A video platform typically supports upload, validation, transcoding, metadata management, playback, search, and viewing analytics. Store metadata and ownership in a transactional database while storing original and derived media in object storage.

Upload large files directly to object storage using short-lived multipart upload sessions. The API records an upload intent and verifies completion before enqueuing processing. Validate duration, codec, file size, rights, and content safety according to the product's policies.

Define playback expectations: startup time, buffering ratio, supported devices, resolutions, geographic reach, and access restrictions. These requirements determine transcoding profiles, CDN strategy, and whether live streaming—which has different latency constraints—is in scope.