Choose storage for WildKite
Pick where your media should live before you connect WildKite: Cloudflare R2 by default, Backblaze B2 as the main alternative, MinIO if you can run storage yourself, or an existing cloud account you already use.
Before you start
- A rough idea of how many audio or video files you want to keep.
- Files you are allowed to store and play.
- Whether you want the easiest hosted option, an account you already have, or storage you run yourself.
You will finish with
- A clear default for where to put your files.
- A simple reason to pick R2, B2, MinIO, or a cloud account you already use.
- Confidence that you do not have to choose perfectly today.
Start with a default, not a list of providers
You do not need to compare every provider to get started. WildKite keeps your files in your own cloud bucket, and the only real question right now is where that bucket should be.
For most people the practical default is Cloudflare R2. The main alternative is Backblaze B2. Choose MinIO if you can run storage yourself, and reach for AWS S3, Aliyun OSS, Tencent COS, or Qiniu Kodo only when you already have that account.
Which to pick
| Priority | Choose | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default | Cloudflare R2 | Most new users who want the easiest start. | Clear setup and a useful free storage allowance; reading your files directly from R2 is not charged as extra traffic (as of June 2026 — confirm current prices and limits with the provider). |
| Strong alternative | Backblaze B2 | People who already trust Backblaze, or have a large archive where the storage price matters most. | A low published storage price (as of June 2026 — confirm current prices and limits with the provider). |
| Advanced | MinIO | People with a home server, NAS, or company hardware they are happy to maintain. | Full control, but uptime, backups, security, and upgrades are on you. |
| Other | AWS S3, Aliyun OSS, Tencent COS, Qiniu Kodo, or another S3-compatible service | People who already have that account set up. | Works fine, but it is rarely the easiest place to start for personal media. |
R2 vs B2 in plain terms
| Your situation | Start with | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| You want the simplest first setup. | Cloudflare R2 | The setup steps and free allowance are easy to follow. |
| You mostly store a big archive and play it lightly. | Backblaze B2 | When stored size matters more than how often you play, B2's storage price is attractive. |
| You expect a lot of playback, sharing, or downloads. | Cloudflare R2 | Reading your files directly is not charged as extra traffic, so the bill is easier to predict. |
| You already use Backblaze and trust that account. | Backblaze B2 | Stick with what you already manage and connect it to WildKite. |
| You are not sure. | Cloudflare R2 | Pick the easiest path now; you can always move later. |
When NOT to start with AWS or a regional cloud
AWS S3, Aliyun OSS, Tencent COS, and Qiniu Kodo are all fine choices. They are just rarely the easiest place to begin.
They make sense when the account is already part of your life: your company pays the bill, your data has to stay in a certain region, you already have free credit from the provider, or your team already knows the service well.
- Do not pick AWS S3 just because it is famous. It shines inside a company setup, but for personal media the bill can be harder to predict.
- Do not pick a provider just for a promo price. The normal price after the promo ends is what you will actually live with.
- Do not commit any provider to a large library before testing it with a few real files first.
Want to estimate size and cost first?
If you are about to move a large library and want to know roughly how big it is and what the monthly bill might be, read the companion guide on storage cost and capacity before you commit. It walks through estimating your library size, what drives the bill, and a quick test to run before you move everything.
Questions
Is AWS S3 OK to use?
Yes. If you already have AWS set up, S3 works well with WildKite. It is just not the easiest default if you are starting from scratch.
Can I switch providers later?
Yes. Start simple, and if real usage shows another provider fits better, you can move your files there. You are not locked in.
Do I have to pick perfectly now?
No. Cloudflare R2 is a safe default for almost everyone. Get your files playing first, then change your mind later if you need to.