What is a Video API? Key Concepts Explained

Definition: A Video API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of tools and protocols that enables developers to integrate video-related functionalities. 

This definition gives us a small glimpse of what Video API is, but to understand what exactly Video API is from a beginner's point of view. Let’s dive deeper.

What happens when you type these two words into your favourite search engine? You end up getting a bunch of API options.Eventually getting lost across search results spanning 100s of solutions fromVideo Platform APIs to Video Player APIs and everything in between. It’s like figuring your way out through a bustling marketplace where each stall looks the same offering almost similar tools and solutions. But in reality, these aren’t the same.
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Before diving into how should you differentiate among all these Video API options, let’s clarify the definition of a video API.

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What is streaming video API?

A video API allows developers to automate the creation, recording, storing, analysis, streaming, and distribution of video files. Using video APIs, software developers and product builders can quickly integrate video functionality into their applications or websites without performing a lot of manual coding and simply connecting it in a ready-to-use package. It also enables the delivery of the video stream to the end user using a content delivery network (CDN).

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What are the different types of video APIs?

Here, we'll break down the various types of Video APIs and provide real-world examples to illustrate their distinctions.

• Video Platform API

• Video Streaming API

• Video Player API

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What are OVPs? What are video platform APIs?

Think of Video Platform APIs as the end-to-end package deal of the online video world. They offer a comprehensive suite of tools and services, from hosting and streaming to analytics and monetization. They're perfect for businesses looking for a one-stop solution to their video needs.

Video Platform APIs offer out-of-the-box services packaged with CMS and Player along with the APIs. Often the platforms are referred to as vertical platforms as they are more focussed on specific use cases like marketing, OTTs and so on. With out-of-the-box solutions, developers can get started using video in their applications in no time which is an advantage but this lacks the scope for innovation for end-users. The functionality is also often limited as it's one platform designed for all.

Example use case: YouTube, a social media video platform.

YouTube's API enables developers to integrate YouTube's vast video library into their applications or websites. It allows for features like video embedding, video uploading, and access to video analytics. Content creators and businesses often use this API to leverageYouTube's extensive video hosting and streaming capabilities.

There are also a few platforms often tagged as Online Video Platforms (OVP) which serve a similar purpose but are used widely for B2B. A few examples of Online Video Platforms are:

• FastPix 

• Brightcove

• Vimeo

• Kaltura

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What is video streaming API?

Video Streaming APIs give you the freedom to craft your own unique solutions, unlike their all-in-one platform counterparts. If you want to build a personalized video streaming app, a video conferencing app, or a platform for sharing user-generated content. Video APIs empower you to do just that.

Usually, video streaming APIs are more focused on offering APIs, handling the infrastructure in the background to provide functionalities like Video Encoding, Storage, Delivery and more. 

These APIs are more likely to be customizable to be integrated into any other CMS and players. Therefore, offering no limits on creativity or the tech team on what you can build. You can build anything that you can imagine with video since you are in control. 

Video Streaming APIs are considered more necessary when the objective is more growth-focused, where you want to be incomplete control of the application you are building with video streaming capabilities.

Example use case: FastPix Video API

FastPix is the API for online video, empowering you to effortlessly integrate video into your products, applications and services. Easy-to-use API for on-demand video, and live streaming enable seamless integration of high-quality videos into anything that could be imagined, with just a few lines of code. 

You also gain a competitive edge in your video workflows with a single source of end-to-end QoE (Quality of Experience)data analytics that is required to deliver high-impact experiences. 

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Video Streaming APIs essentially take care of the tech stack so you can craft mind-blowing video experiences to drive success in the digital landscape.You can focus less on the complexities of video and more on the product experiences and business outcomes. 

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What are video player APIs?

A Video API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of tools and protocols that allow developers to integrate video functionalities like playback, recording, streaming and editing in their applications or services,Video API makes it way easier to work with content without building everything from scratch.

On the other end of the video API spectrum, we have Video Player APIs. These are the tools that specialize in enhancing the viewer's experience. They make videos play seamlessly across various devices and browsers. 

Some video streaming APIs come equipped with video players. These players can often be extensively customized via the API, allowing you to craft unique player experiences for different viewer groups. You'll have the freedom to adjust various elements of the player's interface, including colour schemes and branding elements. 

Additionally, while certain video platform APIs provide their players, video streaming APIs may recommend third-party player solutions that seamlessly integrate with their services.

Here are a few common client-side or third-party video player APIs:

List of video player APIs for different browsers

• Media Source Extensions (MSE)

• Encrypted Media Extensions (EME)

• THEOplayer

List of video player APIs for Android systems

• Exoplayer

• AVPlayer

List of video player APIs for IOS systems

• AV Foundation

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Video streaming APIs vs Video platform APIs (OVPs)

The fundamental distinction between a video streaming API and a Platform API (Online Video Platform) lies in the level of abstraction they operate within. An abstraction layer serves to hide the intricacies of a system, with a higher layer hiding more details. OVPs typically function at varying levels of abstraction, often offering a notably high level, which includes features like a Content Management System (CMS) along with intricate technical elements, all merged within a single set of APIs.

OVPs come with a comprehensive plug-and-play experience, typically including bundled client-side SoftwareDevelopment Kits (SDKs), players, and a CMS. While this can be highly advantageous, it also means that you become closely tied to the data models andSDK integrations provided by the OVP, potentially leading to a significant level of vendor lock-in. In contrast, a video streaming API offers you the freedom to choose any CMS, player, or advertisement integrations that suit your needs. It empowers you to structure, integrate, and customize your product in a manner that aligns with your specific requirements.

A video streaming API consists of a single, straight forward, and highly abstracted interface used for both content ingestion and playback. The intricate complexities involved in encoding, storing, and delivering your content are all handled by the underlying APIservices, allowing you to concentrate your efforts on the development and enhancement of your product.

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Benefits of using video APIs

With the growing need for efficient video content management, Video APIs have become an indispensable tool in the digital media landscape. Here are the key benefits of using Video APIs:

1. Seamless Integration

Video APIs simplify the process of integrating video content and features into your existing applications, enabling you to create robust and secure multimedia solutions with ease.

2. Enhanced Productivity

By automating various tasks, video APIs substantially reduce the time and effort required for developing, managing, and deploying video projects. This translates to increased productivity in your video-related projects.

3. Flexibility and Innovation

Video APIs empower developers to swiftly introduce new features to deliver video content to users. This versatility makes them an invaluable asset for software developers and product builders seeking to innovate.

4. Cost Savings

Video APIs cut down development, maintenance, and storage costs. They are particularly beneficial for small businesses that may lack the resources to build an entire video infrastructure from scratch.

5. Scalability

Video APIs are capable of handling large volumes of video data and traffic. This scalability ensures they can seamlessly adapt to the evolving needs of your applications and business.

6. Enhanced Security

APIs also contribute to securing your video content through encryption methods and other security measures. This becomes especially crucial for companies dealing with sensitive video data, operating within regulated industries, and adhering to data regulation policies like GDPR or CCPA.

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Conclusion

As we understand the diverse landscape ofVideo APIs, it becomes clear that one size does not fit all. Your choice ofVideo API should align with your project's specific needs. Before diving in, you should define your objectives and consider the type of video-related functionality you require. If you're a business looking for a hassle-free, out-of-the-box solution, Video Platform APIs might be your best bet. If you're an innovator with a vision and a hunger for creativity, Video Streaming APIs are absolutely what you would need. 

Click here, to learn more about how FastPix supercharges the online video experience with the power of API.

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