This article explains how video hosting works in the Video Lesson Activity, how it relates to different video sources, and when you need self-hosted or managed hosting.
Video sources supported by Video Lesson Activity #
The Video Lesson Activity supports multiple video sources. Not all of them require video hosting infrastructure.
You can use the plugin with:
- Uploaded videos / Video Library
(Requires AWS or managed hosting) - Embedded videos from YouTube or Vimeo
(Does NOT require hosting) - Externally hosted MP4 videos
(Direct video URLs ending in.mp4, does NOT require hosting)
Understanding this distinction is key to choosing the right setup.
When is video hosting required? #
Video hosting is required only when you upload videos into the Video Lesson plugin or to the Video Library.
In this case:
- Videos must be stored
- Videos must be transcoded for streaming
- Videos must be delivered efficiently to learners
For this, the plugin supports:
- Self-hosted infrastructure (AWS)
- Managed hosting by MooPlugins
When is video hosting NOT required? #
You do not need hosting if you:
- Embed videos from YouTube or Vimeo
- Use an external MP4 URL hosted on another server
In these cases:
- The plugin does not store or transcode the video
- Completion tracking still work inside Moodle
⚠️ Note: Playback behavior and performance depend on the external provider.
Option 1: Self-Hosted (Your AWS Infrastructure) #
Self-hosting is used only for uploaded videos and the Video Library. You manage your own video infrastructure, typically using AWS.
What you manage
- Video storage (e.g. Amazon S3)
- Video transcoding (e.g. AWS MediaConvert)
- Streaming and delivery (e.g. CloudFront)
- Infrastructure costs and monitoring
- Security and IAM permissions
What the plugin manages
- Video lesson logic
- Completion rules
- Analytics and reporting
- Player behavior
- Integration with Moodle
When self-hosting makes sense
Self-hosting is a good choice if:
- You want to upload and manage your own videos
- You already use AWS or similar services
- You need full control over infrastructure and costs
- You have technical resources to manage it
Option 2: Managed Hosting (By MooPlugins) #
Managed hosting applies only to uploaded videos and the Video Library. MooPlugins provides and manages the entire video infrastructure for you.
What MooPlugins manages
- Video storage
- Transcoding and streaming
- Performance optimization
- Scaling and maintenance
- Infrastructure monitoring
What you manage
- Moodle site
- Courses and activities
- Video lessons and completion rules
When managed hosting makes sense
Managed hosting is recommended if:
- You want to upload videos without managing AWS
- You want a faster and simpler setup
- You prefer predictable monthly pricing
- You don’t have dedicated DevOps resources
Can I switch hosting options later? #
Yes.
- You can migrate from self-hosted to managed hosting (or vice versa)
- Migration requires planning and may involve data transfer
Contact our support before making changes.
Which option should I choose? #
Choose no hosting if:
- You only embed YouTube / Vimeo videos
- You use externally hosted MP4 files
Choose self-hosting if:
- You upload videos
- You want full infrastructure control
- You have technical resources to manage it
Choose managed hosting if:
- You upload videos
- You want simplicity, predictable pricing and peace of mind
All options work with the Video Lesson Activity.
