File uploads in Next.js without the S3 setup overhead.
UploadThing provides type-safe file upload infrastructure for Next.js with a better developer experience than raw S3 presigned URLs. The file router, React components, and automatic file type/size validation — implemented correctly for production file handling.
Next.js application that needs file uploads and doesn't want to spend a week configuring S3 presigned URLs, CORS, and IAM policies
File upload in Next.js has a few implementation approaches:
Raw form data through the Next.js route. Sending files through the Next.js Route Handler means files pass through your server, increasing compute costs and requiring multipart form parsing. Not the right pattern at scale.
Direct S3 upload with presigned URLs. The correct pattern for large-scale file handling, but requires AWS account setup, IAM policy configuration, CORS configuration, and the presigned URL generation logic. 2–4 days of setup before writing a single upload button.
UploadThing. A managed file upload service backed by S3, with a Next.js-native API. The createUploadthing() file router defines file type and size constraints with TypeScript types. The <UploadButton> and <UploadDropzone> React components handle the upload UI. Files go directly to UploadThing's S3 infrastructure. Webhook callback when upload completes.
UploadThing is the right choice when the team wants to ship file upload fast without the infrastructure overhead. The trade-off: less control than raw S3 (no lifecycle rules, no custom CDN), and the cost is per-upload rather than per-GB.
UploadThing file upload implementation with type-safe file router, React upload components, and the file metadata tracking that links uploads to database records
File router
`createUploadthing()` with file type constraints (`image`, `pdf`, `video`) and size limits. Authentication via Clerk's `auth()` to verify user identity before upload is permitted.
Upload components
`<UploadButton>` or `<UploadDropzone>` integrated in React forms. Styling to match the application's design system.
Completion webhook
`onUploadComplete` callback that stores the file URL and metadata in Postgres. Linking the uploaded file to the user record, post, product, or document it belongs to.
File management
File deletion when the associated record is deleted. File URL retrieval from the database record.
Multiple file types
Profile photo upload (image with size constraint), document upload (PDF), and attachment upload (multiple file types) as separate file routes with appropriate configurations.
One honest number to start.
Fixed-scope, fixed-price. The number below is the starting point — final scope is built from your brief.
UploadThing file upload implementation with type-safe file router, React upload components, and the file metadata tracking that links uploads to database records
Three steps, every time.
The same repeatable engagement on every project. No surprises, no mystery, no billable ambiguity.
Brief & discovery.
We send you questions, then get on a call. Output: a written scope with every step, feature, and integration listed.
Build & ship.
Fixed schedule, weekly reviews. No scope creep unless you change the scope — and if you do, we reprice it transparently.
Warranty & retainer.
30-day warranty on every launch. Most clients stay on a monthly retainer for ongoing features and maintenance.
Why Fixed-Price Matters Here
File upload implementation scope is defined by the file types and the integration with the application's data model. Fixed price.
Related engagements.
Questions, answered.
UploadThing for: new applications where developer speed matters, Next.js-native experience, simple file storage without lifecycle management. S3 directly for: large file volumes where per-GB pricing matters, specific compliance requirements, CloudFront CDN integration, custom lifecycle rules.
Yes — UploadThing has first-class Next.js App Router support. The file router runs as a Route Handler (`/api/uploadthing/route.ts`). Client components use the React components with the typed `useUploadThing` hook.
Part of the application build. Full application from $25k. Fixed-price.
Tell Ryel about your project.
Describe what you’re building and what outcome you need. You’ll have a written, fixed-price scope within the week.