What type of storage is best for editing 4K video footage?

For active 4K editing, NVMe SSDs are the best choice due to their read speeds exceeding 400-500 MB/s. Internal drives like the Samsung 990 PRO or external SSDs like the Samsung T7 Shield provide the performance needed for smooth playback without dropped frames. NAS storage with 10GbE networking also works well for team environments.

How much storage do I need as a video creator?

Storage needs grow quickly. A single hour of 4K footage can consume 100GB or more depending on your codec. Plan for at least 2-4TB of fast storage for active projects, plus additional high-capacity drives for archiving. Most professional workflows use a tiered approach with multiple drives serving different purposes.

What's the difference between NAS storage and external drives for video editing?

NAS storage is a centralized network device that multiple users can access simultaneously, ideal for teams and long-term archiving with RAID protection. External drives are portable, affordable, and connect directly to your computer, perfect for solo creators and on-location work. NAS requires higher upfront investment but offers better scalability and collaboration features.

Should I use SSD or HDD for video editing and archiving?

Use SSDs for active editing projects where speed is critical. Their fast read/write speeds enable smooth 4K playback and responsive editing. Use HDDs for archiving finished projects and long-term backup, where capacity and cost-per-gigabyte matter more than speed. Most professionals use both in a tiered storage strategy.

What is the 3-2-1 backup rule for video creators?

The 3-2-1 backup rule means maintaining three copies of important data, on two different types of media, with one copy stored off-site. For video creators, this typically means your working drive, a backup drive (NAS or external), and cloud or off-site storage. This redundancy protects against drive failure and data loss.

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The Complete Guide to Storage Options for Video Creators in 2025

18 Dec,2025 Tips & Tricks 9 Minutes