Techniques related to view-based expiration of shared content are described. An online content management system receives a view access request from a client device. The view access request includes a shared link to a server-stored content item. A view access counter associated with the shared link is used to determine that the view access request is authorized. The shared link is resolved to the server-stored content item, and at least a portion of the server-stored content item is sent to the client device. Optionally, instructions that cause the client device to send an acknowledgement can also be sent to the client device. The acknowledgement indicates that one or more presentation conditions have been satisfied. The one or more presentation conditions can include presenting at least the portion of the server-stored content item at the client device. The online content management system receives the acknowledgement and increments the view access counter.