How to Send Large Audio Files to Clients (Without Email Attachments)

Photo by Jose Gil on Unsplash

You’ve spent hours perfecting the mix. The client is waiting. You hit “attach file” in your email and… nothing. The file is too large. Gmail rejects it. Outlook laughs at you. Your 24-bit, 96kHz stereo mix isn’t going anywhere.

If you’ve ever faced the “attachment size limit exceeded” message while trying to send audio files, you’re not alone. Email was built for text messages in the 1970s, not for lossless audio in 2025.

So what do professional audio engineers, producers, and musicians actually use to send large audio files? Let’s break down the real solutions (and why some popular options aren’t as good as you think).

Why Email Attachments Fail for Audio Files

Email wasn’t designed for large files. Most email providers impose strict size limits that make sending professional audio impossible.

Email Attachment Size Limits by Provider

Here’s what you’re actually working with:

Key takeaway: Most email providers cap attachments at 20-25MB. Some (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail) will auto-upload larger files to cloud storage and send links instead—but those links expire.

Your typical audio project files are much larger:

• 24-bit/48kHz stereo WAV (5 minutes): ~140MB
• 24-bit/96kHz stereo WAV (5 minutes): ~280MB
• 32-bit/192kHz stereo WAV (5 minutes): ~1.1GB
• Multi-track session exports: Easily 2-5GB+

Even if you compress to MP3, you’re sacrificing quality. Clients paying for professional audio don’t want MP3s—they want lossless files that sound exactly as you mixed them.

The Hidden Problems with Email Attachments

Beyond size limits, email attachments create other headaches:

1. They get lost in inbox chaos: Your carefully mixed track becomes just another email in a crowded inbox.
2. No version control: Sending revisions means multiple emails with confusing filenames like Mix_v3_FINAL_actuallyFINAL.wav.
3. Download links expire: Some email providers auto-upload large files to cloud storage with links that expire in 30 days.
4. Recipients can’t preview: Clients have to download the entire file before hearing a single second.

Security Considerations for Client Files

When sending professional audio to clients, security matters more than you might think. You’re often sending unreleased music, client confidential material, or files worth thousands of dollars in production value.

Security Features to Look For

1. Password Protection

• Require a password to access download links
• Prevents unauthorized access if link is shared accidentally
• Most paid file-sharing services offer this (WeTransfer Pro, Dropbox, Aliada)

2. Link Expiration

• Set time limits on download links (7 days, 30 days, custom)
• Prevents old links from living forever on the internet
• Useful for pre-release material that shouldn’t leak

3. End-to-End Encryption

• Files are encrypted during upload, storage, and download
• Only you and the recipient can decrypt the files
• Look for: ProtonMail (email), Tresorit, NordLocker, or end-to-end encryption options in Dropbox/Google Drive

4. Download Limits

• Control how many times a link can be accessed
• Prevents mass sharing/distribution of your file
• Available in WeTransfer Pro, Dropbox, some dedicated audio platforms

5. Tracking and Analytics

• See who accessed your files and when
• Know if your client has downloaded the file (or forgotten about it)
• Available in: WeTransfer Pro, Dropbox, Aliada

When Security Really Matters

High-risk scenarios:

• Unreleased music: Leaks can tank a release strategy
• Client confidential projects: Film scores, advertising music under NDA
• High-value masters: Final masters worth significant money
• Stems and session files: Complete project files that could be misused

For high-security needs:

1. Use password-protected links (always)
2. Set expiration dates (7-30 days max)
3. Enable download tracking (know who accessed it)
4. Consider watermarking preview files (subtle audio watermark on MP3 previews)
5. Use end-to-end encryption if required by contract

For standard client work:

• Password protection + expiration dates = sufficient for most scenarios
• Lossless quality delivery via secure platform (Aliada, Dropbox, etc.)

What professional audio file sharing needs

What matters for professional audio workflows:

Must-Have Features

• Support for large files: At minimum 500MB, ideally unlimited
• Lossless quality preservation: No compression or transcoding
• Easy recipient access: Clients shouldn’t need accounts or apps
• Download control: Sometimes you want preview-only, not downloads
• Professional presentation: A clean, branded experience
• Basic security: Password protection and link expiration

Nice-to-Have Features

• Version tracking: Keep old versions accessible without file name chaos
• Timestamped feedback: Let clients comment at specific timestamps
• Advanced security: End-to-end encryption, download limits, tracking
• Analytics: See when clients listened and downloaded
• Mobile access: Clients can preview and download on phones/tablets

5 Solutions for Sending Large Audio Files

1. WeTransfer: The Quick Fix

Best for: One-time sends to clients who just need the file

Pricing: Free (up to 2GB), $12/month for Pro (up to 200GB, no ads, custom branding)

How it works: Upload your file, enter recipient email, they get a download link. Simple.

