Source: https://mindstamp.com/help/self-hosting-101-what-does-it-mean-to-self-host-videos-on-mindstamp
Generated from the Help Center records: 2026-10-06

# What does it mean to self-host a video for Mindstamp?

Topic: [Videos and playback](https://mindstamp.com/help/videos) · Updated: 2026-09-25

## Short answer

Self-hosting means the video file stays on storage you control, such as Amazon S3 or your own server, and Mindstamp plays it from that address. Add it with the **Link** source: paste a public MP4 or HLS (.m3u8) link that does not expire. Your interactions, settings and reports still live in Mindstamp.

## Steps

1. Put the video file on your storage and make it public over HTTPS, with no login and no expiring token.
2. Copy the direct file address. It must end in .mp4 or .m3u8.
3. In Mindstamp, select **New video**, then **Link**, and paste the address.
4. Wait for **Link works**, then select **Create Video**.
5. Open the share link in a private browser window, on a phone, and on another network to check that viewers can play it.

## Link messages

- **Not a video file**: the address does not point to an MP4 or HLS file. Copy the direct file address, not a web page.
- **Link requires login**: the server refused access. Make the file public.
- **Link unreachable**: Mindstamp cannot load the address. Check the address and that the server is online.

## What you manage when you self-host

Your server delivers the video, so you are responsible for its availability, speed and bandwidth. A link that works for you can fail for viewers if it expires, needs a login, or is blocked on their network.

An MP4 link gives every viewer the same file. An HLS link with several quality levels lets the player adapt to each viewer’s connection. See [HLS and MP4](https://mindstamp.com/help/what-is-http-live-streaming-hls-how-is-it-different-from-mp4).

For HLS, the browser loads the playlist and each segment from your server, so your server must allow cross-origin requests (CORS) from the Mindstamp player.

## Alerts when a link stops working

If Mindstamp cannot reach your link, the video is marked **Unreachable** and the editor shows **Video link unreachable**. Select **Re-check link** after you fix the file, or **Replace video** to use a new address. Your interactions stay.

## Features that depend on the source type

- Transcripts work for MP4 links but not for HLS links.
- **Download source** works for MP4 links but not for HLS links.
- Some accounts are set up for self-hosted video only. On these accounts, **Upload** shows **No Upload Access**.

## Go further

- [New Video tutorial](https://mindstamp.com/tutorials/new-video)
- [Contact support](https://mindstamp.com/contact)

## Related answers

- [What is HLS, and how is it different from MP4?](https://mindstamp.com/help/what-is-http-live-streaming-hls-how-is-it-different-from-mp4)
- [Why am I getting a video playback error?](https://mindstamp.com/help/im-getting-a-playback-error-why)
- [How do I replace the video file without losing my interactions?](https://mindstamp.com/help/replace-video-file)
- [What kinds of video can I use in Mindstamp?](https://mindstamp.com/help/what-kind-of-videos-can-i-use-in-mindstamp)

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