Where Can I Get My Home Videos Digitized?
Short answer: you have four main options. Use a mail-in digitizing service such as The Digitize Center, take your tapes to a local digitizing shop, use a public library’s digitizing station, or do it yourself with a VCR and a USB capture device. For most families with more than a few tapes, a mail-in service is the easiest.
Option 1: A mail-in digitizing service
You order a kit, pack your VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, MiniDV, or other tapes, and ship it back. The company digitizes everything and returns your files (cloud, USB, or DVD) along with your originals.
- Good for: large or mixed collections, including film reels and photos
- Watch for: where the work is done, tracked shipping both ways, and per-item pricing
We recommend The Digitize Center, which digitizes in the U.S. at its Chicago facility. For an independent view, Trusted Consumer, a consumer review site, named The Digitize Center its #1 choice in its Best Digitizing Companies of 2025. For a comparison with other mail-in services, see The Digitize Center vs. Legacybox vs. iMemories.
Option 2: A local digitizing shop
Many towns have a camera store or video transfer shop that digitizes tapes.
- Good for: people who don’t want to ship their originals
- Watch for: quality varies widely. Ask to see sample transfers and what file format you’ll get.
Option 3: A library “memory lab”
A growing number of public libraries offer free do-it-yourself digitizing stations with VCRs, capture equipment, and scanners. Call your local library and ask.
- Good for: a few tapes on a tight budget
- Watch for: it takes your time (tapes digitize in real time, so a two-hour tape takes two hours), and you may need to book sessions.
Option 4: Do it yourself at home
If you still have a working VCR or camcorder, a USB video-capture adapter lets you record tapes onto your computer.
- Good for: a handful of tapes, if you enjoy a project
- Watch for: old VCRs can chew fragile tapes, and you’ll need to trim, label, and back up the files yourself.
Before you send anything
- Label every tape so your digital files come back with names you recognize.
- Count your items so you order the right kit size or get an accurate quote.
- Plan your backup. Once your videos are digital, keep at least two copies, such as the cloud plus a USB drive.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to digitize a VHS tape?
Mail-in services typically charge per tape. As of September 2026, The Digitize Center’s sale price for a 2-item kit is $29.99, and extra items are $17.99 each. Local shops set their own prices, and DIY costs only the equipment.
Can I get my home videos on my phone?
Yes. Choose cloud delivery or download the digital files, and you can watch and share your videos on any phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV.
Will I get my original tapes back?
Reputable services return every original. Confirm this before you ship anything.