This article explains how Alarm.com video clips are counted, what happens when a monthly clip limit is reached, how to identify cameras that are generating the most recordings, and steps you can take to reduce clip usage and avoid reaching your monthly allowance.

Alarm.com cameras generate a video clip each time a recording rule is triggered. These clips count toward a monthly recording allowance included with your service plan. If the monthly allowance is reached, cameras will stop creating new event recordings until the limit resets at the start of the next month. Deleting existing clips does not restore the monthly allowance, as the limit is based on the number of clips uploaded during the month, not the number currently stored in the account. Storage limits are handled separately, and older clips are typically overwritten automatically as needed.

To determine which camera is generating the most clips, log in to the Alarm.com website and go to your Video tab. Then select Recording Rules and check to make sure you are on Cloud Recordings. Below you will see a Top Contributing Rules, this is a percentage of what rules are consuming the most cloud recording. Common causes include cameras monitoring high-traffic areas, excessive motion from vehicles or pedestrians, changing lighting conditions, or analytics rules that are too sensitive.
 

To help stay within the monthly clip allowance, consider the following recommendations:

• Refine detection areas to exclude roads, sidewalks, trees, or other areas with frequent activity.
• Add an exemption to the rule where it will only run during the following times or when the panel is disarmed.
• Increase the Duration Inside Area or Interest or Minimum Delay Between Clips.
• Reduce the number of recording rules where possible.
• Regularly monitor clip usage throughout the month to identify any unusual increases in recording activity.

If clip usage remains consistently high despite these adjustments, there is an option to increase the monthly clip allowance for an additional monthly fee. We would be happy to review the account's usage and discuss available upgrade options if needed.