Laravel + FFmpeg: How to Encode Videos Step by Step for a Scalable Platform

Learn how to encode videos using Laravel and FFmpeg. A step-by-step guide covering queues, storage, and performance for real-world video platforms.

Laravel + FFmpeg: Encoding Videos Step by Step

Uploading a video is easy. Encoding it efficiently, reliably, and at scale is not.

If you are building a video platform with Laravel, video encoding is one of the most critical technical challenges you’ll face. This guide walks through a practical, production-oriented approach to encoding videos using Laravel and FFmpeg.

 

Why FFmpeg Is the Standard

FFmpeg is widely used because it offers:

• Full control over video formats

• Support for multiple resolutions

• Excellent performance

• No vendor lock-in 

Combined with Laravel’s queue system, FFmpeg becomes a powerful tool for video processing.

 

The Core Architecture 

A scalable video encoding flow usually looks like this:

1. User uploads a video

2. File is stored temporarily

3. A Laravel job is dispatched

4. FFmpeg processes the video

5. Encoded files are stored

6. Video status is updated

This approach keeps your application responsive while heavy processing happens in the background.

 

Step-by-Step Encoding Flow

1. Upload and Store

The uploaded video is saved to temporary storage. This keeps the request fast and avoids timeouts.

2. Dispatch a Queue Job

Laravel queues allow you to move encoding work out of the request lifecycle. Each video encoding task runs independently.

3. Run FFmpeg

FFmpeg converts the original file into the required formats and resolutions. You can generate multiple outputs if needed.

4. Store the Result

Encoded videos are uploaded to external storage such as S3-compatible services.

5. Update Status

Once encoding finishes, the video is marked as ready and becomes available to users.

 

Scaling the System

To handle growth, you can:

• Add more queue workers

• Separate encoding servers

• Use external object storage

• Monitor job performance

This modular design allows the system to scale without rewriting the core application.

 

Real-World Implementation

This architecture is used in 89vids, a production-ready Laravel video platform.

Instead of building this pipeline from scratch, many developers prefer starting with a system that already handles encoding, queues, and storage reliably.

Conclusion

Laravel and FFmpeg are a powerful combination when used correctly. By separating uploads, processing, and delivery, you can build a video platform that scales with confidence.

 

 

Published on February 07, 2026