The Safest Way to Back Up Old Home Movies (Whatever They’re On)

In this guide we’ll show you a simple plan to back up your home movies, no matter what format they’re on, so future-you doesn’t have to worry about losing them.

Step 1: Get everything into proper digital files

Old formats like VHS, MiniDV and DVD are just containers. To keep things safe long-term, you want your memories as standard digital files:

• MP4 for video (plays on almost anything).
• JPEG or TIFF for photos and slides.
• MP3 or WAV for audio recordings.

You can attempt this at home with capture devices and scanners, or you can use a professional service that converts everything in one go. If you’d like help, our What we convert page explains the formats we handle in-house.

Step 2: Follow the “3-2-1” backup rule

A simple way to think about backing up your memories is the classic IT rule: 3 copies, 2 locations, 1 off-site.

Three copies

• One “working” copy on a computer or laptop.
• One copy on an external hard drive or USB kept somewhere safe.
• One copy online in a secure cloud account.

Two locations

Don’t keep every copy in the same room. Fire, theft or leaks don’t happen often, but if they do, you don’t want every version in harm’s way.

One off-site

Store at least one copy in a completely different place – for example at a family member’s house or in the cloud.

Step 3: Choose your cloud backup wisely

Most people already have access to some kind of cloud storage through:

• Google Drive / Google Photos
• Apple iCloud
• Microsoft OneDrive
• Dropbox or similar services

Whatever you pick, make sure:

• You know how to log in and restore files if needed.
• At least one other trusted person knows where the account details are stored.
• You keep the folder structure simple – for example “Home Movies → Year → Event”.

Step 4: Share the responsibility

Memories shouldn’t rely on just one person’s hard drive. Once your films are digitised:

• Give copies to children, siblings or close friends.
• Explain what’s on them – short text files in each folder can help.
• Ask one other person to keep a full backup in their own cloud or on their own drive.

Think of it as “spreading the risk” around the family.

What about the original tapes and reels?

Professional archives like the BFI and British Library store film and tape in carefully controlled cold, dry conditions. But most homes can’t realistically do that, so once you’ve created good digital copies, treat the originals as keepsakes rather than backups.

Store them somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight. Avoid lofts that get very hot in summer or damp garages.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the formats?

If you’re staring at a mix of VHS, Hi8, MiniDV, cine reels, DVDs and photo slides, it can be hard to know where to start. A sensible order is:

1. Anything very old (cine film, early VHS).
2. Anything physically damaged or mouldy.
3. Anything irreplaceable – weddings, relatives who have passed away.

Converting the most fragile and important items first gives you peace of mind while you work through the rest.