Why I Use Access Controls for Images
I used to share images and forget about them. Old links would stay active forever, outdated content would still be accessible, and I had no control over when access should end. View limits and revocable links solved all of this.
Time-Sensitive Content
For event photos, promotional materials, or limited-time offers, set strict view limits and revoke access once the event or campaign ends.
Automatic Cleanup
Once the view limit is reached, access is automatically blocked. And if something changes, you can revoke access instantly.
Security Control
Prevent old links from being accessed indefinitely. Even if someone saved your link, you can revoke it, and view limits prevent uncontrolled sharing.
Create Urgency
Low view limits create urgency and encourage faster engagement without relying on time-based expiry.
How Image Expiration Works
Upload Images
Upload your images to MaiImg (up to 25 at once).
Set View Limits
Choose how many times the link can be opened. Once the view limit is reached, access is automatically blocked.
Stop Access
Access stops when the view limit is reached or you revoke the link. Recipients will see an access-blocked message.
Combining View Limits with Revocation
Use view limits and revocation together for maximum control:
Revocation
Revoke access anytime to immediately block the link when sharing is complete or content changes.
View Limits
Set how many times the link can be opened (e.g., 10 views). Once reached, access is automatically blocked.
My Strategy
For event photos, I set a view limit (like 100) and revoke access after the event. This ensures photos don’t stay available indefinitely and prevents old links from lingering.
Perfect Use Cases for Expiration
Event Photos
Share event photos with attendees. Use a generous view limit, then revoke access after the event to prevent old links from staying active forever.
Promotional Materials
Share limited-time offers or promotional images. Use low view limits to create urgency, and revoke access once the campaign ends.
Client Proposals
Share proposal images with clients. Use view limits for control and revoke access when the proposal is updated or a decision is made.
Course Materials
Share course images with students. Use view limits and revoke access when the class ends or materials are replaced.
Best Practices
- Match View Limits to Risk: Sensitive content gets lower view limits; public galleries can have higher limits.
- Communicate Rules: Tell recipients the link is view-limited and can be revoked after the sharing window.
- Revoke When Needed: If content changes or sharing is complete, revoke the link immediately.
- Layer Controls: Combine view limits with passwords and tracking for stronger protection.
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