ImageShack
Type of site | Image Hosting Service |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Owner | ImageShack Corp. |
| Created by | Alexander Levin |
| URL | ImageShack.us |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Optional |
ImageShack is a free image hosting website headquartered at Los Gatos, California. ImageShack has a subscription service but the majority of its revenue is produced from advertising related to its free image hosting.[2]
According to Nielsen//NetRatings, ImageShack was the fourth fastest growing web brand in July 2006.[3]
Image hosting
The site was launched in November 2003. The main page has a file selection field, where the user may select the image file to upload. The image file format must be either JPEG (JPG), PNG, GIF, TIFF (TIF), BMP, and the file must be smaller than or equal to 5 megabytes. Uploaded BMP and TIFF (TIF) images are automatically converted to PNG format.
After the file is uploaded, the user is redirected to a page containing different versions of URLs to the uploaded image. These URLs are preformatted in a variety of HTML and Bulletin Board code snippets, which can be used to hotlink them on websites and message boards. These URLs are not listed publicly, therefore only the user and the people to whom the user shares the URL can know the file location. In mid-2008, Imageshack began 'hiding' the direct link to images, in an attempt to reduce the number of directly-linked images, as they provide no advertising revenue. After receiving feedback from users Imageshack discontinued 'hiding' the direct links and placed them on the top of the page. However, it now claims[4] you must register to see the direct link (viewing the image directly or reading the url from the source code also works).
Images are stored on ImageShack indefinitely unless the image or the user who uploaded it abuses the Terms of Service. The image will be rendered inaccessible if the image uses over 200 megabytes of bandwidth in a one-hour period. If the image in question is not accessed a single time in one year, they will remove it.[4]
There is also a free registration service that gives the user the ability to see and delete their previously uploaded images.
In May 2006 it was reported that ImageShack serves 100,000 concurrent user requests during peak operation.[5]
ImageShack also provides a standalone open-source application for users to upload images and videos. The ImageShack uploader is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
yfrog
Yfrog is a service run by ImageShack that is designed specifically for uploading photographs and videos to Twitter. It was launched in February 2009, and allows uploads via email or a website interface.[6]
Hack by Anti-Sec
On July 10, 2009, at 7:34pm PST, ImageShack's services were compromised by the Antisec Movement,[7] a group with the goal of eradicating the publication of security exploits. The group had gained control of the way images were being displayed, and as a result some images hosted by ImageShack were temporarily redirected to an image detailing the manifesto of the movement. The message adds that “no images were harmed in the making of this … image”, implying that ImageShack images were not lost. Normal functionality was restored less than two hours later, and ImageShack asserted that no user data or content had been damaged or lost.[8]
See also
References
- ^ "Imageshack.us Site Info". Alexa Internet. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
- ^ "DivShare Launches ImageShack Wannabe, ImageShack Launches Profiles". Mashable.com. Retrieved 2011-02-27. [dead link]
- ^ "MySpace Tops List of Hottest Sites". I Media Connection. Retrieved 2007-02-27.
- ^ a b http://imageshack.us/content.php?page=faq
- ^ "ImageShack Simplifies Image Sharing". Bios Magazine. Retrieved 2007-02-27. [dead link]
- ^ Wauters, Robin (February 18, 2009). "ImageShack Launches Mediocre TwitPic Alternative". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
- ^ "Slashdot IT Story | ImageShack Hacked, Security Groups Threatened". Retrieved 2009-07-11.
- ^ "Your media is secure". Retrieved 2009-07-13.