---
title: Self Hosting vs Managed Hosting Plans
description: "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…"
url: "https://www.mooplugins.com/docs/video-lesson-activity/core-concepts/self-hosting-vs-managed-hosting-plans/"
updated: "2025-12-17"
category: Video Lesson Activity / Core Concepts
---

# Self Hosting vs Managed Hosting Plans

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:

1. **Uploaded videos / Video Library**
    (Requires AWS or managed hosting)
2. **Embedded videos from YouTube or Vimeo**
    (Does NOT require hosting)
3. **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.