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What are the different S3 storage classes, and how do you choose the right one for a specific type of data?

Beginner

Answer

S3 offers several storage classes optimized for different access patterns and cost requirements, including S3 Standard for frequently accessed data, S3 Standard Infrequent Access and S3 One Zone Infrequent Access for data accessed less often but still needing quick retrieval, and S3 Glacier storage classes for long term archival data that is rarely accessed and can tolerate a longer retrieval time in exchange for significantly lower storage costs.
aws s3api put-object --bucket my-bucket --key archive/old-data.zip --body old-data.zip --storage-class GLACIER
Real-world example A media company stores its actively used video files in S3 Standard, moves older content accessed only occasionally into S3 Standard Infrequent Access, and archives content it must retain for compliance but rarely accesses into S3 Glacier, significantly reducing overall storage costs.

Common follow-ups: How does retrieval time differ across the various Glacier storage class tiers?;What is the minimum storage duration charge for infrequent access and Glacier storage classes?

AWS Cost Management & Billing;AWS Backup & Disaster Recovery
All 7 S3 & Storage questions