Webhooks Explained: Optimizing Video Streaming Workflows

Video streaming platforms face numerous challenges in processing, managing, and delivering content at scale. Webhooks have emerged as an essential tool that powers these platforms, enabling real-time communication, automation, and efficiency in handling video-related tasks. In this post, we’ll explore what webhooks are, how they work, and how they can be used to streamline video streaming processes.

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What are webhooks?

A webhook is an automated message sent from one system to another when a specific event occurs. Unlike APIs, which require an explicit request to fetch or modify data, webhooks "push" data to another system automatically, without needing a request. This makes them highly efficient for real-time updates.

In simpler terms, webhooks can be thought of as reverse APIs instead of your application constantly requesting updates from another system (called polling), the other system sends a notification to your application when something happens.

For example, in the context of a video streaming platform, webhooks could notify you when:

• A new video is uploaded.
• A live stream starts or stops.
• The status of a video file changes.

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How do Webhooks Work?

Webhooks operate as an event-driven system, allowing applications to communicate by "pushing" data to a designated receiving system whenever specific events occur. The process begins when an event is triggered in the source application, such as a new video upload or the completion of video transcoding. These events are predefined within the application, ensuring that only relevant actions activate the webhook.

Once triggered, the application gathers all pertinent details related to the event. This information is structured into a standardized format, typically JSON or XML, to ensure compatibility and ease of processing. The structured data is then transmitted to a unique webhook URL, which serves as the endpoint for receiving and processing the data.

The receiving system interprets the incoming data and executes predefined actions based on the event type. For instance, upon receiving a webhook notification about a video upload, the system might initiate automated workflows like transcoding or sending user notifications.

This event-driven, push-based model of communication makes webhooks significantly more efficient than traditional polling methods. Instead of repeatedly checking for updates, the receiving system is informed in real-time, saving computational resources and enabling immediate responses to critical events.

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How Webhooks enable seamless integration between systems

1. Event trigger: A webhook is configured to listen for specific events within an API or platform. For instance, in an e-commerce platform, events could include "order placed," "payment received," or "order shipped."
2. Webhook URL setup: The receiving system (your application or service) provides a URL endpoint to the platform (API provider) where it expects to receive the webhook data. This URL is often called the "listener" or "webhook receiver."
3. HTTP POST request: When the event occurs, the platform sends an HTTP POST request to the configured webhook URL. The payload typically includes information related to the event, like order details or customer data, in formats like JSON or XML.
4. Automated response: Once your system receives the event data, it processes it and automatically performs the required action. This could be updating a database, sending an email, or triggering another event.
5. Error handling: If the receiving system fails to acknowledge the webhook (for example, due to a downtime), the sending system might retry delivering the event data. Some platforms have retry mechanisms in place, ensuring that the event gets delivered after any temporary issues are resolved.

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How webhooks automate video streaming processes

Webhooks play a crucial role in automating various video streaming tasks. Here are a few common ways webhooks can help:

Instant notifications of video uploads or status changes

When a user uploads a new video or updates an existing one, the video streaming platform can automatically trigger a webhook to inform your application about the new media. This allows downstream processes, such as transcoding, metadata extraction, or notifying users, to occur automatically.

Example webhook payload for a video ready event:

1{
2  "type": "video.media.ready",
3  "object": {
4    "type": "media",
5    "id": "8b91beb9-e313-485d-b028-19b1e720cf1b"
6  },
7  "id": "0c487a56-00c5-42fb-a447-33b6aa67f50b",
8  "workspace": {
9    "name": "Development",
10    "id": "11736d21-4d9e-482f-884b-5e986b37d2ea"
11  },
12  "status": "ready",
13  "data": {
14    "thumbnail": "https://images.fastpix.io/1e6618b4-d5b9-4d5a-85b5-caf359f266f4/thumbnail.png",
15    "id": "8b91beb9-e313-485d-b028-19b1e720cf1b",
16    "workspaceId": "11736d21-4d9e-482f-884b-5e986b37d2ea",
17    "metadata": {
18      "key1": "value1"
19    },
20    "maxResolution": "1080p",
21    "sourceResolution": "1080p",
22    "playbackIds": [
23      {
24        "id": "1e6618b4-d5b9-4d5a-85b5-caf359f266f4",
25        "accessPolicy": "public",
26        "accessRestrictions": {
27          "domains": {
28            "defaultPolicy": "allow",
29            "allow": [],
30            "deny": []
31          },
32          "userAgents": {
33            "defaultPolicy": "allow",
34            "allow": [],
35            "deny": []
36          }
37        }
38      }
39    ],
40    "tracks": [
41      {
42        "id": "077b8523-e557-4c83-a293-085a093498eb",
43        "type": "video",
44        "width": 1920,
45        "height": 1080,
46        "frameRate": "30/1",
47        "closedCaptions": false
48      }
49    ],
50    "sourceAccess": false,
51    "duration": "00:00:10",
52    "frameRate": "30/1",
53    "aspectRatio": "16:9",
54    "createdAt": "2025-01-18T07:06:18.027791Z",
55    "updatedAt": "2025-01-18T07:07:01.446066Z"
56  },
57  "createdAt": "2025-01-18T07:07:01.457794639Z",
58  "attempts": [
59    {
60      "webhookId": "ef39b9b4-3ea1-412a-a385-bca0b09e539f",
61      "responseStatusCode": 404,
62      "responseHeaders": {
63        "contentType": "application/json",
64        "transfer": "chunked",
65        "server": "nginx",
66        "date": "Sat, 18 Jan 2025 07:07:01 GMT",
67        "cacheControl": "no-cache, private"
68      },
69      "responseBody": "{\"success\":false,\"error\":{\"message\":\"Token \\\"653f33a5-1671-4451-b4c7-318bfdc4ebc5\\\" not found\",\"id\":\"\"}}",
70      "maxAttempts": 30,
71      "id": "25eec16d-74a7-4ef0-8d74-838a9611a4c4",
72      "createdAt": "2025-01-18T07:07:01.457794639Z",
73      "address": "https://webhook.site/653f33a5-1671-4451-b4c7-318bfdc4ebc5"
74    }
75  ]
76}

