Cloud backup

What it means

Cloud backup means storing copies of your files on a remote service such as Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, Backblaze or a camera maker's own cloud. If a card fails, a laptop is stolen or a drive dies, the footage still exists somewhere else.

Video is the hardest data to back up because of its size. One action camera can record tens of gigabytes in a day, and a season of raw footage can reach terabytes. The common professional rule is 3-2-1: three copies, on two different kinds of storage, with one copy off-site, and the cloud is the easiest way to keep that off-site copy.

How it works in practice

Offload cards the same day. Copy to a laptop or drive formatted as exFAT for large files, then start the cloud upload overnight on a good connection. Do not format the card until at least two copies exist.

Some camera subscriptions, such as GoPro's, include automatic cloud backup from the phone app or when the camera charges on Wi-Fi. Check whether they store full-quality originals or compressed copies.

Keep the originals, not just exports. A finished edit is useful, but originals let you re-edit later. Keep folders organized by date and place, and include every part of chaptered recordings.

What to watch out for

Sync is not backup. If a sync service mirrors your folder, deleting a file locally can delete it in the cloud too. Use services with version history or true backup modes.

Upload speed limits everything. Hundreds of gigabytes on a slow home connection can take days, so plan to back up selectively or upload over time.

Check privacy settings. Shared folders and public links are easy to create by accident; footage of friends or private places should stay private. Some phone apps upload a recompressed copy, not the original, so always check file sizes after upload.