You cannot simply click a button on the front page to get this version. You need to use a specific URL parameter. Follow these steps:

Why do power users search for “Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 164 best”? Because they have learned that the default uploader changes. Sometimes the Archive pushes a new beta version (e.g., version 165, 166) that breaks features. Version 164 is widely considered the last “rock solid” build. “Best” refers to the optimal settings for this version:

Paste the following JavaScript code to force the HTML5 Uploader build 164:

// Force legacy HTML5 Uploader v164
window.location.href = 'https://archive.org/upload/' + your_item_identifier + '?uploader=html5_164&priority=high';

Alternatively, if you have an existing item, simply add ?uploader=html5_164 to the upload page URL.

When the community talks about the “Internet Archive HTML5 uploader 164 best,” they aren’t just talking about a version number. They are talking about a mindset: low and slow, resilient, and respectful of the Archive’s infrastructure.

Here are three pro-tips from digital archivists who have uploaded over 100 TB using the v164 methodology.

The Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 164 is not just a piece of software; it is a testament to the "right to repair" and "version pinning" in digital preservation. While the Internet Archive pushes forward with AI-assisted metadata and real-time scanning, the raw speed and reliability of the #164 worker are unmatched.

If you are a serious archivist looking to upload a terabyte of data without tearing your hair out over failed resumable sessions, hunt down the uploader=html5_164 flag. It is, without a doubt, the best tool for the job.

Call to Action: Ready to start your archive? Go to the Internet Archive, hit F12, force the legacy worker, and start preserving history today. Do not forget to tag your items with uploader: html5_164 so other power users know you did it the right way.

Have you used the HTML5 Uploader 164? Tell us your upload speed records in the comments below.

Even as of 2025, many veteran archivists refuse to use the default uploader. Here is a feature comparison table highlighting why version 164 remains superior.

| Feature | Default Uploader (v.200+) | HTML5 Uploader v.164 (Legacy) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Max File Size | 50GB (soft cap) | 100GB+ (hard coded) | | Chunk Size | 5 MB | 25 MB | | Retry Logic | 3 attempts, instant fail | Infinite retry with backoff | | Metadata Locking | Locks item immediately | Allows metadata editing during upload | | Connection Drop | Resets entire session | Resumes from last chunk |

The "Best" Factor: The #164 version is best because it treats the uploader as a dumb pipe. It does not try to scan your files for viruses during upload (which slows down modern versions) and it does not force transcoding. It simply puts the bits where they belong.

The HTML5 uploader allows you to add multiple files to a single "Item."

| Tool | Pros | Cons | |------|------|------| | Official ia command-line client | Resumable, scriptable, no browser limits. Most stable. | Requires CLI knowledge. | | curl with S3-like PUT requests | Direct to Archive’s storage. | Complex; requires headers and item creation first. | | Rclone (with Internet Archive remote) | Experimental but powerful. | Not officially supported. | | Firefox + Tampermonkey script to simulate 1.6.4 behavior | Can disable new checks. | Breaks if Archive updates API. |