How Long Camera Keeps Footage

What Happens When Storage Is Full?

Ever wonder how long your security camera keeps its recordings? Whether you’re protecting a home or a business, knowing how long your footage is stored is key.

After all, you don’t want to realize too late that the video you need is already gone. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know in simple terms. So, grab your favorite drink, and let’s dive in!

What Is Security Camera Footage?

Let’s start with the basics. Security camera footage is the video your camera records and saves for later viewing. This can include anything from someone walking by your front door to a break-in attempt at your store.

How Footage Storage Works

Cameras don’t just record and forget. They either store footage on a hard drive, in the cloud, or on memory cards—depending on your setup. Once the storage is full, the oldest video usually gets deleted to make space for new recordings.

Types of Storage: Cloud vs. Local

There are two main ways footage is saved:

Cloud Storage

Stores your videos online
Usually managed by a subscription plan
Easy to access from anywhere

Local Storage

Uses a DVR, NVR, or SD card
Stored physically on-site
May need manual backups

Average Time Footage Is Kept

So how long is footage usually saved? It depends on your system, but here’s a quick look:

Home Security Systems: 7–30 days
Business Systems: 30–90 days
Banks/Government Buildings: 90+ days
Motion-Only Cameras: Varies, depending on movement

What Affects How Long Footage Lasts?

Several factors impact storage time:

Storage Space Size: Bigger drives = more footage
Video Quality: HD uses more space than standard
Recording Type: Continuous vs. motion-activated
Number of Cameras: More cameras = more storage needed

Camera Type Matters

Not all cameras store footage the same way. Here’s how different types compare:

Camera Type and Storage Duration

Analog Cameras: Storage depends on DVR capacity.

IP Cameras: Often use cloud or NVR storage.

Doorbell cams usually store footage for 7 to 30 days.

PTZ Cameras: Typically store based on motion detection.

Storage Capacity Explained.

Think of your camera’s storage like a backpack. The bigger it is, the more it can hold—but even big backpacks fill up eventually. A 1TB hard drive might store:

Standard quality: 3–4 weeks of footage
High quality (1080p+): 1–2 weeks

What Happens When Storage Is Full?

When full, most systems will:

Auto-delete old files (loop recording)
Send alerts (on some smart systems)
Stop recording (rare and risky!)

How to Extend Your Footage Storage

Want to keep footage longer? Here are a few tricks:

Lower the resolution (720p instead of 1080p)

Use motion detection only

Schedule recordings

Upgrade storage (bigger HDD or cloud plan)

Should You Keep Footage Longer?

It depends on your needs. Here's a quick cheat sheet:

Homeowners: 7–14 days is usually enough
Small Business: Aim for 30 days
High-Security Sites: 90 days or more
Legal Cases: Store until resolved

Laws and Legal Considerations

How long should you keep footage legally? Laws vary by country or state, but here's a general guide:

Home Use: No strict rules, but respect privacy
Business Use: 30–90 days is often standard
Workplace Monitoring: Must inform employees
Legal Requests: Footage must be preserved if requested

Best Practices for Managing Footage

Follow these simple rules:

Check your footage weekly
Back up important events
Keep software updated
Use strong passwords

How to Check Your Footage History

Most modern systems let you review past videos using

A connected monitor or TV
Mobile apps
Web-based software
Cloud dashboard (if subscribed)

Look for dates and times or use motion tags to jump to events.

Tips for Businesses

Use high-capacity storage (2TB+)
Keep a log of incidents
Create a backup plan
Train staff on how to use the system

Tips for Homeowners

Use cloud storage for easier access
Check footage weekly
Set cameras to motion-only to save space
Secure your Wi-Fi

Conclusion

Knowing how long your security camera keeps footage isn’t just about saving space—it’s about being prepared. Whether you’re guarding your home or running a business, making sure your video is there when you need it can make all the difference. So, review your system, adjust your settings, and stay ahead of any unexpected surprises.