the installer from Amazon's site, executing the setup file, signing in with an Amazon account credentials, and selecting specific folders or directories for automatic and . Core features of the desktop apps included support for uploading files exceeding 2 GB in size—overcoming the web browser's restriction—background syncing that automatically updated files during internet connectivity, and offline access to recently used or synced files via local caching on the device. These capabilities enabled seamless file management without constant browser reliance, particularly advantageous for large media or document transfers. Development of the desktop applications concluded with the last major version released in 2022; following the service deprecation announcement, no further updates were issued, and access through the apps ended on December 31, 2023.

Mobile Applications

Amazon Drive provided dedicated mobile applications for and Android devices, enabling users to access, upload, and manage their content on the go. These apps emphasized portability, with features tailored for quick interactions during mobile use, such as automatic backups to ensure files were safeguarded without manual intervention each time. The iOS app was compatible with devices running 8.0 or later, while the Android version supported devices with Android 4.1 or higher. Both applications were removed from the Apple and Store on October 31, 2022, as part of the service's , though existing installations remained functional for viewing and downloading until December 31, 2023, with uploads ceasing on February 1, 2023. Core capabilities included automatic backup of photos and videos from the device's camera roll, allowing seamless integration with mobile photography workflows. Users could enable selective folder syncing to back up specific directories rather than the entire device storage, providing control over what content was uploaded. Additionally, the apps delivered push notifications for shared files, alerting users to new shares or collaboration updates in real time. The user interface was touch-optimized, featuring a gallery view for browsing and videos with intuitive navigation. Previews supported pinch-to-zoom gestures for detailed examination of media files directly within the app. Sharing options included generating that could be distributed via QR codes for easy access by recipients. To facilitate these functions, the apps requested permissions for accessing device storage to scan and files, the camera for immediate capture and , and notifications to provide timely alerts on uploads, shares, and storage status. This setup contrasted with desktop applications by prioritizing mobile-specific conveniences like on-the-fly uploads over bulk handling.

Core Features

File Management and Sharing

Amazon Drive provided users with basic tools for organizing files through folder hierarchies, allowing the creation of nested folders to structure documents, photos, and other content across devices. Users could rename files and folders directly via the web interface, desktop application, or mobile apps, facilitating straightforward organization without advanced preview options in the desktop version. Deletion was supported with a 30-day recovery period, enabling users to restore accidentally removed items from a "trash" section in the web interface. Uploading files to Amazon Drive supported multi-file selection through drag-and-drop functionality on the web and desktop clients, with manual selection required on mobile devices. Progress tracking was available during transfers, displaying upload status for individual or batch operations. For interrupted uploads, the desktop application included a resume option, allowing users to continue transfers without restarting from the beginning, which was particularly useful for large files or unstable connections. Web uploads were limited to 2 GB per file, while the desktop app supported larger files. Sharing capabilities in Amazon Drive centered on generating public for individual files or folders via the web, desktop, or mobile interfaces, enabling recipients to view, , and comment on content. were public by default with no options for expiration dates, , or in websites, limiting advanced . was restricted to view-only access through these , as there were no provisions for real-time editing, multi-user folders, or granular permissions; recipients could further the but lacked editing rights. Photo-specific sharing, such as , was available but handled separately from general file operations.

Photo Services and Printing

Amazon Drive provided automatic photo backup functionality for Amazon Prime members, offering unlimited full-resolution storage while preserving key metadata such as data and original capture dates. This feature ensured that users could securely store their photo libraries across devices without concerns over space limitations for images, though video storage remained capped at 5 GB for Prime users. In September 2016, Amazon introduced Amazon Prints as an integrated service exclusively for U.S. customers, enabling direct ordering of physical prints, canvases, and custom gifts from photos stored in Amazon Drive. The platform facilitated these orders through partnerships with specialized printers, allowing seamless transition from digital storage to tangible products without requiring external downloads. Basic editing tools were available within the Amazon Drive interface and associated apps, supporting tasks like cropping images, applying filters, and creating collages to prepare photos for or . These capabilities focused on simple enhancements rather than advanced manipulation, emphasizing ease of use for everyday photo management. Print orders through Amazon Prints were fulfilled with delivery typically occurring within 3-5 business days after processing, with costs starting at $0.09 per 4x6-inch photo. Shipping options included standard and expedited methods, though availability and times varied based on location and order volume.