Pros:

• Dead simple—no account needed for free tier
• Recipients get direct download links
• Links work for 7 days (free) or customizable (Pro)
• Transfer limits are generous

Cons:

• Files expire and disappear (7 days free, customizable Pro)
• No audio preview—recipients must download to listen
• No version control—every revision is a new link
• No feedback or collaboration features
• Not optimized for audio workflows

When to use it: You need to send a final master to a client once, and you don’t need feedback or version tracking.

2. Dropbox: The General-Purpose Cloud

Best for: Teams already using Dropbox for everything

Pricing: Free (2GB storage), $12/month for Plus (2TB), $20/month for Professional (3TB)

How it works: Upload files to Dropbox, share folder or file links with clients.

Pros:

• Everyone knows Dropbox
• Large storage capacity on paid plans
• File versioning (keeps previous versions for 30 days free, 180 days paid)
• Works with any file type
• Desktop sync keeps local copies updated

Cons:

• No built-in audio player—recipients download or use basic preview
• Not designed for audio collaboration
• Sharing links can be confusing (view vs. download permissions)
• Free tier is tiny (2GB won’t hold many mixes)
• No timestamped comments on audio files

When to use it: You’re already paying for Dropbox and need general file storage, not audio-specific features.

3. Google Drive: The Free Option

Best for: Budget-conscious users who need basic file sharing

Pricing: Free (15GB), $2/month for 100GB, $3/month for 200GB

How it works: Upload to Google Drive, share links with view or download permissions.

Pros:

• Generous free tier (15GB)
• Familiar to most people
• Cheap paid storage
• Good for teams already using Google Workspace
• Can control view vs. download permissions

Cons:

• Generic file storage, not audio-optimized
• No audio playback features (basic preview only)
• Free storage is shared across Gmail, Photos, Drive
• Interface feels cluttered for simple file sharing
• No collaboration features for audio feedback

When to use it: You need free storage and basic sharing, and your files fit in 15GB.

4. SoundCloud: The Public Platform Pivot

Best for: Musicians sharing finished tracks publicly (not professional collaboration)

Pricing: Free (3 hours upload time), $8/month for Next (unlimited uploads)

How it works: Upload tracks, set privacy to private, share links.

Pros:

• Built for audio—waveform player, timestamped comments
• Mobile apps make listening easy
• Recognizable platform
• Social features if you want discoverability

Cons:

• Compresses audio (128kbps MP3 equivalent)—not lossless
• Designed for music distribution, not professional workflows
• Upload limits on free tier (3 hours total)
• Privacy controls are limited
• Forces mobile app usage on phones (no web player)
• Declining platform quality and focus

When to use it: You’re sharing demo tracks publicly and compression is acceptable. For professional mixes? Skip it.

5. Aliada: Built for Audio Professionals

Best for: Producers, engineers, and musicians who need version control, lossless quality, and client feedback workflows

Pricing: Free (5GB), $9/month for Pro (50GB), $19/month for Team (200GB)

How it works: Upload lossless audio files, organize in projects, share links with built-in player and comment system.

Pros:

• Truly lossless: Supports WAV, FLAC, AIFF up to 192kHz/32-bit with no transcoding
• Built-in version control: Upload new versions without losing old ones
• Timestamped comments: Clients leave feedback at specific timestamps on the waveform
• No file size limits: Upload stems, full sessions, anything
• Professional presentation: Clean player interface, no ads
• Download control: Share for preview-only or allow downloads
• Project organization: Keep all versions and feedback in one place
• Guest access: Clients listen and comment without creating accounts

Cons:

• Requires account creation for upload (but not for clients listening)
• Newer platform with smaller user base
• Mobile app coming soon (web player works on mobile for now)

When to use it: You’re collaborating on audio professionally and need version tracking, lossless quality, and organized feedback.

Mobile App Comparison: Sending on the Go

Sometimes you need to send audio files from your phone or tablet—maybe you’re traveling, working remotely, or the client needs files ASAP and you’re not at your computer.

Here’s how the major platforms handle mobile file sending:

Mobile Upload Tips

Best practices for sending from mobile:

1. Use WiFi, not cellular: Large audio files will eat through your data plan and upload slowly on cellular. Wait for WiFi when possible.

2. Check file size limits: Some apps restrict uploads from mobile differently than desktop (check before you need to send urgently).

3. Verify file format: Make sure your mobile upload supports lossless formats (WAV, FLAC). Some apps auto-convert to MP3 on mobile.

