As the world becomes increasingly dependent on smart home security systems, one question that often arises is: do Blink cameras store video? Blink, a popular brand of wireless home security cameras, offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for those looking to secure their homes. However, the question of video storage is a crucial one, as it can impact the overall effectiveness of the system.
Understanding Blink’s Cloud Storage
Blink cameras do store video, but not in the classical sense. Unlike traditional security cameras that store footage locally on a DVR or NVR, Blink cameras rely on cloud storage to save recorded video. This means that when motion is detected, the camera will record a short clip and upload it to Blink’s cloud servers.
How Does Blink’s Cloud Storage Work?
Blink’s cloud storage is a subscription-based service that allows users to store recorded video for a certain period. The length of time that video is stored depends on the subscription plan chosen. Blink offers two main plans: the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan.
- The Basic Plan is free and allows users to store video for up to 60 days.
- The Plus Plan, which costs $3 per month per camera, allows users to store video for up to 60 days, with the option to extend storage to 1 year for an additional fee.
Benefits of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience: Cloud storage eliminates the need for local storage devices, making it easier to manage and access recorded video.
- Scalability: Cloud storage can be easily scaled up or down, depending on the user’s needs.
- Security: Cloud storage provides an additional layer of security, as recorded video is stored off-site and can be accessed remotely.
Do Blink Cameras Store Video Locally?
While Blink cameras do store video in the cloud, they do not store video locally on the camera itself. This means that if the camera is damaged or stolen, any recorded video will not be lost.
Why Don’t Blink Cameras Store Video Locally?
There are several reasons why Blink cameras do not store video locally:
- Cost: Local storage devices, such as SD cards, can add significant cost to the camera.
- Security: Local storage devices can be vulnerable to tampering or theft.
- Convenience: Cloud storage provides a more convenient and scalable solution for storing recorded video.
What Happens if the Internet Connection is Lost?
If the internet connection is lost, the Blink camera will continue to record video, but it will not be able to upload it to the cloud. In this case, the video will be stored locally on the camera’s internal memory, which can hold up to 2 hours of footage. Once the internet connection is restored, the video will be uploaded to the cloud.
How to Access Recorded Video on Blink Cameras
Accessing recorded video on Blink cameras is easy and can be done through the Blink app. The app allows users to:
- View Live Footage: View live footage from any camera, at any time.
- View Recorded Video: View recorded video from any camera, at any time.
- Download Video: Download recorded video to a local device, such as a computer or smartphone.
How to Download Video from Blink Cameras
Downloading video from Blink cameras is a straightforward process. To download video, follow these steps:
- Open the Blink app and select the camera that recorded the video.
- Select the video clip that you want to download.
- Tap the “Download” button to download the video to your local device.
What Format is the Video Stored In?
Video recorded by Blink cameras is stored in MP4 format, which is a widely supported format that can be played on most devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Blink cameras do store video, but not in the classical sense. Instead, they rely on cloud storage to save recorded video. This provides a convenient, scalable, and secure solution for storing recorded video. While Blink cameras do not store video locally, they do provide a local storage option in the event of an internet connection loss. Accessing recorded video is easy and can be done through the Blink app.
Do Blink Cameras Store Video Locally?
Blink cameras do not store video locally on the device itself. Instead, they rely on cloud storage to save recorded footage. This means that if you want to access your recorded videos, you’ll need to do so through the Blink app or website, which connects to the cloud storage service.
The reason Blink cameras don’t store video locally is to keep the devices small, battery-efficient, and cost-effective. By offloading video storage to the cloud, Blink can focus on providing a compact and affordable security camera solution that’s easy to use and maintain.
How Long Does Blink Store Video in the Cloud?
The length of time that Blink stores video in the cloud depends on your subscription plan. If you have a free plan, your videos will be stored for a limited time, typically around 60 days. However, if you upgrade to a paid subscription, you can store videos for up to a year or more, depending on the specific plan you choose.
It’s worth noting that even if you have a paid subscription, Blink may still delete your videos after a certain period of time. This is to ensure that the cloud storage service remains efficient and cost-effective. However, you can always download your videos to a local device if you want to keep them for longer.
Can I Download Videos from Blink Cloud Storage?
Yes, you can download videos from Blink cloud storage. In fact, Blink allows you to download videos directly from the app or website. This is useful if you want to keep a copy of your videos locally or share them with others.
To download a video from Blink cloud storage, simply navigate to the video in question, click on the three dots next to it, and select “Download.” The video will then be saved to your device, where you can view it or share it as needed.
How Much Cloud Storage Does Blink Offer?
The amount of cloud storage that Blink offers depends on your subscription plan. If you have a free plan, you’ll get a limited amount of storage, typically around 7200 seconds (or 2 hours) of video. However, if you upgrade to a paid subscription, you can get up to 60,000 seconds (or 16.7 hours) of video storage or more, depending on the specific plan you choose.
It’s worth noting that Blink’s cloud storage is designed to be flexible and scalable. This means that you can always upgrade or downgrade your storage plan as needed, depending on your specific security camera needs.
Is Blink Cloud Storage Secure?
Yes, Blink cloud storage is secure. Blink uses a range of security measures to protect your videos, including encryption, secure servers, and access controls. This means that your videos are safe from unauthorized access and tampering.
In addition to these technical security measures, Blink also has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure that your data is handled responsibly. For example, Blink complies with relevant data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA.
Can I Use My Own Cloud Storage with Blink?
No, you cannot use your own cloud storage with Blink. Blink’s cloud storage service is designed to be a proprietary solution that’s tightly integrated with the Blink app and website. This means that you can only use Blink’s cloud storage service to store and access your videos.
While this may seem limiting, it’s actually a key part of what makes Blink’s security camera solution so easy to use and maintain. By providing a seamless and integrated cloud storage experience, Blink can focus on delivering a high-quality security camera solution that’s easy to use and affordable.
What Happens to My Videos if I Cancel My Blink Subscription?
If you cancel your Blink subscription, your videos will be deleted from the cloud storage service. This is because Blink’s cloud storage service is only available to active subscribers. However, you can always download your videos to a local device before canceling your subscription, if you want to keep them.
It’s worth noting that Blink may also delete your videos if you downgrade your subscription plan or if you exceed your storage limits. This is to ensure that the cloud storage service remains efficient and cost-effective. However, you can always contact Blink support if you have any questions or concerns about your videos.