Videofiler

Videofiler is a software system designed to store, manage, and retrieve video assets. It combines a media file repository with metadata management, search capabilities, and workflow functions to support production, distribution, and long-term archival of video content.

Its core features include metadata schemas for descriptive and technical data (for example title, description, keywords, rights and licensing, duration, codec, resolution, frame rate); automated thumbnail previews; transcript and subtitle indexing; OCR for on-screen text where applicable; version control and check-in/check-out; access control and audit trails; and robust search with facets and filters. Many videofilers provide transcoding pipelines and publication outputs, API access, and integrations with content management systems, editors, and playout systems.

Architecture typically combines a durable storage backend (object storage or file system), a metadata database, and a search index. Processing services generate thumbnails, transcodes, and metadata extracts; a web-based user interface and a REST or GraphQL API enable interaction. High availability, data redundancy, and versioning are common, with support for backup and retention policies to meet compliance requirements.

Use cases include media production houses, broadcasters, educational institutions, corporate communications, and cultural heritage archives. Videofilers improve findability, enable collaborative workflows, support rights management, and simplify long-term preservation of audiovisual assets.

While some vendors offer commercial videofiler solutions, the term is also used generically for open-source or in-house asset management systems with video-centric features. Metadata standards frequently supported include XMP, Dublin Core, and PREMIS, along with industry-specific schemas.