A file hosting service or online file storage service is an Internet hosting service specifically designed to host static content, typically large files that are not web pages. Typically they allow web and FTP access. They can be optimized for serving many users (as is implied by the term "hosting") or be optimized for single-user storage (as is implied by the term "storage"). Related services are virtual storage and remote backup.

Software file hosting
Shareware authors often use file hosting services to serve their software. The inherent problem with free downloads is the huge bandwidth cost. These hosts also offer additional services to the authors like statistics or other marketing features.

Personal file storage
Personal file storage services are aimed at private individuals, offering a sort of "network storage" for personal backup, file access, or file distribution. Users can upload their files and share them publicly or keep them password-protected.
Prior to the advent of personal file storage services, off-site backup services were not typically affordable for individual and SOHO computer users.

Storage
Most online file storage services offer space on a per-gigabyte basis ? some offer the service for free, relying on advertising revenue. Some services require a software download which makes files only available on computers which have that software installed. Some services allow users to retrieve files through any web browser. With the increased inbox space (up to 3.0 GB (offered as of Aug 6, 2006 by Lycos)) offered by webmail services, many users have started using their webmail service as an online drive.