Video encryption

Encryption methods

ApsaraVideo VOD supports the following three encryption methods:

Alibaba Cloud proprietary cryptography

• Description: Uses Alibaba Cloud's proprietary encryption algorithm to encrypt video data. Each media file has an independent encryption key, avoiding large-scale security issues caused by a single key leakage.

• Scenarios: High-security use cases such as online education, finance, and industry training.

• Limitations:

  • Only supports decryption and playback using ApsaraVideo Player SDK.

  • MP4 format is only supported by native ApsaraVideo Player SDK for iOS and Android.

  • Web Player SDK supports playback of encrypted videos on mainstream mobile browsers.

HLS encryption

• Description: Uses AES-128 to encrypt video content. Keys are managed through envelope encryption to ensure security.

• Scenarios: Use cases that demand broad cross-platform compatibility but have relatively lower security requirements.

• Limitations:

  • Encryption keys are susceptible to theft, resulting in lower security compared to Alibaba Cloud proprietary cryptography.

  • Requires more technical effort, including self-built key management and token issuance services.

DRM encryption

• Description: Uses commercial digital rights management (DRM) technologies, such as Apple FairPlay and Google Widevine, to provide high-level protection.

• Scenarios: Use cases with strict copyright protection requirements, such as exclusive TV shows and paid content.

• Limitations:

  • Higher cost, with charges based on the number of license calls.

  • Higher integration complexity.

Compatibility of ApsaraVideo Player SDK

The following table describes the encryption methods that ApsaraVideo Player SDKs support on each platform.