Back in 2004, receiving a Gmail invite was a big deal due to the ample storage it offered - a whole gigabyte! Nowadays, while Google and its competitors provide more free storage, reaching the paid tier is still effortless. However, a proof of concept code by DvorakDwarf suggests that YouTube can be used as an infinite cloud storage medium. The code encodes binary files into video files, which are then uploaded to the video sharing service. This is not a novel concept as similar boxes existed in the 16-bit era that could perform the same function with a VHS video recorder. Nonetheless, this code appears to deliver on its promise for now. To evade YouTube's compression algorithm, the code avoids RGB colour and instead employs black and white pixels. Additionally, each displayed pixel in the video is composed of a block of actual pixels. The resulting video is approximately four times larger than the original file and appears as noise on the screen. While it is open to interpretation whether this violates YouTube's terms of service, the site could likely detect such uploads and use a more robust compression algorithm to corrupt them. Alternatively, one could hide important data in podcast episodes.
Cloud storage has become an essential part of our daily lives. We use it to store our photos, documents, music, and videos, among other things. While Google and its competitors offer ample free storage, it is relatively easy to hit the paid tier, prompting some to seek out alternatives. One such alternative is YouTube, which offers unlimited storage for videos. However, a proof of concept code by DvorakDwarf suggests that YouTube can be used as an infinite cloud storage medium for all sorts of files.
The concept is not entirely new, as similar devices existed in the 16-bit era that used VHS video recorders to encode binary files into video files. However, the DvorakDwarf code takes this a step further by using YouTube as the medium. The code works by encoding binary files into black and white pixel blocks and then converting them into video files, which can be uploaded to YouTube. The resulting video appears as noise on the screen and is roughly four times larger than the original file.
While the concept is intriguing, it is unclear whether using YouTube as a cloud storage medium violates the site's terms of service. YouTube could likely detect these uploads and apply a more robust compression algorithm, which could corrupt the files. Additionally, relying on YouTube for storing important data comes with some risks. YouTube is a video-sharing platform, and its primary function is not cloud storage. Therefore, using it as such may not be the most reliable option.
Despite these concerns, the concept of using YouTube as a cloud storage medium is fascinating. It highlights the endless possibilities that arise from our ever-evolving technological landscape. As we continue to seek out innovative solutions to store and manage our data, it will be exciting to see what the future holds.
In conclusion, the DvorakDwarf proof of concept code demonstrates the potential for using YouTube as an infinite cloud storage medium. However, while it is an intriguing concept, it may not be the most reliable option, and it may violate YouTube's terms of service. Nonetheless, it serves as a reminder of the boundless opportunities that technology provides and the endless possibilities for innovation.
WHITE PAPER
Abstract: With the rapid growth of digital data, storing and managing data has become a critical issue for individuals and organizations alike. While several cloud storage solutions are available, many users find themselves bumping up against data limits, which can be frustrating and costly. This whitepaper explores using YouTube as an infinite cloud storage medium, highlighting its potential benefits and discussing a technique to achieve it.
Introduction: YouTube is primarily known as a video-sharing platform that allows users to upload, watch, and share videos. However, its massive storage capacity and the ability to upload videos of up to 12 hours in length have made it a prime candidate for storing large files, including those that are not videos. This whitepaper aims to explore the feasibility of using YouTube as an infinite cloud storage medium, discuss the potential benefits and limitations of this approach, and provide a technique to achieve it.
Technique: The technique for using YouTube as an infinite cloud storage medium involves encoding binary files into video files, which are then uploaded to YouTube. The encoding process involves converting each byte of the binary file into a black or white pixel block, with each block representing a single bit. The resulting image is then saved as a video file, with each frame representing a byte of the original binary file.
To make the video appear as noise on the screen, the code converts the RGB colour to black and white pixels. Additionally, each displayed pixel in the video is made of a block of actual pixels, resulting in a video that is approximately four times larger than the original file. This technique is highly effective at concealing the data in the video, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access it.
Benefits and Limitations: Using YouTube as an infinite cloud storage medium offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides an unlimited storage capacity, making it ideal for storing large files. Secondly, it is free to use, which is a significant advantage over other cloud storage solutions that may charge fees for larger storage capacity. Thirdly, it provides a secure method for storing data, as YouTube employs sophisticated security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
However, there are also several limitations to consider. Firstly, it is unclear whether using YouTube in this manner violates the site's terms of service, which could result in the account being suspended or terminated. Secondly, YouTube may detect these uploads and apply a more robust compression algorithm, which could corrupt the files. Finally, relying on YouTube for storing important data comes with some risks, as the platform's primary function is not cloud storage.
Conclusion: Using YouTube as an infinite cloud storage medium offers a creative and cost-effective solution to store large files. While there are potential limitations, the technique discussed in this whitepaper provides a secure method to store data and highlights the endless possibilities that technology provides. As technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what innovative solutions are developed to address our data storage needs.
AKA ISG (written entirely in Rust my beloved) lets you embed files into video and upload them to youtube as storage. This video is a demo of the program. Try the program on the video to see what files are inside (no it's not just a rick roll)
Github page: https://github.com/DvorakDwarf/Infinite-Storage-Glitch
But is this against YouTube TOS ?
I doubt there's a part of the TOS that says you can't upload videos that contain files, but I also don't speak legalese. Depending on the interpretation of "Autogenerated content that computers post without regard for quality or viewer experience" from community guidelines this could be a violation. The TOS also mention circumventing the service which this tool probably does. I don't advise using this tool for anything serious/large. YouTube might understandably get mad, even though the videos might be private. Treat this less like the next dropbox and more like a "party trick".
FUN INFO:
Default settings (black and white, 2px pixels, 720p, 30fps) produces videos that are about 3.5-4 times as large as the source file. Color videos are very efficient but they don't survive YouTube compression as well as black and white. Although you can fit way more by compressing the pixels, be advised that at some point your video would be rendered useless outside of the proper 1 to 1 pixel to bit ratio and compressing algorithm.