Photobucket is Changing

[Seabody]

Hey friends,

We know that a lot of people use Photobucket for hosting images, so we just want to make y'all aware of this. Photobucket's Terms are changing, and they no longer allow third-party image hosting unless you pay $400 USD per year.

Some people are reporting that Photobucket is also deleting their files since they are not premium users. What we suggest, just in case, is that you download your images from Photobucket, and reupload them to something like Imgur, ctrlq.org, or Google Drive. Then you'll have to comb through your posts and change the links wherever they appear. It'll be arduous, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Updated 8th July: The last paragraph here may be inaccurate. In Photobucket's Blog Post, they have implied they will not delete images. Regardless, unless you upgrade to premium, you will probably have to download and reupload them somewhere.

Photobucket Support / FAQs
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=28694.msg468528#msg468528

[sdhoey]

Well, I guess my completed dynasty will lose all it's pics. But I will see about getting my newer ones redone. I hate this. Photobuxket was so easy to use. 

[MarianT]

As far as I can tell, I haven't lost any pictures. That could be because I write my stories in a file on my computer, then post the file to the forum. I just tried that with my current chapter, and it seems to work okay.

[Magz from Oz]

As far as I can tell, I haven't lost any pictures. That could be because I write my stories in a file on my computer, then post the file to the forum. I just tried that with my current chapter, and it seems to work okay.

How exactly does that work?  I'm not technically minded but I would love to hear how that is done.

[Playalot]

@MarianT  I have an upgraded plan on photobucket as I needed more storage. This plan does not renew it's subscription until this September at which point I will lose all the links etc unless I upgrade to their $400 plan. Maybe you are on an existing plan/subscription?

[MrsFlynn]

For those of you worried about Photobucket, you can attach and insert photos into posts for your stories and such. It's free!!

How To: Attach and Insert Photos into Posts
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26583.msg443597#msg443597

Also, like others have suggested Imgur.com is an alternative. 

Photo Sharing Using Imgur.com (How to Use Imgur)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=22892.msg403214#msg403214

Their service is free, and it sounds like there is no storage limit per user. There are limits to size of files uploaded.

Still images cannot be larger than 20MB
GIF's images cannot be larger than 200MB

It maybe worth considering using a blog site to store and share your images. Blogs can be free, or if you want to add a domain name for $3. a month up to $25 a month. - See link below for more pricing details:

All WordPress.com blogs come with 3 GB of space for uploaded files and images (free)
https://wordpress.com/pricing/

Google's blogger.com (Free) has unlimited storage with photos on Blogger if you choose the "Unlimited High Quality Picture" option. It doesn't count towards your 15GB!
https://www.blogger.com

Google Drive has 15GB storage limit, however it's shared storage. Meaning that the 15GB of space can include space for photos, Music, video, other files, etc.
https://www.google.com/drive/

I've put this post together in hopes that it helps members know there's cheaper alternatives out there.

I'm sorry that it won't help backup the photos from Photobucket, but the suggestions above may help going forward.

[MarianT]

@MarianT  I have an upgraded plan on photobucket as I needed more storage. This plan does not renew it's subscription until this September at which point I will lose all the links etc unless I upgrade to their $400 plan. Maybe you are on an existing plan/subscription?

My plan won't renew until January, so possibly that's why my pictures are still there.

I downloaded Google Drive (15GB free space), and I'm moving my Photobucket pictures for my current story there. My previous dynasty attempts are just going to have to lose their pictures. I'm going to miss Photobucket, but I'm certainly not going to pay $400.

[MrsFlynn]

I have read that some Photobucket users are worried that PB has deleted or will be deleting their photos. This may not be true. According to their blog:

Please review the latest changes at Photobucket.
http://blog.photobucket.com/please-review-latest-changes-photobucket/

Photos are still available the only thing that has been restricted is the ability to link your photos to forums and other websites.

You should still be able to log into your account as long as it is in good standing and download all your photos to your computer.

Read more details in the link above.

[LivvieLove]

@MrsFlynn Google actually has unlimited storage with photos on Blogger if you choose the "Unlimited High Quality Picture" option. It doesn't count towards your 15GB!

Happy simming everyone!

[Metropolis Man]

So, I see my Man Dynasty screenshots are now gone. I guess I'll foot the bill and upgrade my Photobucket account -- that would be simplest. But, which one would be cheapest? I guess the Plus-100 because I need linking to this site.

[Playalot]

@Metropolis Man  I may be wrong in this but from what I understand it is only the highest price that includes the ability to link to forums/sites etc. (I hope I'm wrong and you're right!)

[MrsFlynn]

Play, you are unfortunately correct. It's the Plus 500 plan ($400. yearly) only that allows for linking photos to forums and websites.

More details in the link below:
http://photobucket.com/pricing

[Metropolis Man]

Yes, unfortunately, you guys are right. It's the most expensive one I would need. $400. Yuck. I might pull the trigger and do it. Not sure. If it was a one time charge I would probably do it in a heartbeat, but the fact I'd have to shell out $400 every year just to keep those screenshots for a 7 year old story....decisions, decisions.

[Playalot]

I know what you mean Metro. I'm still undecided as well. Loath to lose all the links but do not want to spend the time redoing them all. ugh 

Yeah, thought it was the $400 MrsFlynn, just had a desperate ray of hope ignited by Metro!

[Metropolis Man]

Yeah, what confused me is if you look at the blue check mark descriptions on the left-hand side...

http://photobucket.com/pricing

...I paid no attention to 3rd party hosting. I only looked at the "linking" part and was thinking that was what I needed.