What is the recommended DB, platform, and format for developing video sharing app?

I am working on a project that is somewhat similar to the way Netflix works (as a streaming service), and have the following requirements:

• Database that stores video files

  Create group that can access the video

  Ability for Owner to invite/add users to the group(s)

  Video can be played/paused, and resumed if users close and come back
  to watch later.

  Users in the Group can watch the video at the same time

  Email/push notifications whenever owner of a group uploads a new
  video ready for watching

Now I have last developed in Android some 4 years ago, but in terms of cross platform compatibility, e.g. iOS and Android, what is the best approach for this project?

Should I use AWS or Azure to host the database? Would SQL database work well with storing videos? Is MP4 the best format considering its wide compatibility? From my android experience, I developed an App in Android studio, but is there a better alternative to develop an app that can work for both iOS and Android at once?

James Watson

If you need to quickly develop apps for both iOS and Android, I would suggest you to have a look at Xamarin App Development with Visual Studio. So then, you may try Azure and Azure SQL in order to host your background app and store your data.

I read that i shouldnt be storing the video in the database, instead, creating a folder storing these videos and linking yo them in the database. the question is: where do i create this "folder"? on AWS? Azure? what service is suitable for that?

James Watson

I see. Using a folder to store those videos and then saving their path in DB is a good idea.

I think it's better to use Azure cloud storage if you will use Xamarin App Development with Visual Studio.
just create a free live account to try the Microsoft Azure solution.

sounds good. also, idk if youre familair with it to comment on it, but do you think mp4 will be fine? or would i need to convert the video format to support both iOS and android?

James Watson

WeyardWiz

James Watson

I see. Using a folder to store those videos and then saving their path in DB is a good idea.

I think it's better to use Azure cloud storage if you will use Xamarin App Development with Visual Studio.
just create a free live account to try the Microsoft Azure solution.

sounds good. also, idk if youre familair with it to comment on it, but do you think mp4 will be fine? or would i need to convert the video format to support both iOS and android?

The mp4 format will be fine.
We developed an application which is some like Netflix. Every uploaded media file can be convetered to either mp4 or an other format. The mp4 format is supported by both iOS and Android app.

Thank you!