Storing Your Vlog Footage Effectively: Strategies Tools for Vloggers
Vlogging is a popular content creation method that has seen tremendous growth in recent years. However, managing and storing the large amounts of footage can be a challenge. Here, we explore the various storage options available to vloggers, from traditional methods to modern technologies, to help ensure your footage is safe and accessible whenever you need it.
Introduction to Vlog Footage Storage
Vloggers typically store their footage using a combination of methods tailored to their workflow and content volume. The choice of storage depends on factors such as the amount of footage generated, accessibility from multiple devices, and the need for redundancy. In this article, we will explore the best practices and tools for vloggers to efficiently manage their video content.
Common Storage Methods for Vlog Footage
There are several popular methods that vloggers use to store their footage. These include:
External Hard Drives
External hard drives are a reliable and cost-effective solution for storing a large amount of footage. They offer ample space and can easily be transported, making them an ideal choice for vloggers who need to access their footage on the go. However, they are susceptible to physical damage and should be handled with care.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud provide an accessible and flexible way to store vlog footage. These services are convenient as they allow easy access from multiple devices and protect against data loss due to hardware failure. However, they may come with storage limits and costs, which can increase as the amount of footage grows.
Internal Hard Drives
Storing footage directly on a vlogger's computer is a straightforward option, but it can quickly fill up available space. To mitigate this, many vloggers back up their footage externally or in the cloud. This ensures that their content is not lost due to a full internal drive.
NAS Network Attached Storage
NAS systems are particularly useful for vloggers who generate a large volume of footage. A NAS provides a centralized storage solution that multiple devices can access over a network, making it easier to manage large volumes of content. NAS systems often come with features such as expandable storage and advanced user management, making them a robust choice for larger content creators.
SD Cards
Initially, many vloggers start by keeping their footage on SD cards used in their cameras. These are cost-effective and easy to use, especially for quick shoots. However, SD cards are generally used for temporary storage before the footage is moved to more permanent storage options for long-term use.
Personalised Storage Strategy for Vloggers
As a vlogger, photographer, and travel vlogger, I employ a comprehensive strategy to manage my footage. My current setup includes a combination of SD cards, a Macbook, a portable 1TB hard drive, a NAS, and a cloud backup service. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my data flow:
SD Cards and Macbook
I use multiple SD cards for both camera and drone, with each card ranging from 32 to 64GB. I shoot 1080 HD videos and operate on a workflow of moving the data to my Macbook. After the data is moved, I delete files from the SD cards and reformat them when they are returned to the camera. This keeps my SD cards clean and ready for my next shoot.
Portable 1TB Hard Drive and NAS
When I am on the road, I back up the files from my Macbook to a portable 1TB hard drive. This ensures that my footage is safely stored in a physical format. Once I return home, I move the files to a NAS, which acts as a personal cloud service. This NAS setup provides me with a no-fee solution and numerous benefits, such as easy access and centralized management of my content.
Cloud Backup Service
I also implement a regular backup of my NAS to a cloud service. This ensures that my footage is protected against data loss due to hardware failure or other unforeseen circumstances. The NAS acts as a personal cloud service with no monthly fees, making it a cost-effective option for managing my content.
Editing Workflow
For editing, I have adapted my workflow to be consistent whether I am on the road or at home. When editing on the road, I edit directly on my Macbook and then sync the files to the NAS once I return home. At home, I edit directly from the files stored on the NAS. The NAS acts as a central repository that serves as the primary storage for my footage, with regular backups to the cloud service.
Backup Strategies for Vlog Footage
Given the importance of safeguarding your content, a thorough backup strategy is crucial. As a vlogger, I have devised a backup plan that involves using a combination of external hard drives and cloud storage services to ensure that my footage is always safe and accessible. This strategy includes:
Primary Data Storage on an External Hard Drive
I use a 2TB hard drive as my primary data storage for my vlog footage. This drive is capable of lasting me for about 2 years, given my shooting frequency of 1-2 videos per week. To create redundancy, I plan to purchase another 2TB hard drive and implement a weekly backup system. This means that my primary data is stored on the first hard drive, and a weekly backup of the data is made on the second hard drive. If the first drive fails, the second one will still contain all the footage from the previous week, thus providing a safety net.
Cost-Effective Solutions
The current cost of a 2TB hard drive is under $100, making this first and second drive setup very cost-effective. The total cost for this setup is under $200, which is a reasonable investment to ensure the safety of your vlog footage. This setup is sustainable for about 2 years, given the frequency of my videos.
In conclusion, managing your vlog footage effectively is essential for any serious content creator. By using a combination of physical storage options, such as external hard drives and NAS systems, as well as cloud storage, you can ensure that your content is safe, accessible, and easy to manage. Implementing a backup strategy is also crucial to protect your footage against data loss due to hardware failure.