whamlink vs Pastebin
Pastebin has been the default "dump text at a URL" tool for fifteen years, and for raw text and code snippets it's fine. But if what you're sharing is a document — HTML, Markdown, a PDF — a wall of raw source with ads around it isn't sharing, it's homework for the recipient.
| Pastebin | whamlink | |
|---|---|---|
| What the viewer sees | Raw text + ads | The rendered document, nothing else |
| HTML / Markdown | Shown as source | Rendered |
| PDF / images | No | Yes |
| Access control | Unlisted/private pastes; password on Pro | Private, password, email-shared — free |
| Link previews (iMessage/Slack) | Generic | Branded preview card per link |
| API for agents | Basic paste API | API-first + MCP server, self-describing for LLMs |
| Expiry | Optional auto-expire | Permanent until you delete it |
When Pastebin is the better choice
Quick throwaway text you want to auto-expire, log dumps, or communities where a pastebin link is the norm. If raw text is the point, Pastebin is simpler.
When whamlink is the better choice
Anything meant to be read as a document: rendered Markdown notes, an HTML report, a PDF. Anything an AI agent publishes on your behalf — whamlink's API returns a clean permanent URL in one call, and links can be locked down.
FAQ
Is there a pastebin that renders Markdown or HTML?
whamlink renders Markdown and HTML (sandboxed) at a permanent link instead of showing source — plus PDFs and images. Free, no ads on your content.
Can I password-protect a paste?
whamlink links can be password-protected, private, or shared with specific email addresses — on the free tier, set at publish time or changed later.
More comparisons: vs Claude Artifacts · vs GitHub Gist & Pages · vs Pastebin · whamlink for AI agents