Automated data backups sound too good to be true, right? Well, if you’re using WhatsApp, then you’re probably already aware of the Chat Backup feature. It automatically creates chat backups and uploads them on Google Drive, so the next time you install WhatsApp on a new device, you can quickly restore your chats and media files.

So, how does this work? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward. The process uses Google Drive’s storage API, allowing WhatsApp to upload your chat backup onto the permitted Google Drive account. But what is a cloud storage API? It’s an API provided by cloud storage solutions such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box that lets you sync data programmatically from any application.

Utilizing a storage API can bring many benefits. For example, you could use these APIs to programmatically backup your images and important documents. Or, a storage API could enable an application to transfer data from one cloud to another server or integrate multiple cloud providers.

There are now many storage APIs on the market. Below, we’ll briefly review some of the most popular cloud storage APIs to help you gauge which is best for your specific scenario.

Google Drive API

Google Drive is hands down one of the most popular services when it comes to cloud storage. It was launched in 2012 and provides services like file storage and synchronizations. Since tools like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slide fall under Google Drive, you can combine their power with this API.

For example, you can directly edit a spreadsheet and move it into a different folder using this storage API. Features like these make the Google Drive API one of the best storage APIs compared to others.

Pros

• 15 GB Free storage
• Allows collaboration with Office tools like Google Docs and Sheets
• Nice developer-friendly documentation with sample code in multiple programming languages

OneDrive API

OneDrive is the cloud storage solution offered by one of the largest companies in the world, Microsoft. This service was launched in 2007, allowing users to securely store their personal files and information. This API is part of the Microsoft Graph API, enabling you to collaborate with a suite of tools such as Sharepoint and Office, similar to Google Drive.

Pros

• Allows collaboration with Sharepoint and other Microsoft products
• 5 GB free storage

Cons

• The upgrade is expensive compared to Google Drive API

Dropbox API

Dropbox was one of the first companies offering a technology 100% dedicated to cloud storage. It was started in 2007 by two MIT students. Dropbox allows users to share files with each other and sync data on the go. In terms of usability, Dropbox is a bit more secure and more user-friendly than Google Drive or OneDrive.

Pros

• User friendly
• Pocket friendly

Cons

• Business plan is more expensive than Google Drive

Amazon Drive API

Amazon Drive is another cloud storage service from Amazon that can be used for cloud storage. It comes with applications for desktop, mobile, and web browsers. With Amazon Drive API, users can edit, upload, delete and read the files they’ve uploaded. One of the best parts of using Amazon Drive API is that it can be used alongside other AWS services like AWS S3 or DynamoDB.

Pros

• It can be used with other AWS products
• AWS is one of the most reliable services, making it one of the most reliable for cloud storage

Cons

• Not so user-friendly UI

iCloud Drive API

iCloud is a cloud storage solution from Apple that is well designed and compatible with Windows, MacOS, and iOS devices. The free account comes with 5GB of free storage, and if you’re using an Apple product, it ensures that you can access all your data on all your Apple devices.

Pros

• Seamlessly sync data across all your Apple devices
• Mostly free with every Apple device.

Cons

• The implementation is not so straightforward.
• It is pricier than other cloud storage solutions.

Mega API

Mega is a New Zealand-based storage service provider that allows users to share files. It comes with an encryption feature that allows the owner to decide which user to share the file with without downloading the software. It comes with 15GB of free storage and then goes like $5 per 400GB.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Allows encryption

Cons

• Lacks collaboration options

Box API

The Box is a storage management company that helps users manage their cloud storage. It’s an easy-to-use platform built to manage the entire content lifecycle that starts from the creation of the file, updating it, deleting, copying, and sharing it.

Pros

• User friendly
• Collaboration with multiple users is very easy

Cons

• Pricing

MediaFire API

Mediafire is a file sharing and hosting company that was founded in 2006 in Austin, Texas. It provides client software for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Android, and even Blackberry. You can easily collaborate and share your files with other users, and it lets you email large files. While MediaFire is simple and easy to use, it lacks a bit in terms of security.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Client available on all the platforms

Cons

• Security concerns

File.io API

File.io works a bit differently than other cloud service providers. It allows you to share a URL with others to download a file. Then, the file is automatically deleted after the user downloads it. This feature could reduce bloat to avoid unnecessary cloud file storage. Also, the user does not need to create an account to upload or download a file.

Pros

• No signup required
• Easy to use

SugarSync API

SugarSync is one of the more affordable solutions for cloud storage available on the Internet. With SugarSync, you can easily sync data between two computers with just one account as it supports unlimited devices for a single account. Automatic syncing allows you to track the changes meaning if you attach a folder to SugarSync and you make any change in that folder, it’ll be reflected on all other devices.

Pros

• Supports auto-sync

Cons

• No permanent free account option

Final Words

Choosing between storage APIs can be a difficult task, especially when so many options are available on the market. On the one hand, you have mammoths like Google Drive and OneDrive, which offer reliability and connections to their larger ecosystem of tools. On the other hand, smaller services like MediaFire or File.io offer more niche solutions but may not be as secure or robust.