How to back up your own uploads

Updated 25 October 2026

Accounts get locked, platforms shut down and old laptops die. If the only copy of your video, podcast episode or photo lives on someone else's site, it's worth keeping one of your own. Here's how to do it with VidNabbit in a minute or two.

Check the platform's own export first

Many sites let you download your original files or request an archive of your account. If that's available, use it: it often gives you the exact file you uploaded. VidNabbit is handy when there's no export, when it's slow, or when you only need a few items.

Back up a public upload, step by step

1. Open your post and make sure it's public. Tip: open the link in a private browser window. If it plays without signing in, VidNabbit can usually read it.
2. Copy the page address from the address bar or the platform's Share button.
3. Paste it into VidNabbit and press Nab it.
4. Pick Best for a master copy (up to 4K where your upload has it), or MP3 / M4A for audio-only posts.
5. Download the file. The link works for about 1 hour, then the file is deleted from our side.

Private, unlisted or members-only posts

VidNabbit never asks for your password or cookies, so it can't see posts that need you to sign in. For those, use the platform's own download or export tool while signed in.

Keep your backup safe

• Name files clearly, for example 2026-10-25 product launch.mp4, so they sort by date.
• Keep a note of the source link and the date you posted it, in the file name or a simple spreadsheet.
• Follow the 3-2-1 idea: three copies, on two kinds of storage, with one kept somewhere else (for example a computer, an external drive and a cloud folder).

What quality will I get?

The best VidNabbit can offer is the best the platform still serves, which may be lower than the file you originally uploaded if the platform compressed it. That's another reason to keep your originals when you can. See formats and quality.

Keep reading

• Download Creative Commons videos: Find openly licensed videos, check the licence and credit the creator.
• MP4 vs MP3 (and M4A): Which format to pick for video, music, podcasts and lectures.
• Is it legal to download videos?: A plain-English overview of when saving media is usually fine, and when it isn't.
• Formats and quality: every option VidNabbit offers, explained.
• FAQ: quick answers about limits, privacy and refused links.

Ready? Paste a link and nab it.