How to Build a Video Website

Step 1

If using a hosting plan, check with your host to ensure that video streaming capabilities are available. If it is your own server, ensure your selected streaming media technology is installed correctly and ready for use.

Step 2

Select which technology you plan to use. There are several options available; the most common are Flash video, RealVideo, Windows Media and Quicktime. Keep in mind that Flash only requires that Adobe's Flash player be installed on the user's computer, the other technologies require their respective players to function.

Step 3

If need be, install your selected technology on the server, or have your host install and set up the technology for you on your Website if it is not your own server.

Step 4

Test out the server once the installation is complete to ensure proper functionality.

Creating the Media for Streaming

• Step 1

  Assemble the video clips you would like to place on the Website. These will need to be converted into the selected media technology in order for them to stream.

• Step 2

  Convert the clips using a media conversion tool. Typically, a conversion tool is provided by each of the companies that control the various technologies; these are free or at a very low cost.

• Step 3

  Upload the clips to the Web server. Be mindful that some streaming media technologies and Web services require that the files be placed in a specific folder or location in order to work properly.

Creating the Website

• Step 1

  Create the Website the files are to be placed on. Using the instructions on how to link to streaming media files is important: again, if they are not linked properly, the files may just download rather than stream as they should.

• Step 2

  Save the files and upload them to the Web server as you would normally for any other Web page.

• Step 3

  Load the Website, go to the video files and check to see if it loads up the desired application and plays the files as expected. If it does not work, go back over these steps and ensure there were no mistakes. Otherwise, the Website should be ready for the public to use.

• Skill: Moderate
• Ingredients:
• Streaming media capabilities on your Web server
• Media conversion tool
• Tip: Flash video is increasingly becoming the technology of choice for its cross-browser and cross-operating system support and versatility. However, a streaming media technology like RealVideo or Windows Media may work better if you plan to do real-time streaming.
• Warning:
• Video Websites use a lot of bandwidth. Ensure that you have sufficient bandwidth in your plan available to avoid costly overage charges or possible termination for overuse.