Reclaim Space: Device and Cloud Cleanup Strategies

Running low on storage can prevent exports, downloads, and AI processing. Here are the most effective ways to free up space, starting with the actions that reclaim the most storage.

Freeing Device Storage

Delete old projects

Each project stores metadata, cached thumbnails, and settings. Deleting a project you no longer need removes all associated cached data. In the project list, swipe left on a project card and tap Delete.

Clear caches

Bitcut caches thumbnail strips and may retain legacy imported files. Clear these in settings — see Clearing Cache & Storage for step-by-step instructions. Thumbnails regenerate automatically when you reopen a project.

Use Web Light export preset

If storage is tight, export with the Web Light preset. It produces files at 720p with lower bitrate — roughly 15 MB per minute compared to 30-50 MB per minute at standard 1080p. The result still looks sharp on phone screens and social media.

Import from external drives

Instead of copying large video files to your iPhone, work directly from a USB-C or Lightning drive. Bitcut references files in place without duplicating them. See Working with External Drives.

Freeing Cloud Storage

If you use cloud publishing, published shorts take up storage on Bitcut's servers. Your cloud storage quota depends on your subscription plan.

To reclaim cloud storage:

  • Open the published projects list
  • Delete shorts you no longer need — this removes the video from the cloud and frees the space immediately
  • Deleting a published short does not affect the project or local files on your device
Deleted cloud shorts cannot be restored. Once you delete a published short, the video file is removed from the server. You can always re-export and re-publish from your local project.
Biggest impact: Clearing the import cache and switching to external drive imports are usually the most effective ways to reclaim device storage. A few old imported 4K videos can easily take 20-50 GB.