Google Drive photo upload link: let people send photos without a Google account
Updated 2026-10-17. Every fact links to its source; prices are as published on each vendor's page on that date.
Short answer: Google Drive can't make an upload-only photo link for people without a Google account. Your choices are: share a folder as Editor (guests need Google accounts and can see everyone's photos), use a Google Form upload question (sign-in required), use a free Dropbox File Request (no account needed, but files land in Dropbox), or use an upload page that saves straight into a Drive folder.
Option 1: share a Drive folder (free; Google accounts only)
- Create a folder, click Share and set General access to “Anyone with the link” as Editor.
- Send the link. Guests signed in to Google can add photos.
Risk: Editors can open, rename or delete any photo in the folder (Google Drive Help). Guests without a Google account can view but not upload.
Option 2: Google Form with a File upload question
Upload-only and files land in your Drive, but every uploader must sign in to Google (Google) and each question accepts at most 10 files per response (freeCodeCamp).
Option 3: a no-account photo upload link into your Drive
| Option | Entrants need an account? | Where files end up | Cost (as published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Drive folder (Editor) | Yes, Google | Your Drive (guests see all photos) | Free |
| Google Form File upload | Yes, Google | Your Drive | Free |
| Dropbox File Request | No | Your Dropbox | Free on Dropbox plans that include requests |
| DriveUploader / File Request Pro | No | Your Drive | Free tier to $19+/month |
| CatchFolder | No | Your own Drive folder + Sheet log | $12 one-time for 30 days (500 uploads); $59/year unlimited |
Tips for event and club photo collection
- Print the link as a QR code on tables or the programme and keep the link open for a few days after the event.
- Ask for a first name so you know who to credit.
- Create one folder per event or category so photos don't mix.
How CatchFolder works
You install a small upload app in your own Google account (a few minutes; files go straight to your Drive, not our servers). Share its link or QR code; guests pick photos on their phone and upload without signing in; each file lands in your Drive folder with a Sheet row. If it doesn't work for you within 21 days, you get a full refund.
Related
- Let someone upload to your Google Drive without edit access
- Google Drive file request link
- Contest entry form with file upload
- Collect files without a Google account
FAQ
Can I create a link for people to upload photos to my Google Drive?
Drive has no built-in upload-only link. Sharing a folder as Editor lets people add photos, but they need a Google account and can also see and delete everything in the folder (Google Drive Help). A Google Form upload question also requires sign-in (Google). For a no-account link, use a third-party upload page that saves into Drive.
Will the photos keep their original quality?
Upload pages and Drive keep the original file. Messaging apps often compress photos, so ask guests to upload from their camera roll through the link.
How many photos can people upload?
With CatchFolder, up to 500 uploads per 30-day Event Pass (unlimited with the annual plan), each file up to 50 MB; storage counts against your own Drive quota.