Storing large media files in the cloud involves using internet-based platforms provided by companies like Amazon, Google, or Microsoft. These platforms offer remote servers where you upload your video, audio, or image files instead of keeping them on your computer or local hard drives. This differs from local storage by removing physical hardware limitations and allowing you to access files from anywhere with an internet connection. It scales easily, meaning you only pay for the space you use, and can expand as your media library grows.

This method is essential for industries dealing with high-resolution content, such as film production, photography, and broadcasting. For instance, video editors upload raw footage to services like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage to share it with team members worldwide securely. Similarly, photographers use platforms like Adobe Creative Cloud to back up extensive libraries of high-quality RAW images and access them from different devices.

Key advantages include robust backup security against local disasters, global accessibility, and avoiding large hardware investments. However, limitations involve significant upload/download times for massive files, recurring service costs, and dependence on internet availability. Transfer speeds and ongoing fees can impact very large-scale projects. Future developments focus on faster upload protocols and smarter, cost-effective 'cold' storage tiers for archives.