What to Do With Old VHS Tapes
Most people don’t realize how fragile VHS tapes are until they pull one out of a box and wonder if it still works — or how they might digitize what’s on it before it’s too late.
If you’ve inherited old home movies, childhood videos, or family footage on VHS tapes, you’re not alone — and you’re not behind. The good news is there are good options for preserving them. The tricky part is knowing where to start.
Whether you’re trying to convert VHS to digital for the first time or trying to figure out how to digitize old home movies and turn them into a film or slideshow, this guide explains your options clearly.
What You’ll Learn on This Page
How VHS tapes degrade and why acting soon matters
What digitizing means and your different options
How to convert VHS to digital and what that actually involves
How to decide between DIY, local services, or professional editing
What you can do with the digitized footage
If you’re working with older formats, you may also want to read about how to digitize Super 8 film and what to do with it after.
Or how to organize home photos & videos for a simple, practical approach
Why you shouldn’t wait too long
VHS tapes weren’t meant to last forever.
Over time, tapes can:
degrade and lose image quality
become unplayable
grow mold or warping
outlive the machines needed to play them
If the footage matters to you — even if you don’t know what you want to do with it yet — digitizing sooner gives you more options later.
Decide whether your tapes need to be digitized
1
If you can still play your VHS tapes and watch them on a TV, they’re not digitized yet.
Digitizing means converting the footage into a digital video file you can:
watch on a computer or phone
share with family
back up safely
use in other projects (like a slideshow or film)
Most people choose to digitize before deciding what the final use will be.
Choose how to digitize your VHS tapes
2
There are a few common options:
Local or mail-in digitizing services
Many people use a local shop or a reputable mail-in service to convert VHS tapes to digital files. Professional VHS digitizing services — whether local shops or reputable mail-in services — handle the analog-to-digital conversion for you, often delivering high-quality digital files via download or USB. These services vary in price and turnaround, but most include basic cleanup of audio/video before delivery.
DIY digitizing
Some people digitize at home using adapters and old VCRs. This can work, but it’s time-consuming and often results in lower-quality files.
Working with a filmmaker or editor
If your goal is more than just storage — for example, creating a film or slideshow — it can help to talk with an editor before digitizing so files are delivered in the best format for editing.
If you’re not sure which route to take, that’s very common.
Decide what you want to do with the footage
3
Once VHS tapes are digitized, people often realize the footage is more meaningful than they expected.
Some common next steps:
Creating a family memory film
Making a birthday or anniversary video
Putting together a wedding rehearsal dinner or welcome party film
Creating a memorial or celebration-of-life tribute
Organizing footage so it’s easier to watch and share
Not everything needs to be used — part of the process is deciding what matters most.
Turning old home movies into something meaningful
Digitizing preserves footage.
Editing gives it context.
A custom family film weaves together:
digitized VHS footage
photos from different eras
optional music or voice recordings
thoughtful pacing and structure
The result isn’t just a file — it’s something people actually sit down and watch.
FAQ
Do I need to digitize my tapes myself first?
Not necessarily. Many people digitize first, while others coordinate digitizing as part of a larger project.
How long does digitizing old VHS tapes take?
Most services take 1–3 weeks depending on backlog and turnaround.
How much does VHS digitizing cost?
Costs vary depending on the service and number of tapes. Editing and storytelling are typically separate from digitizing.
What formats will I get after digitizing?
Most give you digital files (MP4, MOV) along with USB/drive options.
Will my tapes be returned?
Yes — reputable services always return originals unless otherwise requested.
Can you work with footage that’s already been digitized?
Yes — many clients come with existing digital files from previous transfers.
What if my footage is damaged or incomplete?
This is extremely common. Not all footage needs to be usable for a meaningful film.