How to install react-native-video v7 with Expo?

Install the beta version via npm, ensure react-native-nitro-modules is added, and use the Expo plugin as mentioned in the README; follow the quick start guide for details.

React Native Video vs react-native-video-player – which is better?

React Native Video offers more features like DRM and offline playback, but is heavier; react-native-video-player might be simpler for basic use but less comprehensive.

Does react-native-video support HLS streaming on Android?

Yes, it supports HLS streaming on both iOS and Android, along with DASH and SmoothStreaming, as confirmed in the features table.

How to handle errors in v7 with older React Native versions?

For React Native < 0.80, apply a patch to react-native-nitro-modules using patch-package, as detailed in the installation section to prevent unknown errors.

Is offline playback free or requires payment?

Offline playback requires an optional SDK that likely involves costs, as linked to TWG services, though basic features might be available in the open-source core.

What are the breaking changes when upgrading to v7?

The README warns of breaking changes; refer to the upgrade guide and documentation for specifics, as architecture shifts and API updates are expected.

react-native-video

Q: How to handle errors in v7 with older React Native versions?

For React Native < 0.80, apply a patch to react-native-nitro-modules using patch-package, as detailed in the installation section to prevent unknown errors.

Q: Is offline playback free or requires payment?

Offline playback requires an optional SDK that likely involves costs, as linked to TWG services, though basic features might be available in the open-source core.

Q: What are the breaking changes when upgrading to v7?

The README warns of breaking changes; refer to the upgrade guide and documentation for specifics, as architecture shifts and API updates are expected.

MITKotlinv6.19.2

A battle-tested open-source video player component for React Native with DRM, offline playback, and HLS/DASH streaming support.

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What is react-native-video?

React Native Video is a video player component for React Native that enables native video playback on iOS and Android. It solves the problem of integrating robust video functionality into cross-platform mobile apps, supporting local files, remote streams, DRM-protected content, and offline viewing. The component provides a unified API for handling complex video requirements in React Native applications.

Target Audience

React Native developers building mobile applications that require video playback, including streaming services, educational apps, media players, and any app incorporating video content.

Value Proposition

Developers choose React Native Video because it's the most battle-tested open-source video solution for React Native, offering commercial-grade features like DRM and offline playback without licensing fees. Its active development and modern architecture (v7) ensure compatibility with the latest React Native improvements and better performance.

Overview

A <Video /> component for react-native

Use Cases

Best For

Building video streaming apps with HLS or DASH support

Related Projects

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

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GitHub

7.7k stars3.0k forks0 contributors

Adding DRM-protected video content to React Native apps

Implementing offline video playback with download capabilities

Creating educational or training apps with video content

Developing media player applications for iOS and Android

Adding Picture-in-Picture functionality to video apps

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring immediate support for web, TV, or VisionOS platforms – these are explicitly listed as TODOs in the README.
Teams that cannot tolerate beta software in production – v7 is in active development with breaking changes and missing features.
Apps with simple, basic video playback needs – the library's complexity and dependencies like react-native-nitro-modules may be overkill.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Comprehensive Feature Set

Supports DRM (Widevine, FairPlay), offline playback, and streaming protocols like HLS and DASH, as verified in the features table, enabling commercial-grade video apps.

Modern Architecture Support

v7 introduces full support for the new React Native architecture, promising better performance and consistency, as highlighted in the project status section.

Expo Integration Ease

Works with Expo via a dedicated plugin, simplifying setup for Expo users and broadening accessibility.

Battle-Tested Reliability

Described as the most widely-used open-source video player for React Native, with a proven track record in production apps.

Cons

Unstable Beta Version

v7 is in active development with expected breaking changes and missing features, as warned in the IMPORTANT note, making it risky for stable deployments.

Complex Dependency Setup

Requires react-native-nitro-modules and patches for React Native < 0.80, adding installation overhead and potential compatibility issues, per the installation guide.

Incomplete Cross-Platform Support

Basic web, TV, and VisionOS support are marked as TODOs, limiting use to primarily iOS and Android platforms.

Commercial Service Push

Heavy promotion of paid services and SDKs, like the Offline Video SDK, may indicate reduced focus on free, open-source core features.

Frequently Asked Questions

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