File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers, once commonly identified by the “ftp.” prefix in URLs, facilitated the transfer of files, including films, across the internet. Accessing a server containing movies often involved navigating a directory structure similar to a local file system. For instance, a user might connect to a server and browse folders to locate and download a specific film file.
This method of film distribution held significance in the early days of online file sharing. It provided a relatively simple mechanism for individuals to share and access a wide range of content. While FTP offered a direct pathway to download movies, its usage for this purpose declined with the rise of more streamlined and user-friendly platforms like streaming services and peer-to-peer networks. These newer technologies offered advantages such as improved searchability, integrated playback, and, in some cases, greater anonymity. The legacy of this approach, however, lies in its contribution to the development of online media distribution as we know it today.