iphone huge file question

[Kali]

a friend has sent a link to some huge file (family wedding video ) and while I am no longer on dial up the download is telling me it will take more than an hour - it is a 1 GB file from iCloud.

is there no way to just watch it without putting it on my computer? no options on the page her link takes me to other than download. she can't figure it out either.

[usonian]

1. I am not a video person but this may explain a few things.

https://askleo.com/whats_the_difference_between_streaming_and_downloading_a_video_and_how_does_it_impact_the_limits_my_isp_imposes/

Most videos are a download link, like any file.
They will start to copy the file to your device.

A streaming link ( created by the video host) is different.

The Streaming Approach: Hulu

All that is complex in comparison to the very simple concept of a streaming video, which gives you no choice. Each time you watch such a video it’s streamed directly from the server to the video player without being cached at all.

Bucket versus hose.

It would have to be on the serving end, with a "streaming server" and that that must be a lot more complex than a download link.

We usually have no choice in the matter for everyday stuff.

[Kali]

4. that kind of tells me

I would just have to suck it up, download, watch, delete. I don't think I care that much. 4th marriage of daughter of my friend.

[sl8]

2. Is having them upload the video to Youtube or other video sharing site an option?

There's a few sites out there with the express purpose of sharing videos. Youtube lets the poster restrict access to the video, if that's a concern. I'd bet at least some of the others do the same.

[Kali]

3. I don't think she is at that level of skill

and honestly...it is her daughters 4th marriage...I want to be polite and look, comment but I don't really care about this much at all. ya know?

[sl8]

5. I feel ya, dawg. :) nt

[usonian]

6. From the article I found:

YouTube actually works using “download”, not “streaming” –

So, it might be the same situation, except more hurdles to leap.

[sl8]

7. Easy enough to tell - does the OP currently have problems viewing Youtube?

They didn't mention it.

[Kali]

8. not too bad

mostly works most of the time

[FemDemERA]

9. You could respond with

“Thanks for sharing with me. The file size is a bit too much for me to download with my current internet speed but I will save the link to watch when I have better streaming connectivity”.

I use a hotspot for internet and can’t always view videos, so I have to let people know and then later when I am somewhere with good Wi-Fi, I will do my downloading and watch stuff at my convenience.

[canetoad]

10. I'd just be saying

"It was lovely" and deleting the video. It might only be a few minutes at a ridiculously high resolution or it might be 90 minutes of low-res agony. Depending on your device, you may not even be able to watch it.

Not much help, I know but it's a bit steep to expect a 1 gig download on your phone. Ask her to put it on you tube.

Hope all is well with you,