Protecting Media Content on Your Website

Understand that completely preventing downloads of public media files is impossible, as visitors with direct URLs can access content even on password-protected pages.

Image Protection Strategies

Watermarking:

• Add semi-transparent text or logos to images
• Helps identify ownership even in screenshots
• Use software like Photoshop or Gimp for professional watermarks

Optimize Image Sizes:

• Upload images between 1,500-2,500 pixels wide
• Keep files under 500 KB for optimal web display
• Smaller file sizes discourage offline usage while maintaining quality

Video Protection Methods

Key Protection Measures:

• Videos are automatically protected on disabled pages, members-only sites, and private sites
• Add watermarks to videos using editing software
• Unauthorized users receive "Access Denied" messages when accessing protected content

Audio Protection Solutions

Streaming Services Integration:

• Use platforms like SoundCloud and Spotify that prevent direct downloads
• Implement audio samples instead of full tracks
• Allow previews while protecting complete content

Additional Security Measures

Terms of Use:

• Include clear prohibitions against copying or downloading content
• Specify restrictions for sharing protected member-only content

Right-Click Disable Option:

• Can be implemented through custom code
• Not recommended as primary protection
• Doesn't prevent screenshots or screen recording

Best Practices

1. Layer multiple protection methods
2. Clearly communicate usage terms
3. Optimize file sizes for web use
4. Implement watermarking consistently
5. Use streaming services when possible

Remember that while no protection method is foolproof, combining these strategies creates effective barriers against unauthorized content use.

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