Uploading with FTP
What is FTP?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a way to transfer large files from one place to another, usually over the Internet. It's like Dropbox, but nerdier.
How do I use FTP to upload videos to Vimeo?
Only Vimeo PRO members can upload videos with FTP. If that's you, head to the Upload page from the menu or the Upload a Video button on your feed. You'll see "FTP" as an option under the "Other Ways to Upload" heading — click it, and a box will pop up with the FTP server address, your username, and a temporary password that will work for 48 hours (it's just as precious as your Vimeo login and password, so be sure to keep it secret). Enter that info into the FTP client of your choice, and you're ready to upload.
Who can upload using FTP?
FTP uploading is exclusive to Vimeo PRO members. Learn more about upgrading to Vimeo PRO.
What FTP client should I use?
Any client you'd like! If you're looking for a recommendation, our favorites are Transmit and Cyberduck for Mac, WinSCP and CoffeeCupFTP for PC, and FileZilla for Linux.
Does FTP uploading work the same as the normal Vimeo uploader?
Yes indeed! Once you upload a video via FTP, it will appear on your profile with your default upload settings, for you to edit to your heart's content.
Why would I upload via FTP?
Can I replace videos via FTP?
Not yet (look out for that in a future release). If you'd like to replace a video in the meantime, go to the video's Settings page, click to the Video File tab, click the Replace this video button, and select the new file.
Why do I need a new FTP password every 48 hours?
Because FTP authentication is separate from Vimeo authentication (and relies on a way older protocol), we want to make sure your videos remain safe. So the less time a password is valid, the better. Also, we want to keep robots from automatically uploading a bunch of boring videos.
I uploaded my video via FTP, why isn't it showing up on my Vimeo account?
Occasionally there will be a little delay while your video transfers from one server to another. This process may take longer if you're uploading a large file, but sit tight — we'll have the video up and running in your account shortly.
If the video you’re uploading exceeds your available quota, the file will not appear on your Vimeo account. You can check your quota usage on vimeo.com/upload under "Your Usage." If the file exceeds your quota, you’ll need to re-upload the video after your quota resets.
But please note: You cannot upload two files with the same name to Vimeo via FTP. If you want the same file to appear twice on your account, change the filename prior to uploading!
If the video you’re uploading exceeds your available quota, the file will not appear on your Vimeo account. You can check your quota usage on vimeo.com/upload under "Your Usage." If the file exceeds your quota, you’ll need to re-upload the video after your quota resets.
But please note: You cannot upload two files with the same name to Vimeo via FTP. If you want the same file to appear twice on your account, change the filename prior to uploading!
Why didn't my video process correctly after uploading via FTP?
Due to the ancient nature* of the FTP process, our server can't differentiate between a completed upload and a paused upload.
So, if you paused your upload or lost your Internet connection part-way through the uploading process, your account may be showing broken "pieces" of your transcoded file (the ones with rainbow-striped thumbnail images). You can delete these!
Once your video is 100% uploaded, it will display correctly in your account.
*Seriously, FTP has been around since the 70s!
So, if you paused your upload or lost your Internet connection part-way through the uploading process, your account may be showing broken "pieces" of your transcoded file (the ones with rainbow-striped thumbnail images). You can delete these!
Once your video is 100% uploaded, it will display correctly in your account.
*Seriously, FTP has been around since the 70s!
Why can't I delete or modify my files on the FTP server?
The FTP server is basically limbo, a place for your videos to temporarily hang out until they're ready to rock on your Vimeo profile. Video files are periodically wiped from our server (it's all temporary!), so there's nothing for you to delete or tweak there.
Can I upload videos using SFTP or FTPS?
Nope. Currently, we support only good ol' fashioned FTP.
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