Facebook allows you to download a copy of your Facebook data for your own records. This includes your posts, photos, videos, comments, likes, friends list, messages, ads, and more. Once you’ve downloaded your Facebook data, you may want to upload it elsewhere for safekeeping or analysis. Here are the main ways you can upload a copy of your Facebook information after downloading it.
Upload to Google Drive or Other Cloud Storage
One of the easiest ways to upload your Facebook data is to a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, or iCloud. The benefit of using cloud storage is that your data will be saved securely online and accessible from any device.
To upload to Google Drive:
- Go to drive.google.com and log into your Google account.
- Click New and select File Upload.
- Find the Facebook data folder on your computer and upload it.
- The folder will now be saved in your Google Drive.
You can then access your Facebook information from Google Drive on your phone, tablet, or any computer. Other cloud services like Dropbox work similarly for uploading and accessing your data.
Transfer to External Hard Drive
Another option is to transfer your Facebook data to an external hard drive for offline storage. Here’s how:
- Connect your external hard drive to your computer via USB.
- Locate the Facebook data folder and copy it.
- Paste the folder into your external hard drive.
- Eject the hard drive once the transfer is complete.
Storing your data on an external hard drive allows you to access it at any time without an internet connection. However, external hard drives are more prone to physical damage compared to cloud storage. Be sure to backup your external drive regularly.
Upload to a Digital Archive Website
Some websites offer digital archiving services where you can upload personal data for long term storage. For example:
- ArchiveSocial.com – specialized for social media archives
- ArchiveBox.io – open source self-hosted archiving
- Memories.digital – paid lifetime archives
These sites act as personal data vaults where you can securely store copies of your Facebook data online. When uploading, your archive will be encrypted and stored on redundant servers for safety. You’re able to access and search your Facebook archive anytime.
Uploading to a specialized archive site provides an extra layer of redundancy if you ever lose access to your original Facebook data. However, you’ll want to ensure the site you use is reputable and committed to privacy.
Import Into Social Media Management Tools
Social media management platforms like Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Buffer allow you to analyze your Facebook data to see key insights. You may want to import a copy of your Facebook information to:
- Run detailed analytics on your Facebook activity.
- See historical trends and engagement.
- Track mentions, keywords, and hashtags.
- Compare Facebook against other social profiles.
Here’s how to import your Facebook data into Hootsuite as an example:
- Log into your Hootsuite dashboard and click the More icon.
- Select Import Data and choose Facebook Profile.
- Follow the instructions to connect your Facebook account.
- Once connected, select Import Profile Data.
- Hootsuite will then upload and process your Facebook archive.
The major benefit of uploading to social management platforms is being able to leverage your Facebook data for social media growth. Just be aware they will have access to your personal data.
Upload to Website Hosting
If you have website hosting, you can upload your Facebook archive to the server for online storage. Options include:
- FTP client – Upload via file transfer protocol program.
- cPanel – Use file manager in your hosting control panel.
- SFTP client – Secure FTP client or plugin for sites like WordPress.
- Web hosting apps – Some hosts provide upload apps.
The process will vary depending on your web host and how they allow file uploads. Generally, you’ll navigate to your hosting account, access the file manager, and upload your Facebook folder to the server.
Storing your Facebook data on your own hosting provides reliable long term storage. But you’ll need to download it again if you switch web hosts in the future.
Self-Hosted Data Archive
For complete control over your Facebook archive, you can use open source tools to create your own private data archive. Options include:
- Nextcloud – Open source data server to host files.
- ArchiveBox – Self-hosted archive tool for personal data.
- Piwigo – Photo gallery software to browse your pics & videos.
To use these self-hosted tools:
- Set up the tool on a server or Raspberry Pi you control.
- Create user accounts and configure security.
- Upload your Facebook folder via the admin dashboard.
- Manage your archive from any device.
Self-hosting requires more technical setup but gives you full privacy and customization. It also allows you to integrate your Facebook data with other archives.
Use Productivity Tools
For personal use, you may want to import parts of your Facebook data into other apps for productivity. Options include:
- Photos – Import into photo management apps like Google Photos or Adobe Lightroom.
- Videos – Upload to video editors like Apple iMovie or Wave.video.
- Calendar – Sync Facebook events into Google Calendar or Apple iCalendar.
- Groups – Access your Facebook groups in group management tools.
- Networks – Visualize Facebook friends in a relationship manager app.
The benefit of uploading to specialized tools is to make your Facebook data more useful. Be selective about which apps you really need access.
Conclusion
Uploading your Facebook data archive gives you multiple ways to store, access, and leverage your personal information. Cloud backup, external drives, digital archives, social media tools, web hosting, self-hosted servers, and productivity apps all provide different benefits.
