What is Data Storage?
Think of Data Storage as a pre-loading layer for your reports. Instead of fetching live data from each integration every time a widget loads, Whatagraph syncs your data in the background so it's always ready when you open a report.
It's most useful when you're working with large Source Blends or Groups, slow integrations, or reports with many widgets pulling from the same sources.
Unlike a BigQuery transfer, where data goes to your own BQ account, Whatagraph manages all the storage on your behalf. No external data warehouse setup needed.
When should you use Data Storage?
Data Storage pays off most when your reports are slow, either because you're working with a high volume of data, large Source Blends, or an integration with a slow API. It's also useful when many widgets in the same report pull from the same source, since the data only needs to sync once.
How to set up a Data Storage destination
Step 1. Go to Transfers in your Whatagraph account.
Step 2. Click "Create transfer" and choose Whatagraph Storage as the destination.
Step 3. Select the integration you want to store data from.
Step 4. Add one or more tables to your schema. For each table, choose the metrics and dimensions you want available — this works the same way as configuring a Source Group.
Tip: Think ahead about what you'll need in reports. You can add more metrics later via "Edit Schema," but your initial backfill only covers what's in the schema at the time of creation.
Step 5. Click "Save." Whatagraph will begin syncing in the background. By default, it backfills 24 months of historical data.
Using stored data in reports
Step 1. Open a report and go to the Sources drawer.
Step 2. Click the Stored Data tab. This shows all your Data Storage sources, plus any Source Groups that have associated transfers.
Step 3. Select a stored data source, recognisable by the storage icon next to the integration logo, and add it to your report as usual.
Building widgets from here works exactly the same as with a direct integration. The available metrics and dimensions are those you defined in your schema.
Note: Sources used in Source Groups are automatically available in the Stored Data tab, even without a separate transfer set up for them.
Editing your schema
Step 1. Go to Transfers and open the relevant transfer.
Step 2. Click "Edit Schema," add your new metrics or dimensions, and save.
Updated data will begin syncing immediately and will be available once the sync is completed. You can open the transfer to monitor its progress.
Managing your transfers
From the Transfers section, you can:
View the sync status of each transfer
Trigger a manual resync if needed
Adjust the backfill range
Edit the schema at any time
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a BigQuery account to use Data Storage? No. Whatagraph manages all the storage infrastructure on your behalf. You don't need any external data warehouse setup.
How is this different from a regular BigQuery transfer? With a BigQuery transfer, data is sent to your own BQ account and you manage it from there. With Data Storage, Whatagraph stores the data for you and it surfaces directly inside your report workflow — no external tools needed.
Can I use stored data sources in blends and Source Groups? Yes. Stored data sources work like any other source in Whatagraph and can be combined in blends and Source Groups.
What happens if I delete a transfer? The stored data will no longer be available as a source in reports. We recommend checking whether any active reports are using a transfer before deleting it.
My widgets are still slow after setting up Data Storage — what should I check? Make sure the stored data source is selected in the report (not the direct integration). Also confirm that the initial sync has completed by checking the transfer status in the Transfers section.