Media Playback Integration

Amazon Drive offered seamless integration with devices, enabling users to stream videos directly from their cloud library to the television via the pre-installed Amazon Photos app, which handled personal media playback including slideshows for photos and full video reproduction. This feature supported popular video formats such as MP4, , QuickTime, MTS, MPG, ASF, WMV, and OGG, with streaming limited to videos no longer than 20 minutes and no larger than 2 GB; longer or larger files required downloading for viewing. Web uploads were also limited to 2 GB per file, though the desktop app allowed larger uploads. The service did not support 4K video playback, focusing on standard definition and HD compatibility with consumer devices. The service also extended compatibility to the Amazon Photos , allowing users to cast photos and short videos to devices or tablets for on-device slideshows and playback, provided the content met streaming criteria and devices were on the same network. For broader home network access, Amazon Drive content could be viewed on DLNA/UPnP-compatible digital media players through third-party applications that bridged to local protocols, facilitating playback over without direct built-in server functionality from Drive itself. Following the discontinuation of Amazon Drive in 2023, photo backup, printing, and media playback features became accessible through Amazon Photos.

Limitations and Policies

Usage Restrictions

Amazon Drive was designated for personal, non-commercial use only, prohibiting users from employing the service for commercial hosting, redistribution of content on behalf of third parties, or operating it as a web hosting platform. Such violations could lead to immediate account suspension or termination without notice or refund. Content uploaded to Amazon Drive had to comply with applicable laws, including prohibitions on illegal files, copyrighted materials without proper rights or licenses, and content containing or viruses. Users were solely responsible for ensuring their files did not infringe on rights or violate export/import regulations, with Amazon reserving the right to remove violating content upon receiving infringement notices. Excessive bandwidth consumption, such as through activities resembling file distribution services (e.g., torrent seeding), was implicitly restricted under rules against third-party content handling and service resale. The service enforced a one-Amazon Drive limit per Amazon account, with no provision for sub-accounts or pooled storage sharing among multiple users. Account sharing via credentials was explicitly forbidden to maintain individual usage boundaries. Amazon retained the authority to suspend or terminate access to Drive for violations, suspected , or improper use, potentially including deletion of stored files. During periods of high system usage, Amazon could impose temporary limits on access or functionality to ensure service stability.

Technical Constraints

Amazon Drive's infrastructure imposed specific limits on file uploads to ensure reliable performance and compatibility with its storage backend. Individual file uploads via the web interface were capped at 2 GB, while the desktop applications for Windows and macOS supported files up to 5 GB in size. These constraints applied uniformly across supported file formats, with no additional restrictions explicitly documented for common types like executables or archives beyond the size thresholds. Larger files exceeding these limits could not be uploaded directly and required alternative methods, such as splitting or using third-party tools, though Amazon did not officially endorse such workarounds. Bandwidth and transfer speeds in Amazon Drive were entirely dependent on the user's connection quality and stability, as the service provided no guaranteed or rates. During periods of high or peak usage times, users often experienced reduced speeds or apparent throttling, limiting effective transfer rates to well below available bandwidth in some cases. This variability could significantly impact the time required for large-scale backups or transfers, particularly for users with slower or shared connections. Compatibility across devices was another key technical limitation, as Amazon Drive did not support real-time synchronization between platforms. Changes made on one device, such as uploads or edits via the desktop app, were propagated through background processes that could introduce delays of several minutes to hours, rather than instantaneous updates like those in competing services. Search indexing for uploaded files similarly faced delays, with new content potentially taking up to 24 hours to become fully searchable within the service's metadata system. Video handling presented further constraints, particularly for media playback and access. Streaming capabilities were restricted to videos under 2 GB in file size and 20 minutes in duration when accessed through the web interface or mobile applications; longer or larger videos could be stored and downloaded for offline viewing but were not supported for direct streaming. This limitation stemmed from the service's integration with Amazon's media playback , which prioritized smaller files to maintain smooth delivery without buffering issues. Offline downloads for oversized media were possible but often required manual initiation and could be impeded by the same bandwidth dependencies.

