Many authors create an eBook, upload it to their website, and start selling it. A few days later, they discover that customers are sharing the PDF with friends, posting it in online groups, or uploading it to file-sharing websites.
The problem is simple: once a customer downloads a normal PDF file, you lose control of it.
If you use Hostinger Website Builder to sell digital products, you may be looking for a way to protect your eBooks while still giving customers easy access.
This guide explains how to sell DRM-protected eBooks on Hostinger and how to use VeryDRM Content Security Platform to stop unauthorized sharing.
The Problem with Normal PDF Downloads
Most website builders allow you to upload PDF files or provide download links.
The customer buys the product and receives the file.
The problem is that the customer can:
|
Risk |
What Happens |
|
Share PDF files |
Send copies to friends |
|
Upload to websites |
Post the file online |
|
Email the file |
Distribute unlimited copies |
|
Print copies |
Create physical copies |
|
Remove ownership information |
Hard to track leaks |
|
Use forever |
No expiration control |
For authors, trainers, coaches, publishers, and educators, this can lead to lost sales.
Does Hostinger Support DRM-Protected eBooks?
Hostinger Website Builder supports digital products and external links.
Supported external services include:
|
Service Type |
Examples |
|
Cloud Storage |
Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox |
|
Video Hosting |
YouTube |
If your protected eBook is hosted on VeryDRM, you may want to provide a secure reading link instead of a downloadable PDF.
For example:
https://verydrm.com/r/AAAAA
Some users report that Hostinger accepts custom links, while others find that certain external URLs are not accepted.

If Hostinger does not accept your VeryDRM link directly, there are easy workarounds.
Solution 1: Use Google Drive as a Bridge
This is the easiest method.
Create a small PDF called:
Read-Me.pdf
Inside the PDF:
Thank you for your purchase.
Please click below link to access your protected eBook:
https://verydrm.com/r/AAAAA
Upload the PDF to Google Drive.
Then add the Google Drive sharing link to Hostinger.
Benefits
|
Benefit |
Description |
|
Works with Hostinger |
Uses an approved service |
|
Easy to set up |
No coding needed |
|
Keeps DRM protection |
Users still open content through VeryDRM |
|
Supports large files |
No upload size issues |
Solution 2: Use Dropbox or OneDrive
The same idea works with:
- Dropbox
- Microsoft OneDrive
Upload a small PDF that contains your VeryDRM reading link.
Customers receive the cloud storage link and then open the protected content.
This method is simple and works well for non-technical users.
Solution 3: Redirect Through Your Own Website
If you own a domain name, you can create a simple redirect page.
Example:
https://yourdomain.com/book
The page redirects visitors to:
https://verydrm.com/r/AAAAA
Example PHP code:
<?php
header(“Location: https://verydrm.com/r/AAAAA”);
exit;
?>
Advantages:
|
Advantage |
Description |
|
Professional |
Customers see your domain |
|
Flexible |
Change destinations anytime |
|
Easy migration |
Switch DRM systems later |
|
Better branding |
Keeps users inside your ecosystem |
Why DRM Is Better Than PDF Password Protection
Many people think PDF passwords are enough.
They are not.
After a user enters the password, the file can often be copied and shared.
Compare the differences:
|
Feature |
PDF Password |
VeryDRM |
|
Password Protection |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Prevent Sharing |
No |
Yes |
|
Device Locking |
No |
Yes |
|
Dynamic Watermarks |
No |
Yes |
|
Expiration Date |
Limited |
Yes |
|
Revoke Access |
No |
Yes |
|
Track Usage |
No |
Yes |
|
Browser Viewing |
No |
Yes |
|
Stop Downloads |
No |
Yes |
What Is VeryDRM Content Security Platform?
VeryDRM Content Security Platform helps authors, publishers, training companies, schools, and businesses protect digital content.
Instead of sending customers a PDF file, you give them secure access to the content.
The content remains under your control.
Main Features
|
Feature |
Benefit |
|
DRM Protection |
Stops unauthorized sharing |
|
Dynamic Watermarks |
Shows buyer information |
|
Device Locking |
Restricts access to approved devices |
|
Expiration Control |
Automatic content expiry |
|
Online Viewer |
Read without downloading |
|
Access Revocation |
Disable access anytime |
|
User Authentication |
Protects content from anonymous access |
|
Activity Tracking |
Monitor document usage |
Real Example
Imagine you sell a $99 eBook.
Without DRM:
- One customer buys it.
- The customer uploads the PDF to a forum.
- Hundreds of people download it for free.
With VeryDRM:
- Customer buys the eBook.
- Customer receives a protected reading link.
- Access is tied to that user.
- Watermarks identify the user.
- Access can expire after a defined period.
- Sharing the link does not automatically give access to others.
This greatly reduces unauthorized distribution.
Best Setup for Hostinger Users
For most Hostinger Website Builder users, the recommended setup is:
|
Step |
Action |
|
1 |
Upload your PDF to VeryDRM |
|
2 |
Generate a protected reading link |
|
3 |
Create a small Read-Me PDF |
|
4 |
Upload the PDF to Google Drive |
|
5 |
Add the Google Drive link to Hostinger |
|
6 |
Start selling securely |
This setup is simple, reliable, and requires very little technical knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sell protected eBooks with Hostinger?
Yes. You can use Hostinger digital products together with VeryDRM protected links.
2. Does Hostinger support custom DRM links?
It depends on how Hostinger validates external URLs. Testing is recommended.
3. What if Hostinger rejects my VeryDRM link?
Use Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or a redirect page on your own website.
4. Can users download the protected PDF?
You can configure VeryDRM to allow or block downloads.
5. Can I add my customer’s name as a watermark?
Yes. Dynamic watermarks can display user information on every page.
6. Can I stop customers from sharing content?
DRM significantly reduces unauthorized sharing by controlling access and devices.
7. Can I set an expiration date?
Yes. Access can expire after a date or a specific period.
8. Can I revoke access after a sale?
Yes. You can disable access at any time.
9. Is DRM useful for online courses?
Yes. Many trainers and course creators use DRM to protect training materials.
10. Can schools and universities use VeryDRM?
Yes. Educational organizations use it to protect course materials, manuals, and study guides.
11. Does VeryDRM work for PDF files only?
No. It can protect different types of digital content and online documents.
12. Can I use my own domain with VeryDRM?
Yes. Many businesses use their own branded URLs together with DRM-protected content.
Final Thoughts
Selling eBooks is easy. Protecting them is the difficult part.
If you simply upload a PDF file, anyone who receives it can potentially share it with others.
Using VeryDRM Content Security Platform gives you much more control over your content. You can protect eBooks, training materials, reports, manuals, and other digital products while still providing a good experience for paying customers.
For authors, publishers, educators, and content creators who want stronger protection than standard PDF downloads, VeryDRM is a practical solution that works well with Hostinger Website Builder and other eCommerce platforms.