Build a Media Streaming Platform

Architecture Overview

This architecture implements a complete video streaming platform with three main flows: upload and processing, on-demand delivery, and live streaming. When a video is uploaded, an event-driven pipeline transcodes it into multiple formats and resolutions suitable for adaptive bitrate streaming. Processed videos are stored in object storage and delivered through a CDN with signed URLs that control who can access the content and for how long.

Adaptive bitrate streaming is the key technique for delivering good playback across varying network conditions. Rather than storing a single video file, the transcoding pipeline produces multiple versions at different resolutions and bitrates. The video player on the client side automatically selects the best version based on available bandwidth, switching between quality levels seamlessly. This requires the transcoding service to produce HLS or DASH manifests alongside the video segments.

The platform also supports live streaming through a separate ingest path. Live video feeds are received, transcoded in real-time into the same adaptive bitrate formats, and distributed through the CDN with low latency. Live and on-demand content share the same delivery and access control infrastructure, so the viewer experience is consistent.

Upload and Transcoding

Users upload raw video files to object storage, which triggers a processing pipeline. The transcoding service converts each video into multiple renditions (for example, 1080p, 720p, 480p at different bitrates) and generates streaming manifests. This processing runs asynchronously, so the upload returns immediately while transcoding happens in the background. The pipeline notifies downstream systems when processing is complete.

CDN and Access Control

A global CDN caches video segments at edge locations close to viewers, reducing buffering and startup time. Signed URLs enforce access control by embedding an expiration time and authentication token in each URL. This prevents direct access to origin storage and enables scenarios like pay-per-view, subscription-gated content, or time-limited sharing links.

Search and Metadata

A search index makes content discoverable through title, description, tags, and automatically extracted metadata like duration and resolution. A metadata store tracks video details, processing status, and viewer interaction data like watch history and playback positions. This data powers recommendations, resume-playback features, and content analytics dashboards.

Common Customizations

• Add content moderation: Extend the prompt to include automated content analysis that scans uploads for policy violations before making them available.
• Add DRM protection: Request digital rights management integration for premium content that requires encryption and license-based playback.
• Add thumbnail generation: Ask for automatic thumbnail extraction at configurable intervals so content managers do not need to upload thumbnails manually.
• Add analytics: Request viewer analytics that track playback starts, completion rates, buffering events, and quality switches for content performance reporting.