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Example of video media delete events

1{
2  "type": "video.media.deleted",
3  "object": {
4    "type": "media",
5    "id": "8b91beb9-e313-485d-b028-19b1e720cf1b"
6  },
7  "id": "74344c84-1076-4424-99a7-7f533dafb618",
8  "workspace": {
9    "name": null,
10    "id": "11736d21-4d9e-482f-884b-5e986b37d2ea"
11  },
12  "status": "media_created",
13  "data": {
14    "success": true
15  },
16  "createdAt": "2025-01-21T13:23:24.265305881Z",
17  "attempts": [
18    {
19      "webhookId": "ef39b9b4-3ea1-412a-a385-bca0b09e539f",
20      "responseStatusCode": 404,
21      "responseHeaders": {
22        "contentType": "application/json",
23        "transfer": "chunked",
24        "server": "nginx",
25        "date": "Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:23:24 GMT",
26        "cacheControl": "no-cache, private"
27      },
28      "responseBody": "{\"success\":false,\"error\":{\"message\":\"Token \\\"653f33a5-1671-4451-b4c7-318bfdc4ebc5\\\" not found\",\"id\":\"\"}}",
29      "maxAttempts": 30,
30      "id": "0f391b4d-0868-449e-a93d-a5029d802687",
31      "createdAt": "2025-01-21T13:23:24.265305881Z",
32      "address": "https://webhook.site/653f33a5-1671-4451-b4c7-318bfdc4ebc5"
33    }
34  ]
35}

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In this example, the webhook sends structured data with:

• Video ID
• Resolution
• Duration
• Playback details
• Creation timestamp

Your system can use this information to automatically process the video, such as updating the UI, adding metadata, or notifying users.

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Real-Time monitoring of video streams

Webhooks are essential for live streaming scenarios. They allow your system to react to real-time events, such as when a stream starts, pauses, or ends. With webhooks, you can respond instantly without the need to constantly poll for the stream's status.

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Improved error handling and retry logic

When issues like encoding failures, video file errors, or playback problems occur, webhooks can instantly notify your system. This helps you address issues promptly, reducing downtime and improving the overall user experience.

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Automated workflow triggers

Webhooks can trigger automated workflows based on specific events. For instance, when a video is successfully uploaded, your application could automatically:

• Generate thumbnail previews.
• Start transcoding the video into various resolutions.
• Update user dashboards or notify viewers.

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Why Webhooks are more efficient than polling

Polling is where an application repeatedly checks an API for updates and can be resource intensive. Constantly making requests and waiting for responses wastes bandwidth and processing power.

In contrast, webhooks are event-driven. They only notify your system when something important happens, making data transmission more efficient, reducing unnecessary load on both your server and the external service, and ensuring real-time updates.
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How FastPix automates video streaming processes with webhooks

Webhook automation overview

• FastPix uses webhooks to automate video streaming processes, eliminating manual monitoring.
• Webhooks trigger real-time actions in response to video events like uploads, transcoding, and playback.

Creating a webhook

• Log into the FastPix dashboard and go to Webhook settings.
• Create custom webhooks by providing the URL for your platform.
• FastPix sends HTTP POST requests to the provided URL whenever aspecified event occurs (e.g., new media upload).

