Video as a Service (VaaS) is a cloud-based solution that simplifies the delivery of video features—such as live streaming, on-demand playback, and video management—into websites and applications. Instead of building complex video infrastructure from scratch, developers integrate video functionality through APIs and SDKs.
Table of contents
- An abbreviated history of how VaaS developed
- What is VaaS exactly?
- Getting Started with Digital Samba
In this article, we’ll explore how VaaS evolved, what it looks like today, its key benefits and limitations, and where it fits in with specialised services like Video Conferencing as a Service (VCaaS).
A brief history of VaaS and online video
The early days: plugins and limitations
In the early 2000s, video on the web was anything but seamless. Delivering even short clips required users to install third-party browser plugins like Adobe Flash or Microsoft Silverlight. These plugins acted as intermediaries between the browser and the video player, often leading to inconsistent playback, security vulnerabilities, and frustrating user experiences.
At that time, each browser handled plugins differently, and compatibility issues were common. Developers had to write extra code for plugin detection and installation prompts, and users frequently had to deal with manual updates or missing features. Bandwidth was also limited, meaning that buffering and pixelated video were considered normal.
Despite these limitations, this era laid the groundwork for the idea that video could become an integral part of the web experience—if only the technology could catch up.
HTML5 and WebRTC:
Everything began to change with the introduction of HTML5 in the late 2000s and its widespread adoption throughout the 2010s. HTML5 brought native support for audio and video elements directly into the browser, removing the need for third-party plugins entirely. It allowed developers to build video experiences that were faster, safer, and more consistent across devices.
Simultaneously, WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) emerged as an open-source protocol that enabled real-time, peer-to-peer audio, video, and data sharing directly within web browsers. This was a revolutionary step forward for live video, making it possible to build video conferencing, live streaming, and screen-sharing features without external plugins or complex setups.
These innovations drastically lowered the barrier to entry for building video-enabled applications. Developers could now integrate video features more quickly and reliably, setting the stage for the growth of VaaS.
Post-2020 acceleration
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated everything. Practically overnight, businesses, schools, and healthcare providers were forced to shift online—and video became the default method of communication. Whether it was virtual classrooms, remote work meetings, online fitness sessions, or telehealth appointments, live video was now essential.
This massive shift placed enormous pressure on developers who needed a high-level programming language to deliver video-enabled experiences quickly, reliably, and at scale. That’s where Video as a Service (VaaS) came into its own. Rather than building complex video pipelines in-house, developers could now plug into scalable, cloud-based VaaS platforms offering prebuilt infrastructure for streaming, encoding, content management, and real-time delivery.
VaaS turned video from a technical challenge into a service—available on demand and ready to integrate into almost any app or platform. This shift is still underway, and it continues to redefine how video is delivered and experienced on the internet.
What Exactly Is Video as a Service (VaaS)?
Video as a Service (VaaS) refers to the delivery of video functionality—such as streaming, encoding, playback, storage, and analytics—through cloud-based APIs and SDKs. Rather than building and maintaining an entire video infrastructure from the ground up, developers can access these services on demand by simply integrating with a provider’s API.
This approach modularises the video technology stack into separate, manageable components that can be used independently or together, depending on the project’s needs. It’s similar to how Software as a Service (SaaS) revolutionised business applications—VaaS does the same for video delivery.
Why use VaaS?
Building a video platform from scratch involves tackling multiple complex layers:
- Encoding and transcoding for compatibility across devices and network conditions
- Storage for large video files and streams
- Global content delivery via CDNs to avoid buffering
- Secure playback through encryption and access controls
- Player UI, analytics dashboards, and integration tools
VaaS platforms abstract all of this complexity and make it available as a service. Developers only need to focus on the user experience and application logic, while the VaaS provider takes care of performance, reliability, and scaling behind the scenes.
Common use cases for VaaS
The flexibility of VaaS means it’s applicable across many industries and use cases. Some of the most popular scenarios include:
- Embedding live streams into mobile or web apps
Add real-time video streaming for events, product launches, or live broadcasts with minimal code. - Hosting and delivering video-on-demand (VoD) content
Great for training portals, online courses, and entertainment platforms where users watch pre-recorded content. - Managing large-scale video libraries in the cloud
Ideal for content creators, educators, and media companies who need to organise and access hundreds or thousands of assets securely. - Delivering secure video across global audiences
Advanced features like geofencing, DRM, and token-based access allow sensitive or licensed content to be streamed safely. - Monetising content via paywalls or subscriptions
Some VaaS providers offer integrations for payments, ads, or subscription models.
In each of these scenarios, developers avoid the need to manage servers, media pipelines, or device compatibility issues. They simply connect to the VaaS provider and "plug in" video wherever it’s needed in their app or website.
Pros and cons of using VaaS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rapid development with minimal setup | Less control over low-level video operations |
| Scalable to global audiences | Potential vendor lock-in |
| Reduced infrastructure and hosting costs | Data privacy depends on provider |
| Easy to embed with APIs and SDKs | Some providers may not support niche use cases |
| Built-in analytics and monitoring tools | May require ongoing subscription fees |
| Faster time-to-market for video products | Integration complexity can vary |
Getting started with Digital Samba
If your product relies on delivering video—whether it's streaming events, hosting tutorials, or conducting video calls—VaaS can save you significant time and money. It’s ideal for:
- Startups needing to launch fast
- Enterprises scaling up video platforms
- Developers avoiding maintenance overhead
For real-time communication, look into VCaaS solutions like Digital Samba’s conferencing API and SDK, which help you embed secure, customisable video calls into your platform. You can also start for free to test it out.
FAQ
What’s the difference between VaaS and VCaaS?
VaaS refers to general video delivery (live, on-demand, etc.), while VCaaS focuses specifically on real-time video conferencing features.
Can I build my own video stack instead of using VaaS?
You can, but it requires significant expertise in encoding, storage, delivery networks, and player development. VaaS removes this burden.
What is VaaS Flash?
This refers to legacy video solutions that used Adobe Flash. Modern VaaS platforms now use HTML5 and WebRTC for more secure, performant video.
Are there European VaaS or VCaaS providers?
Yes. Digital Samba is a European platform offering privacy-focused VCaaS, ideal for GDPR-compliant solutions.
Can I customise the video player with VaaS?
Many platforms offer customisable players and UI elements, especially through SDKs. Look for one that supports your desired level of control.
Is VaaS secure enough for healthcare or education?
If you choose a GDPR-compliant provider with end-to-end encryption, yes. Digital Samba, for instance, is used in healthcare and e-learning settings.
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