Object storage is a storage model that organizes data as discrete objects rather than files or blocks. Each object contains data, metadata, and a unique identifier. Object storage excels at storing large amounts of unstructured data like images, videos, backups, or logs. Cloud platforms widely use object storage because it scales horizontally and provides high durability. Unlike traditional file systems, object storage systems do not use folders or hierarchical paths unless simulated by conventions.
how it works
Objects are stored in buckets or containers and accessed through APIs. Clients retrieve objects using URLs or SDK calls rather than filesystem operations. Object storage supports versioning, lifecycle rules, and access control settings. Metadata helps describe objects and enables efficient indexing. Because object storage is distributed across many nodes, it can handle massive data volumes with built in redundancy. CDNs often integrate with object storage to serve content globally.