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1{
2  "type": "video.media.upload",
3  "object": {
4    "type": "media",
5    "id": "0aa6c4d3-30ca-48da-af60-0123d6ddd713"
6  },
7  "id": "a73fe2d2-000d-42d7-84ad-b0c241f80615",
8  "workspace": {
9    "name": "Development",
10    "id": "11736d21-4d9e-482f-884b-5e986b37d2ea"
11  },
12  "data": {
13    "uploadId": "0aa6c4d3-30ca-48da-af60-0123d6ddd713",
14    "trial": true,
15    "status": "waiting",
16    "url": "https://storage-iad01.fastpix.io/uploads/11736d21-4d9e-482f-884b-5e986b37d2ea/0aa6c4d3-30ca-48da-af60-0123d6ddd713?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=on-demand-svc%2F20250116%2Fiad01%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20250116T085140Z&X-Amz-Expires=14400&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=a0c6261184f80a332b5317f3e8506e405f2d8bddf9a2826653030cef341e5f4a",
17    "timeout": 14400,
18    "corsOrigin": "*",
19    "pushMediaSettings": {
20      "playbackIds": [
21        {
22          "accessPolicy": "public",
23          "accessRestrictions": {
24            "domains": {
25              "defaultPolicy": "allow",
26              "allow": [],
27              "deny": []
28            },
29            "userAgents": {
30              "defaultPolicy": "allow",
31              "allow": [],
32              "deny": []
33            }
34          }
35        }
36      ],
37      "metadata": {
38        "key1": "value1"
39      }
40    }
41  },
42  "createdAt": "2025-01-16T08:51:44.325194340Z",
43  "attempts": [
44    {
45      "webhookId": "ef39b9b4-3ea1-412a-a385-bca0b09e539f",
46      "responseStatusCode": 404,
47      "responseHeaders": {
48        "contentType": "application/json",
49        "transfer": "chunked",
50        "server": "nginx",
51        "date": "Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:51:44 GMT",
52        "cacheControl": "no-cache, private"
53      },
54      "responseBody": "{\"success\":false,\"error\":{\"message\":\"Token \\\"653f33a5-1671-4451-b4c7-318bfdc4ebc5\\\" not found\",\"id\":\"\"}}",
55      "maxAttempts": 30,
56      "id": "2456e13c-159a-428d-8473-1fbc4f08c87f",
57      "createdAt": "2025-01-16T08:51:44.325194340Z",
58      "address": "https://webhook.site/653f33a5-1671-4451-b4c7-318bfdc4ebc5"
59    }
60  ]
61}

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This webhook payload contains all the necessary information about the video, including its status, url and metadata. Your platform can then process this data and take appropriate actions, such as updating the user dashboard, notifying users, or triggering workflows like transcoding or metadata processing.

Ensuring secure communication

• FastPix includes an HMAC-SHA256 signature in the HTTP headers for data integrity.
• You can compare the signature with your own hash to verify authenticity and ensure data hasn’t been tampered with.

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Automating real-time video events

FastPix triggers webhooks for various video events:

• Video media upload: Notification when a video is successfully uploaded.
• Transcoding completed: Notification when video conversion (formats/resolutions) finishes.
• Video Ready for streaming: Notification when a video is ready for playback.
• Stream Started/Stopped: Real-time notifications when live streams begin or end.

These events allow your platform to:

• Update dashboards.
• Trigger transcoding workflows.
• Notify users about new content.
• Handle errors (e.g., encoding or playback issues).

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Key advantages of webhooks for video streaming platforms

Real-time updates: React instantly to changes, without waiting for scheduled checks.

Reduced latency: No delay from polling intervals; your system is notified as soon as an event occurs.

Lower resource usage: No need for constant requests to the server, saving bandwidth and processing power.

Automation: Trigger downstream workflows automatically, improving operational efficiency.

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Setting up Webhooks: A quick guide for developers

To start using webhooks with your video streaming platform, follow these steps:

• ‍Subscribe to events: In your video streaming platform’s dashboard, subscribe to the events you want to receive notifications for (e.g., video uploads, stream starts, etc.).‍
• Set up your webhook endpoint: Define a URL in your application where the webhook will send notifications.‍
• Handle incoming webhooks: Implement a handler to process the incoming webhook data. This handler should validate the data and trigger any necessary actions.‍
• Secure your webhooks: Ensure webhook security by validating the sender (e.g., using a secret token or signature) and limiting access to trusted endpoints.

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Webhooks for non-technical users

Even if you're not directly involved in the technical setup, understanding how webhooks work can improve your experience on video streaming platforms. For content creators, for example, webhooks can:

• Automatically notify you when your video has finished processing or is ready for streaming.
• Alert you if there are issues with your video.

This results in a smoother, more automated workflow, eliminating the need for you to manually check or wait for updates.

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Wrapping up...

Webhooks are an essential tool for automating video streaming processes, providing real-time notifications, reducing latency, and maximizing resource efficiency. Understanding how webhooks work can streamline workflows and significantly enhance overall system performance. To understand more on about webhook and FastPix check out our API documentation and guides.