Consider which options meet your specific needs in terms of:
- Privacy and security
- Accessibility and portability
- Backup reliability and redundancy
- Ongoing utility and integration
- Technical requirements and skill
Ideally, use a combination of storage methods. For example, cloud storage for 24/7 online access plus local backup on an external drive. Or self-hosted archive for control with offsite cloud mirroring for redundancy.
Uploading and managing your Facebook information does require some time and effort. But gives you vital data ownership as well as the flexibility to leverage your personal archive in useful ways over the long term.
Why Download Facebook Data
Here are some key reasons why you may want to download and upload your Facebook data:
- Have your own copy if Facebook is ever breached, hacked, or accidentally loses data.
- Review your Facebook history including forgotten posts, photos, ads, and interactions.
- Manage your digital legacy and online identity.
- Track how Facebook has evolved over time.
- Identify harmful interactions or online threats.
- Conduct personal data analysis for insights.
- Preserve important life memories and events.
- Revisit past connections and conversations.
- Access data if account is disabled or deleted.
In essence, having your own Facebook archive gives you both control over your personal information as well as the ability to rediscover who you were online.
What’s In Your Facebook Data
When you download your information from Facebook, it will be provided in a ZIP folder containing HTML and JSON files. This archive can include:
- Profile info – Name, bio, phone, email, gender, networks, job history.
- Friends – Full friends list and friend requests.
- Followers – Pages and people who follow you.
- Messages – Private messages, group messages, and conversations.
- Feed – All posts, reactions, comments, and shares.
- Photos – Albums, uploaded photos, and tagged photos.
- Videos – Videos posted and videos you’re tagged in.
- Events – Events you created, were invited to, or planned to attend.
- Groups – All public and private groups.
- Marketplace – Your Marketplace activity.
- Pages – Pages you administer and pages you like/follow.
- Payments – Payment history.
- Ads – Ads clicked on or shown.
- Locations – Location check-ins and geo-tags.
- Search History – Record of searches conducted.
- Saved Items – Bookmarks, listings, places, etc.
- Apps and Websites – Connected apps andsites.
- Logins – Devices and sessions used to access Facebook.
Not all this data may be included depending on your account settings. But the majority of your Facebook activity will be in the downloaded archive.
How to Download Facebook Data
Downloading your Facebook information only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps:
- Go to Facebook.com and click on the down arrow at top right.
- Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
- Click on Your Facebook Information in left menu.
- Choose View next to Download Your Information.
- Click on Create File to confirm request.
- You’ll get an email when the download is ready, usually within 15 minutes to an hour.
- Go back to Your Facebook Information and click on Available Copies.
- Click Download to get the ZIP file of your Facebook data.
Facebook allows you to download a new copy of your data every few days. Request your archive periodically as a way of backing up your Facebook presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions around uploading Facebook data:
Is Facebook data download safe?
Yes, downloading your Facebook information is completely safe and does not affect your account. Facebook provides this to comply with data protection regulations and enable users to port their data.
What format is Facebook data in?
Facebook provides your downloaded data as a ZIP file containing HTML, JSON, PDF, PNG, and JPEG files. It uses structured data formats for easier analysis and access.
How big is my Facebook data file?
The size of your Facebook download depends on your account activity but is usually 50MB to 1GB. Very active users can have up to 5GB of Facebook data. The more content you have, the larger the file.
How far back does Facebook data go?
Facebook includes all your account history in the downloaded data with no cut-off date. It may have posts, photos, and other content since the date you joined Facebook.
Can I upload Facebook data to new account?
No, you cannot directly upload downloaded Facebook information into a new or separate Facebook account. You can only use it for your own records or upload to other non-Facebook platforms.
Is my data still on Facebook after downloading?
Yes, downloading a copy of your Facebook data does not remove anything from your account. It just gives you a personal archive while the data remains in Facebook’s systems.
Are my private messages included?
In most cases, your private Facebook messages will be included in the downloaded data unless you have specifically excluded them in settings. Group messages are included as well.
Can I edit info before uploading?
The Facebook data is provided in a read-only format that cannot be edited directly. However, you can use apps to view, edit and manage parts of your archive after downloading it.
Who owns my Facebook data?
While Facebook hosts and has access to your data, you still own and control your personal information. Downloading it provides a copy for your own use while it remains visible to Facebook.
Conclusion
Uploading a copy of your Facebook data enables you to independently store, manage, and reference your personal information. Cloud services provide anywhere access while external drives offer local backups. Or you can get full control by self-hosting your Facebook archive using open source tools.
Consider your options and needs when deciding where to upload your Facebook data. Proper storage provides vital redundancy if you ever lose access to the original account while also enabling you to leverage your information in useful ways. Just be thoughtful about which third-party services gain access.
Regularly download and upload your Facebook data to serve as both a backup and a snapshot into your digital life story. Having your own archives gives you the insight and control needed in today’s personal data ecosystem.