Client: Freepik Company

Sector: Visual and multimedia content

A critical integration following a strategic acquisition

After acquiring the video resource platform Videvo, Freepik faced a top-tier technical challenge: integrating over 3 million video files into its own infrastructure without affecting operational effectiveness or content quality. Beyond the volume, the starting point was particularly complex: there were files duplicated dozens of times, missing or incorrect previews, inconsistent watermarks, and a disorganized and modified folder structure. These were just some of the problems accumulated over more than a decade of independent operation, in addition to dozens of edge cases that required detailed handling.

Challenge

• Dysfunctional architecture: The original system presented duplicated files dozens of times and lacked clear organization.

• Quality errors: Broken or missing previews affected up to 5% of the content.

• Visual inconsistencies: Watermarks applied irregularly impacted the coherence of the catalog.

• Sensitive scenario: The migration had to take place without interrupting service to millions of users.

Solution

A comprehensive migration was designed and implemented based on Google Cloud Storage, combined with a complete redesign of the folder structure, this time designed to be 100% scalable. Microservices deployed on Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) were developed to automate deduplication, preview regeneration, error correction, and the application of uniform watermarks. Additionally, Akamai was integrated as an advanced caching layer to optimize overall performance.

Implementation

The project was carried out over a period of two months during 2024, without affecting service for end users. The migration and cleanup were performed progressively and automatically, ensuring traceability and validation at each stage of the process.

Results

• Reduction of infrastructure costs by over €20,000 per month

• Total removal of duplicated files

• Correction of 100% of errors in previews (which previously affected 5% of the content)

• Significant improvement in user experience due to visual consistency and smooth navigation

A solid foundation for Freepik's audiovisual future

This project demonstrated that, even starting from a critical situation, a well-executed technical strategy can transform an operational risk into the foundation for a scalable, orderly, and efficient infrastructure. Freepik was able to transform a chaotic legacy into a platform ready to continue leading in multimedia content.