Estimate how much space you need
Add up the size of your current video folder, then estimate how much you add each month. Multiply that by 24 to see roughly where you will be in two years.
Choose a plan that fits that two-year figure with some room to spare. Upgrading later is fine, but running out of space quietly stops new backups, which is the real danger.
Compare the true yearly cost
Look at the yearly price, not just the monthly one, and check what happens if you stop paying. Some services give a grace period before files are removed; others limit you to read-only access.
Watch for extras such as charges to download large amounts or limits on file size. Prices and terms change, so read the current plan page of each service before you commit.
Check recovery and version history
For an archive, the most important feature is getting files back after a mistake. Look for how long deleted files stay in the bin and whether earlier versions of a file are kept.
This protects you if you delete a folder by accident or if a device syncs a damaged file over a good one.
Privacy, sharing and leaving
Check whether you can turn on two-step login, and whether shared links can be set to expire or need a password. Family videos and client work deserve those controls.
Finally, make sure you can download your whole archive in bulk if you ever switch services. A service that is easy to join but hard to leave is a risk for files you want to keep for decades.
Frequently asked questions
Is free cloud storage good enough for an archive?
Free tiers are fine for testing and for small collections of finished videos. For a growing library, a paid plan usually gives the space and recovery features an archive needs.
Should I use two cloud services?
It can add safety, but for most people one cloud service plus an offline external drive is simpler and covers the main risks.