This feature requires a paid plan.
If you have a paid Vimeo account, you can choose to store your source files--the original, non-transcoded video file--on Vimeo. This article explains how source file storage works and how to enable it.
In this article:
- What to know before enabling source file storage
- How to enable source file storage
- About downloading your source files
- Why can't I find or download my source file?
What to know before enabling source file storage
- This setting is not turned on by default. Once you upgrade to a paid subscription, you will need to turn it on manually and keep it on to maintain source file storage.
- Enabling this setting only applies to future uploads. It will not restore any source files for previous uploads that have already been removed.
- If your account lapses to Free or Basic, your source files may be deleted and may not be recoverable if you upgrade in the future.
How to enable source file storage
To start storing your source files on Vimeo:
- Go to your account settings and navigate to the Videos tab.
- Under Upload Defaults, locate the "Video preferences" section.
- Check the box next to Keep source video files.
- Select Save.
- Once that's done, your source files will be stored on any uploads you make going forward.
About downloading your source files
- If you've enabled storage of your source file, you can download them from Vimeo.
- If you allow viewers to download your videos, they can also download your source file in addition to any transcoded versions (1080p, etc.).
- The transcoded versions of your videos are often smaller than your source files, though the quality is not noticeably different. To minimize download time and file size without sacrificing quality, advise your viewers to download the available HD versions.
- As a best practice, we recommend keeping your own independent backups. This ensures you always have access to your files, even if they're removed from Vimeo in the future due to lapsing or turning source file storage off.
Why can't I find or download my source file?
There are a few possible reasons why your source file may not be on Vimeo:
- Your source file will not be stored on Vimeo if you are on a Free or Basic plan, or if you have a paid subscription but haven't enabled source file storage in your account settings as described above.
- You also must maintain your paid subscription to keep your source files. If your paid subscription ends or the setting is turned off, your source files may be deleted and may not be recoverable if you upgrade again later.
- Any source files uploaded via an API pull application (including but not limited to Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, a custom app, etc.) before September 2016 cannot be downloaded, regardless of whether you've enabled the setting in your video preferences.