Where can I upload audio files for my Webflow site in a similar manner as mboxdrive, without the files disappearing after a while?
TL;DR
- Use Amazon S3, Cloudinary, or bunny.net to host audio files with stable, direct URLs for embedding in Webflow.
- Alternatively, use platforms like SoundCloud for embeddable players, and avoid unreliable free hosts like mboxdrive.
You’re looking for a reliable place to host audio files for embedding into your Webflow site, similar to mboxdrive, but without risk of the files disappearing.
1. Use a Cloud Storage Platform with Direct Link Support
Platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox often generate temporary or preview links—not direct audio file URLs suitable for embedding. Instead, consider these:
- Amazon S3 (via AWS): Fully customizable, permanent hosting with public file access.
- Cloudinary: Free plan supports audio files (MP3, WAV), provides direct delivery URLs, and works well with Webflow.
- SoundCloud: Good for streaming audio, offers embed codes, but branding is included.
- bunny.net: Low-cost, fast CDN-based file hosting with custom domains and hotlinking.
- Uploadcare: CDNs and file hosting with audio support, great for performance.
Make sure the host allows direct linking to audio files (e.g., .mp3 URLs ending in .mp3) and doesn’t expire or obfuscate them.
2. Host Files on Amazon S3 (Best Long-Term Option)
- Sign up at https://aws.amazon.com/s3
- Create a bucket, upload your audio file
- Set the file permission to public access
- Copy the object URL (e.g.,
https://your-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/audio-file.mp3) - Use this URL in Webflow's custom HTML embed, audio player, or link block
3. Use an External Audio Embed Platform
If you don’t need direct hosting but want an embeddable player:
- SoundCloud: Create an account, upload audio, use the embed code
- Spotify (for podcasts) or Anchor.fm: Host and embed with analytics
- These do not give you direct control of the file, but are easy to manage and stable
4. Avoid Unreliable Free Hosts
- Sites like mboxdrive.com, filebin.net, or anonfiles may delete files after inactivity or have TOS issues.
- Avoid using hosts that don't guarantee persistent file URLs.
Summary
For permanent audio hosting compatible with Webflow:
- Use Amazon S3, Cloudinary, or bunny.net for stable, direct file URLs
- Or use SoundCloud or similar if you only need to embed a player
- Avoid free, temporary hosts like mboxdrive if you need long-term reliability