Cloud Video Storage

What is cloud video storage?

Cloud video storage is the practice of keeping video files on remote, internet-connected servers run by a provider, instead of only on local drives. Files can be reached from any device, shared with others, and kept in a separate location from your studio. It covers everything from general file-sync services to raw object storage and purpose-built video platforms.

Why it matters

Video work is increasingly remote. Editors, colorists and clients are rarely in the same room, and cloud storage lets everyone work from the same files. It also provides an off-site copy, which is a core part of any serious backup strategy. But video is heavy. File sizes, upload times and transfer costs behave very differently from documents and photos, so choosing the wrong kind of cloud storage can be slow and expensive.

How it works

You upload files to a provider's data centers, where they are stored redundantly across multiple disks or locations. You then access them through an app, a browser, or a link. What matters for video:

• Upload bandwidth. Most connections upload far slower than they download. A 50GB master can take hours on a typical upload speed, so plan time for it.

• Storage tiers. Many providers offer hot tiers for instant access and cheaper cold tiers for files you rarely touch.

• Egress and transfer. Some services charge when data is downloaded, which adds up when clients pull large files repeatedly.

• Previews. General storage may not stream large or professional codecs smoothly, so viewers end up downloading just to watch.

• Retention and versioning. Check how long deleted files and previous versions are kept.

Common approaches

There are three broad types. General file storage such as Google Drive and Dropbox is familiar, syncs across devices and works well for collaboration and backup, though previews of large video files can be limited. Object storage from large cloud providers is flexible and scalable for archives and pipelines, but it is technical to set up and pricing involves storage, requests and egress. Video platforms such as Vimeo, Frame.io and client gallery tools are built around playback, review or delivery, typically transcoding uploads into streamable versions. Many studios combine them: one service for backup and archive, another for collaboration, and another for presenting work to clients.

How does DLVRD handle cloud video storage?

DLVRD stores uploaded media in the cloud for the purpose of delivering it to clients. Your original file is kept untouched, and DLVRD creates separate optimized copies for streaming, so clients can watch in the gallery and download the original. You keep ownership of your files and can delete them at any time. It is designed for delivery, so it works best alongside your own backup storage.