Trackflix — Launching your own VOD Library

The flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of the AWS cloud has facilitated the creation of packaged offerings that can apply to a variety of common user needs. Applications like Trackflix are making enterprise-level functionality available to the average AWS customer.

TrackIt recognized the increasing demand of content creators and video library owners looking to launch their own VOD and Live-Streaming websites. They decided to build a marketplace solution called Trackflix, providing an affordable and accessible VOD library solution to the average content owner.

What is Trackflix

Trackflix (available on the AWS Marketplace) is an all-in-one solution built on AWS services to provide a modern, familiar, “Netflix-like” experience for accessing video libraries. The solution enables users to quickly set up and launch their own custom catalogs to showcase and manage all their video assets from one location.

Trackflix

How Does Trackflix Stack Up Against Conventional Media Distribution Platforms?

Media Distribution — VOD and Live Streaming

Like YouTube and Vimeo, Trackflix provides both Video-on-Demand (VOD) and Live Streaming capability, but offers full control and customizability.

Content Restriction — Granular Access Controls

Like YouTube and Vimeo, Trackflix allows users to restrict content access. Trackflix users can choose to make their video assets public or private. In addition, it also gives users the additional flexibility to customize content access on a granular level such as providing restricted access to select audiences based on their subscription type.

Live Video Streaming Latency — On Par with Big Platforms

Like YouTube and Vimeo, Trackflix offers three options for live streaming latency:

• Normal Latency: Ideal for live streams with no audience interaction. This is the highest quality setting and has the lowest amount of buffering.
• Low Latency: Ideal for near real-time interactivity during live streams. This setting allows minimal viewer buffering while maintaining quality.
• Ultra-low Latency: Ideal for highly-interactive live streams. This setting helps maximize engagement but may increase the chances of buffering.

The latency options that Trackflix provides are on par with big platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. Trackflix users can rest assured that there is no compromise in regards to video latency or viewer experience

Solution Type — Complete Ownership & Backed by AWS Services

YouTube and Vimeo are SaaS-based solutions, enabling users to get started with their video libraries without having to worry about IT infrastructure and maintenance costs. However, users are restricted to what the platform offers and have to store data in a provider-controlled database. Trackflix, on the other hand, is a fully-customizable solution backed by AWS services that gives companies the ability to fully own their streaming platform.

Trackflix leverages the following AWS Services:

• AWS Elemental MediaConvert: Used to create HLS playlists
• Amazon IVS: Used for low latency live streaming
• Amazon S3: Used to store video assets
• Amazon CloudFront: Used to distribute content and manage content access
• AWS Amplify: Used to manage authentication and web hosting
• AWS AppSync: Used as an API

Customization — Unlimited

The primary drawback of off-the-shelf solutions like YouTube and Vimeo is the limited flexibility they offer. One of the key differentiating factors between Trackflix and other solutions in the marketplace is that Trackflix offers nearly unlimited customization. Companies can personalize the platform to ensure the look and feel of the interface reflects their brand identity. Companies can also set up multiple subscription levels with granular access controls that enable them to seamlessly engage with multiple audiences without any unwanted overlaps.

The ever-evolving AWS ecosystem also opens the door to any and all customization possibilities. Companies can choose to leverage additional AWS services to extend the functionality of Trackflix. For instance, companies interested in starting streaming websites can choose to build analytics pipelines that gather viewer data in order to offer better content suggestions and enable better decision-making or add AI/ML services as part of their normal video publishing process. AWS services could also be leveraged to build custom alerts on any trigger imaginable, implement custom reporting, add paywalls to monetize specific content, add archiving capabilities, and the list goes on.

Scalability — Automatic

Trackflix is a serverless solution that scales seamlessly and automatically to maintain steady and predictable performance.

Video Player — Customizable Amazon IVS Low Latency Player

Solutions like YouTube and Vimeo have their own proprietary video players and companies are restricted to the video player interface that’s offered. Even when embedding YouTube videos on other websites,the same YouTube video player interface and branding is mandated. Trackflix leverages an open-source Video Player made by Amazon IVS that offers low latency and customization potential.

Content Delivery Network (CDN) — Twitch

YouTube and Vimeo use their own proprietary CDNs. Trackflix leverages the same CDN infrastructure as Twitch, Amazon’s video broadcasting and live streaming platform. Twitch’s strong global infrastructure serves as a solid backbone and ensures limited exposure to network latency and distribution issues.

Cost-Effective

Trackflix provides companies with the flexibility to scale up and down based on their requirements while paying only for what they use. To further realize additional cost savings, companies could also choose to leverage a cloud cost optimization solution like the TrackIt Cost Management App.

Summary: Who is Trackflix For? When to Choose Trackflix Over Conventional Media Distribution Platforms?

Trackflix is the ideal solution for companies or individuals looking for a self-hosted, fully customizable VOD solution.

1. Complete control and ownership of their platform
2. Complete control and ownership of their data and media assets
3. Easy to use and administer
4. Cost-effective

Amazon IVS and AWS Amplify Video — The Basic Services leveraged in Trackflix

Trackflix is composed of two key AWS Services: AWS Amplify Video and Amazon Interactive Video Service (IVS)

Trackflix leverages the open-source AWS Amplify Video project to transcode uploaded video content. This service automatically generates an HLS playlist to provide the video-on-demand capability. Amazon IVS is used by Trackflix for live streaming functionality. This service creates the RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol) URL to provide a connection to the user’s video player.

Conclusion: Leveraging AWS Services to Build Unique, Scalable, and Affordable Solutions Tailored to the Needs of the Average Media Owner and Creator

With the continued evolution in AWS services tailored to the Media and Entertainment industry, the possibilities for media companies continue to expand. Trackflix illustrates how AWS services are being combined and leveraged by partners like TrackIt to build unique, scalable, and affordable solutions tailored to the needs of the media community.

Author Bio

Brad Winett is President and Partner at TrackIt. Brad has over 40 years of professional experience in the technology industry and received a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois.