Difference between ImageShack and Photobucket
Image websites are some of the most popular on the Internet nowadays, and sites such as ImageShack and Photobucket serve a very essential function for countless thousands of people all over the world. Responsible in large part for the proliferation of images on the Internet, these two are the subjects of this comparison article.
Profile
ImageShack is a free image hosting site that also offers subscription services. It draws much of its revenue from ads posted on the site, many of which offer the company’s own image hosting services.
Photobucket is a similar site that offers image hosting as well, although it also offers video hosting and slide show creation in addition to photo sharing features. The site was established by Alex Welch and Darren Crystal in 2003, with funding obtained from Trinity Ventures. The company was acquired by Fox Interactive Media 4 years later in 2007.
Features
ImageShack was first introduced to the online public in November of 2003, and its rise in popularity was quick to follow. On the main page of the site, users are presented with a file selection box, in which image files can be selected for uploading. The site allows the uploading of numerous file formats including jpeg, png, gif, tiff, and bmp files, although each is limited in size to 5 MB or less.
Upon upload, users will be presented with a list of different URLs that may then be pasted onto image submission fields in websites and message boards. ImageShack also helpfully keeps the actual URLs hidden, so that only the uploader and the people with whom the files are shared know the location of the file.
Photobucket is typically used for sharing personal photographs and for remote storage of avatars for use on Web forums. The site may also be used to store videos, and its image hosting services are widely used by eBay, MySpace and Facebook users. Photobucket users have the option to share their albums with the public, or they may opt to keep them private, with password-protected access options available for guests.
Issues
Beginning in the middle of 2008, ImageShack implemented a policy that effectively concealed the direct image links. This was done in an effort to reduce instances of directly-linked images, since they did not provide the company with advertising revenues. The policy was later discontinued however, in the wake of numerous user complaints.
Photobucket initially started out offering its users 1 GB of storage space online, although this was cut down to 500MB free in August 2009. To this day, the 500 MB remains in effect, despite numerous user complaints.
Similarities and Differences
ImageShack
- A free image hosting site that also offers subscription services
- Uploaded images are limited in size to 5 MB or less
Photobucket
- Offers image hosting, video hosting and slide show creation in addition to photo sharing features
- Typically used for sharing personal photographs and for remote storage of avatars
