Temporary file sharing is exactly what it sounds like: transferring a file that only exists for a short, fixed window, then deletes itself. It's the opposite of cloud storage, which keeps files — and the account that owns them — around indefinitely.
How it differs from cloud storage
Cloud storage is permanent and tied to an account; temporary sharing is ephemeral and often account-free.
Cloud storage requires you to remember to delete; temporary sharing deletes itself on a schedule.
Cloud storage is built for files you'll need later; temporary sharing is for a single handoff.
Why people use it
The big reason is reduced exposure. A file that exists for 30 minutes has a much smaller window in which it could be misused, leaked, or forgotten on a server. It's also faster — no signup, no folder to organize, just upload and share a code.
How expiration typically works
Services differ in when they delete. Some delete the file after it's downloaded once. Others — like Khamli — delete on a timer: you pick 30 minutes, 2 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours, and the file plus its code are hard-deleted when that timer ends.
What to check before you use a service
Deletion model: on download, or on a timer?
File size limits.
Whether files are encrypted in transit (and whether end-to-end encryption is offered).
Whether an account is required.