Simplifying Video Sharing with Phoenix LiveView and FLAME

The article explains how Alvise Susmel created Circle, a web app for sharing large videos effortlessly among friends using Phoenix LiveView and FLAME. After facing challenges with existing video sharing platforms that limit file sizes and complicate sharing, he decided to build a simple solution that allows users to upload videos, process them in various resolutions, and share a unique link for streaming. The app architecture leverages Tigris for storage and Fly.io for easy deployment. The workflow includes the browser uploading videos directly to Tigris, which allows for efficient processing and significantly reduces server load. FLAME is used for on-demand video processing, which minimizes costs by shutting down machines after tasks are completed. The process is designed to be easily maintainable and affordable, aiming for potential future enhancements like open-source features and better authentication. The article serves as a practical demonstration of how to build a basic app with modern technologies without the need for extensive infrastructure.