References

  1. https://techcrunch.com/2022/07/29/amazon-shuts-down-its-personal-file-storage-service-to-focus-on-photos/
  2. https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=15547130011
  3. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/websites-apps/difference-between-onedrive-and-amazon-drive/
  4. https://www.multcloud.com/tutorials/amazon-drive-vs-google-drive.html
  5. https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=23943055011
  6. https://www.techradar.com/pro/amazon-drive-cloud-storage-for-prime-users-ends-heres-what-you-need-to-know
  7. https://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-drive-shuts-down-dec-31-2023
  8. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericsavitz/2011/03/29/amazon-launches-cloud-drive-digital-locker-service/
  9. https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/amazon-prime/how-to-use-amazon-photos-storage
  10. https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/23/13027082/amazon-prints-photo-service-unlimited-storage
  11. https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/29/23283743/amazon-drive-cloud-storage-shutting-down-2023
  12. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=TwnYgBeuS1f1WRb9V9
  13. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G6PT8TMLM9NVZCSL
  14. https://www.allthingsdistributed.com/2011/03/amazon_cloud_drive.html
  15. https://www.wired.com/2011/03/amazon-cloud-drive/
  16. https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2011/03/29/134939719/amazon-unveils-cloud-based-music-service
  17. https://www.macrumors.com/2011/03/29/amazon-launches-cloud-based-storage-service-and-music-player/
  18. https://blog.internxt.com/amazon-drive-explained/
  19. https://www.geekwire.com/2015/amazon-unveils-60year-unlimited-cloud-storage-plan-12year-for-just-photos/
  20. https://www.wired.com/2015/03/amazon-unlimited-everything-cloud-storage/
  21. https://www.geekwire.com/2016/amazon-rolls-unlimited-photo-storage-prime-members-families/
  22. https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/08/amazon-ends-its-unlimited-cloud-storage-plan/
  23. https://www.pcmag.com/news/amazon-drive-stops-offering-unlimited-storage
  24. https://forums.redflagdeals.com/amazon-drive-not-unlimited-anymore-2143052/
  25. https://www.idownloadblog.com/2022/07/29/amazon-drive-discontinued-faq/
  26. https://www.backblaze.com/blog/amazon-sunsets-cloud-drive/
  27. https://www.dpreview.com/articles/4190001023/amazon-launches-prime-photos-with-unlimited-storage-for-prime-members
  28. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GMXWPGJQT2UCNCM8
  29. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GC4942XQ5M2T7HGF
  30. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201609150
  31. https://techcrunch.com/2016/10/18/amazon-launches-family-vault-a-way-for-families-to-share-prime-photos-free-storage/
  32. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GUYBQ964AEX5XBZ7
  33. https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=19574827011
  34. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G3EWVFQZCVKH53TB
  35. https://www.amazon.ca/b?ie=UTF8&node=21229731011
  36. https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/amazon-drive-review
  37. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602000
  38. https://amazonforum.my.site.com/s/question/0D54P00007Fri4GSAR/is-there-a-file-size-restriction-to-upload-to-amazon-drive?language=en_US
  39. https://www.informationweek.com/it-infrastructure/amazon-prime-gains-unlimited-photo-storage-with-caveats
  40. https://www.telecompaper.com/news/amazon-launches-cloud-drive-in-brazil--1001967
  41. https://www.cloudwards.net/review/amazon-cloud-drive/
  42. https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/cloud/storage/amazon-cloud-drive-reviewed/
  43. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/amazon-drive
  44. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/amazon-cloud-drive
  45. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G3LLDAXSQ8PYVKH8
  46. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G3PWZPU52FKN7PW4
  47. https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D54P00007Fri4GSAR/is-there-a-file-size-restriction-to-upload-to-amazon-drive
  48. https://www.picbackman.com/tips-tricks/how-to-download-all-files-using-amazon-cloud-drive-desktop/
  49. https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-storage/amazon-drive-profile/
  50. https://www.iphonecake.com/app_621574163_.html
  51. https://www.elephantdrive.com/amazon-drive-is-shutting-down-how-to-move-your-data-to-elephantdrive/
  52. https://www.picbackman.com/tips-tricks/how-to-auto-backup-photos-and-videos-from-android-to-amazon-cloud-drive/
  53. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/computer-networks/difference-between-amazon-drive-and-pcloud/
  54. https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q00008v0QA5SAM/sync-on-amazon-drivephotos?language=en_US
  55. https://developer.amazon.com/docs/amazon-drive/ad-developer-guide.html
  56. https://cyfuture.cloud/kb/differences/what-is-the-difference-between-google-drive-and-amazon-drive
  57. https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx265ZOTJCQF62P/ref=ask_sa_saa_al_hza
  58. https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q00009J2PhpSAF/what-are-the-amazon-photos-file-size-requirements-limits?language=en_US
  59. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4476049
  60. https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/22/amazon-undercuts-rivals-with-launch-of-new-photo-printing-service-amazon-prints/
  61. https://thenextweb.com/news/amazon-will-now-print-your-photos-for-you-for-as-little-as-9c
  62. https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D54P00006zSrFJSA0/can-i-edit-a-picture-on-prime-photos?language=en_US
  63. https://snaphappymom.com/amazon-photos-printing/
  64. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GWFDWYMJU9W5Q6AE
  65. https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-com-Amazon-Photos/dp/B073HPNHBH
  66. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GGU2SU8Y22DZYRMQ
  67. https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D54P00006zSr4ESAS/which-files-are-supported-by-amazon-drive?language=en_US
  68. https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CwHT9dSQG/viewing-videos-uploaded-to-amazon-photos-larger-than-2-gb-or-longer-than-20-min?language=en_US
  69. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G7U9H58SPSH7ZV4V
  70. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cast.video.screenmirroring.casttotv&hl=en_US
  71. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/digital/adrive/images/adrive_tou_1_0_0.html
  72. https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201376540
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.