AI-Driven Streaming Infra: Keeping Playback Smooth

Published on 2025-11-20

I built an adaptive streaming platform that uses AI-based bitrate prediction to reduce buffering when networks fluctuate.

Stack

• Python + FastAPI on AWS EC2
• React client with SSE for real-time token delivery
• Frame compression tuned for low-latency playback

What Worked

• AI bitrate prediction reduced buffer events compared to static ABR.
• SSE kept clients in sync without heavy polling.
• Compression tweaks cut glass-to-glass delay.

Takeaways

• Prediction models should be retrained per region; network shape matters.
• Server hints plus client heuristics beat either alone.