How to share link of Sharepoint video file with multiple external users at once

Bhaskar Kulkarni, Neha 20 Reputation points
2024-02-27T04:30:28.54+00:00

We have one requirement. User wants to share link of video file with external users. But there are multiple users. Can we share that in bulk. And also, what is expiration date when we shared with external users?

Microsoft 365 and Office SharePoint Development
Microsoft 365 and Office SharePoint For business Windows
0 comments No comments
{count} votes

Accepted answer
  1. RevelinoB 3,675 Reputation points
    2024-02-27T04:55:40.75+00:00

    Hi Bhaskar, Addressing the requirement to share video files in bulk with external users via SharePoint, alongside setting expiration dates for those shares, reminds me of a situation I've encountered before. The process can be streamlined with SharePoint's built-in features and, for more complex needs, some PowerShell scripting for automation. Here's a recap of the approach based on previous experiences:

    Bulk Sharing with External Users in SharePoint

    • Prepare the Document Library: Ensure all the videos intended for sharing are uploaded to a specific SharePoint document library or are organized within a dedicated folder.
    • Verify External Sharing Is Enabled: Confirm that your SharePoint and Microsoft 365 configurations permit sharing with external users. This is a setting usually managed by an IT administrator.
    • Opt for Folder-Level Sharing: It's more efficient to place all videos within a single folder for sharing purposes rather than sharing files one by one. You can then share this folder with external parties by using the "Share" feature and inputting their email addresses. If the list of external users is extensive, employing a distribution list can save time and reduce manual input.
    • Leverage PowerShell for Automation: For scenarios involving numerous files or recipients, automating the sharing process via Microsoft PowerShell scripts can be highly effective. Utilizing SharePoint Online Management Shell or PnP PowerShell allows for the generation and distribution of share links en masse.

    Implementing Expiration Dates for Access Setting expiration dates for the shared links when working with external users ensures access is only granted temporarily:

    1. Utilize SharePoint Link Settings:
      • SharePoint offers the capability to set an expiration date directly through the UI when sharing a file or folder. This option becomes available when selecting "Anyone with the link" and can be an easy way to limit access duration.
      • The availability of setting expiration dates can vary based on your organization's specific SharePoint and Microsoft 365 configuration.
    2. PowerShell for Bulk Management: For those needing to manage expiration dates on a larger scale or apply specific configurations, PowerShell scripting can offer the necessary control. Scripts can automate the process of setting or updating the expiration of shared links.
    3. Regularly Audit Shared Links: It's wise to periodically review the links you've shared externally. This practice helps ensure access is provided appropriately and that no outdated links remain active.

    Reflecting on previous cases, these steps have proven effective in managing bulk sharing with external users in SharePoint, ensuring projects progress smoothly without compromising security or control. Remember, adapting these recommendations to fit your specific situation and organizational policies is crucial. I hope these steps also work for you

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments

1 additional answer

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Ling Zhou_MSFT 23,620 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2024-02-27T08:04:22.1+00:00

    Hi @Bhaskar Kulkarni, Neha,

    Thank you for posting in this community.

    These are the steps to share a file to multiple external users:

    1.First your organization and site should be set up to enable external sharing. Reference:

    Change the organization-level external sharing setting.

    Change the sharing settings for a site.

    Please note:

    When you set up your sharing settings at the site level, set Expiration of guest access under Advanced settings for external sharing. This is how long your shared files will expire. The range is 30-730 days.

    User's image

    2.Select the file you want to share and click on the gear next to "Copy Link". Select "People you choose" and apply it.

    User's image

    User's image

    3.Enter multiple users (emails or names) that you want to share in the input box and click Copy Link. Share the link with these users so they can access the file you shared.

    User's image

    4.You can click on Gear at the top of the site> Site Permissions > Guest Expiration > Manage. Manage the expiration of these users accessing the file here (extend time or remove access).

    User's image


    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.


Your answer

Answers can be marked as Accepted Answers by the question author, which helps users to know the answer solved the author's problem.