How do I upload to IPFS?

Uploading to IPFS sounds simple—and it can be—but the ecosystem offers more than one way to do it. Local nodes, GUIs, pinning services, APIs... it's a lot. Here's a clearer path.

This guide breaks it down: what IPFS is, why uploading matters, and how to pick the right approach based on your goals.

Let's go 👇

What Is IPFS?

IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a peer-to-peer protocol for storing and sharing files. Every file gets a CID—a hash that uniquely identifies the content.

Instead of asking "where's this file?" IPFS asks "what is this file?" Anyone with that content on the network can serve it. That's content addressing.

More on the mechanics: IPFS Storage Explained: How It Works.

Why Upload to IPFS?

• Files live on a decentralized network, not just one server
• They're content-addressed (CID), so integrity is built-in
• Perfect for static sites, NFTs, dApps, backups, you name it

But uploading isn't one-size-fits-all. So let's walk through the real options.

Realistic Upload Methods

1. IPFS Desktop (GUI)

Summary:

• Local node + drag-and-drop UI
• Good for testing and learning
• Your files disappear from the network if you close the app and don't pin elsewhere

IPFS Desktop is the easiest entry point. Install the app, drag in a file, get a CID. Great for learning content addressing.

Downside: it's not production-ready. If your computer is off, the file isn't available unless pinned by another node or service.

2. Run Your Own Node

Summary:

• Maximum control and flexibility
• CLI-based, infrastructure-heavy
• Must manage uptime and availability

Using Kubo, the reference IPFS implementation, you can run a node locally or in the cloud (e.g., AWS, DigitalOcean, Docker). This route is ideal for developers building advanced systems.

But: you're on the hook for scaling, uptime, and public access management. Powerful, but not plug-and-play.

3. Use a Pinning Service or Their APIs/SDKs

Summary:

• Managed hosting with built-in uptime
• Ideal for production apps, NFTs, backups, and integrations
• No infrastructure required, but supports automation and scaling

Pinning services like Filebase keep your files online without requiring you to run a node. These services handle replication, uptime, and gateway access, giving you reliable, production-ready storage on IPFS.

Most pinning platforms also offer APIs and SDKs for deeper integration into your apps, build processes, or workflows. Filebase, for example, supports S3-compatible APIs, a native SDK, and (coming soon) a new IPFS RPC API. This means you can upload content directly from your software stack using familiar tools like the AWS SDK, while storing it on IPFS behind the scenes.

These tools support use cases ranging from one-off uploads to full CI/CD pipelines.

For creators, developers, and teams who want reliable uploads and flexible automation, using a pinning service with API/SDK access offers the best of both worlds: no infra, but all the power.

Which Method Should You Use?

This isn't about "what's the best tool"—it's about the right tool for what you're doing. Here's how it breaks down based on use case, technical level, and how much control you need:

Most users start with a pinning service, then scale into SDKs or self-hosted nodes.

Getting Started Fast with Filebase

If you just want to get content on IPFS quickly and reliably:

1. Go to filebase.com
2. Create an account (free tier available)
3. Upload via UI, S3, or CLI
4. Get your CID → done

You get IPFS without running nodes or worrying about availability. Fully managed, S3-compatible.

Additional Resources

• IPFS Quickstart Guide
• S3 API Getting Started Guide.
• Filebase Homepage.

Final Thoughts

IPFS is powerful, but uploading doesn't have to be complex. Whether you're testing a CID locally, deploying NFT metadata, or backing up data, there's a path that fits.

Start with a managed service. Scale into infra later if you need to. Just ship something and grow from there.