InkShield vs File Hosting Services
Why Dropbox, Google Drive, and Mega fall short for Patreon creators
File hosting services are designed for collaboration and storage. They make it easy to upload files and share links. But they were never built to protect creators from content leaks.
When your Patreon exclusives end up on leak sites, Dropbox and Google Drive cannot help you identify the source. InkShield can.
Why can't I just use Dropbox for Patreon exclusives?
Dropbox stores your files and generates shareable links. But everyone who downloads receives the exact same file. When that file appears on a leak site, you have no way to know which supporter shared it.
This is the fundamental limitation of all generic file hosting: identical files for every recipient. You can revoke the link, but the damage is done. The leaker remains anonymous.
InkShield takes a different approach. Every download is personalized with an invisible fingerprint tied to the specific recipient. When content leaks, you upload the leaked file and identify exactly who shared it.
What's the difference between file hosting and content protection?
File hosting solves storage and delivery. Dropbox, Google Drive, and Mega excel at this. They offer reliable uploads, fast downloads, and generous storage limits.
Content protection solves traceability and deterrence. When supporters know their downloads are personalized, they think twice before sharing. The possibility of identification changes behavior.
InkShield combines both: secure file delivery with automatic Patreon tier sync, plus invisible fingerprinting that makes every download traceable. You get the convenience of file hosting with the protection of leak tracing.
Does InkShield replace Patreon?
No. InkShield works alongside Patreon. Your supporters continue to subscribe and pay through Patreon. You continue to use Patreon for posts, community features, and membership management.
InkShield handles one specific problem: secure file delivery with leak tracing. Connect your Patreon account, and InkShield automatically syncs your tiers. When supporters access your content through InkShield, they authenticate with Patreon and receive personalized downloads based on their membership level.
Think of InkShield as a specialized tool that fills a gap Patreon doesn't address: traceable content delivery.
How Does InkShield Compare to File Sharing Platforms?
InkShield is purpose-built for creators who need to trace leaks. Generic file sharing platforms store and deliver files, but they cannot identify who shared your content when it appears on leak sites.
| Feature | InkShield | Dropbox | Google Drive | Mega |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invisible watermarking | Yes | No | No | No |
| Leak tracing | Yes | No | No | No |
| Patreon tier sync | Yes | No | No | No |
| Automatic access management | Yes | No | No | No |
| Per-download personalization | Yes | No | No | No |
| Built for creators | Yes | No | No | No |
| Starting price | $9/month | $12/month | $12/month | Free (limited) |
Key insight
Generic file sharing platforms are designed for collaboration, not creator protection. They store your files and let anyone with a link download them, but they have no mechanism to identify who leaked your content. InkShield generates a unique, invisible fingerprint for every download, making each file traceable back to the specific recipient who shared it.
The core difference
Generic file hosting treats every download identically. InkShield generates a unique, invisible fingerprint for each recipient. This is the only way to trace leaks back to their source.
Visible watermarks get cropped out. DRM frustrates legitimate supporters. Password protection doesn't prevent someone from sharing the password.
Invisible fingerprinting survives screenshots, cropping, and re-encoding. It works without adding friction to the supporter experience. And when supporters know their downloads are personalized, leaks stop before they start.
Ready for file delivery that protects your work?
Leakers get caught. Leaks stop. You keep creating.
Get Started