Upload files/folders from external SSD to iCloud
I have stored a lot of files (photos) on an external hard drive (SSD, Sandisk). I want to back up these on my iCloud. If I copy them to the iCloud Drive (and subsequently to the iCloud), they remain on my Mac Mini as well. If I want to upload them to the iCloud via the internet (drag and drop from the SSD to the window) I get the message 'cannot upload folders' which is a bit awkward with 60-70.000 files.... Is there a way around this or did I waste money on buying extra storage on my iCloud...?
Mac mini, macOS 12.6