4. Battery consideration: Uploading large files drains battery. Plug in your device for uploads over 500MB.

5. Test the upload: Send a test file first to confirm the upload works and the recipient can access it.

Best mobile option by use case:

• Quick emergency send: WeTransfer app (simple, fast)
• Already using cloud storage: Dropbox or Google Drive app (already synced)
• Professional audio with version control: Aliada web app (works in mobile browser, native app coming)

When to Use Which Tool: Decision Tree

Choosing the right file-sharing tool depends on your specific needs:

Choose WeTransfer if:

• ✓ You need to send a file once and never reference it again
• ✓ You want zero setup (no account needed for free tier)
• ✓ The file is under 2GB (free) or you’re willing to pay for Pro
• ✓ You don’t need feedback or collaboration features

Choose Dropbox if:

• ✓ You’re already using Dropbox for other files
• ✓ You need general file storage beyond audio (documents, images, etc.)
• ✓ You’re okay with basic file sharing (no audio-specific features)
• ✓ Your team already uses Dropbox workflows

Choose Google Drive if:

• ✓ You need free storage (15GB is generous)
• ✓ Your clients/team use Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, etc.)
• ✓ You’re on a tight budget and files fit in 15GB
• ✓ Audio-specific features don’t matter

Skip SoundCloud if:

• ✗ You need lossless audio (SoundCloud compresses everything)
• ✗ You’re doing professional client work (it’s designed for public music sharing)
• ✗ You need privacy and security (it’s a public platform first)

Choose Aliada if:

• ✓ You collaborate professionally on audio (producers, engineers, musicians)
• ✓ You need version control (multiple revisions, A/B comparisons)
• ✓ Clients leave timestamped feedback on specific parts of tracks
• ✓ You want lossless quality guaranteed (WAV, FLAC, AIFF up to 192kHz)
• ✓ You need organized projects instead of scattered links

Still not sure? Ask yourself:

1. Do I need to track multiple versions of this file? → Aliada
2. Is this a one-time send I’ll never need again? → WeTransfer
3. Am I already paying for cloud storage? → Dropbox/Google Drive
4. Do I need clients to leave feedback at specific timestamps? → Aliada

Comparison Table: At a Glance

How to Choose the Right Solution

Your best option depends on your workflow:

Choose WeTransfer if:

• You send final files once and never need them again
• You don’t need feedback or collaboration
• You want zero setup and maximum simplicity

Choose Dropbox/Google Drive if:

• You’re already using them for everything else
• You need general file storage beyond audio
• Your files are small enough for the limits
• Audio-specific features don’t matter to you

Choose SoundCloud if:

• You’re sharing demos publicly for promotional purposes
• Audio compression is acceptable
• You want social discovery features

Choose Aliada if:

• You collaborate on audio professionally
• You need lossless quality maintained
• Clients leave feedback on specific parts of tracks
• You iterate through multiple versions
• You want organized projects, not scattered links

Pro Tips for Sending Large Audio Files

Regardless of which solution you choose:

1. Name files clearly: Use descriptive names like ClientName_SongTitle_Mix_v2_2025-01-28.wav instead of Export_Final.wav

2. Include file specs in your message: Tell clients the sample rate, bit depth, and format so they know what to expect

3. Set expectations on turnaround: Let clients know when you need feedback by

4. Provide context: Include a brief note about what changed in this version or what you want feedback on

5. Test the link: Before sending to a client, open the link in an incognito window to verify it works

6. Keep a local backup: Cloud services can fail—always keep the original files on your local drive or backup system

Related Guides

Want to learn more about professional audio workflows? Check out these guides:

• Audio File Version Control — Stop the Mix_v3_FINAL.wav chaos with proper version tracking
• How to Organize Audio Files — Folder structures and naming conventions that actually work
• How to Give Feedback on Music — Learn to give specific, timestamped feedback that improves tracks
• Lossless Audio Formats Explained — WAV vs FLAC vs AIFF: which format to use when

Which tool should you use?

Email attachments don’t work for professional audio. You need cloud-based file sharing—the question is which tool fits your workflow.

For quick, one-time sends, WeTransfer works. For general file storage, Dropbox and Google Drive work. For public music sharing (with compression), SoundCloud still exists.

But if you’re collaborating professionally and need lossless audio, version tracking, and organized client feedback, you need a tool built for audio workflows.

That’s why we built Aliada. Audio professionals need collaboration tools that preserve quality and organize feedback, not generic file sharers or lossy streaming platforms.

Try Aliada free for 14 days—no credit card required. Upload your next mix, share a link, and get organized feedback with timestamped comments.