Project Overview
The core objective was to create a web application that not only provided a seamless viewing experience for users but also gave the administrator complete control over content, users, and revenue streams without needing technical expertise. The platform needed to support free trials, recurring subscriptions, and one-time purchases, all handled through a secure payment gateway.
The Challenge
The main challenges were:
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Flexible Monetization: To implement a dual-monetization strategy where content could be accessed via a monthly recurring subscription or purchased individually (pay-per-view). This also included offering free content and a time-based free trial for new users.
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Dynamic User Experience: To create an interactive and modern user interface that felt responsive like a single-page application (SPA) but without the complexity of a heavy JavaScript framework.
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Robust Admin Control: To build a comprehensive backend dashboard that would allow the client to manage every aspect of the site—from the front-page hero slider to individual video pricing and Stripe API keys.
The Technology Stack
To meet these challenges, I chose a modern and powerful technology stack designed for rapid development, security, and scalability:
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Backend Framework:
Laravel– A leading PHP framework known for its elegant syntax, robust security features, and extensive ecosystem. It provided the solid foundation needed for all business logic, user management, and database interactions. -
Frontend Interactivity:
Livewire– This full-stack framework for Laravel allowed me to build dynamic interfaces with the simplicity of PHP. It was instrumental in creating features like real-time form validation and content updates without writing complex JavaScript. -
Database:
MySQL– A reliable and high-performance relational database perfect for managing structured data like users, videos, and transaction records. -
Payment Integration:
Stripe Payment Gateway– The industry standard for online payments. I integrated Stripe Billing to handle secure, PCI-compliant transactions, manage recurring monthly subscriptions, and process one-time payments seamlessly.
Key Features Delivered
The final product is a comprehensive platform divided into two main components: the administrative backend and the user-facing website.
Admin Panel Features (The Control Center)
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Dynamic Content Management: The admin can effortlessly update the website's hero slides and manage various content sections, ensuring the site always looks fresh.
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Flexible Video Monetization Engine: A core feature of the platform. The admin can upload videos and individually tag them as free, available only to subscribers, or available for a one-time purchase (pay-per-view) with custom pricing.
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Comprehensive User & Subscription Dashboard: Full control over the user base, with the ability to view user profiles, manage subscription statuses (active, canceled), and see a complete history of all purchases.
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Business Intelligence & Analytics: A dashboard providing basic analytics to track user registrations and revenue, offering valuable insights into the platform's performance.
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Centralized Configuration Panel: A dedicated settings page for the admin to configure crucial site parameters, including the monthly subscription price, the duration of the free trial for new users, and essential API keys for Stripe.
Main Website Features (The User Experience)
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Secure & Modern User Authentication: Users can register and log in securely using an email-based One-Time Password (OTP) verification system, eliminating the need for users to remember another password.
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Dual Monetization Model: Ultimate flexibility for users. They can choose to subscribe for full access or use the "Pay As You View" option to purchase specific videos. This model also caters to guest users who can make one-time purchases without creating an account.
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Automated Free Trials: A system to attract new customers by offering a configurable free trial period, which automatically converts to a paid subscription via Stripe upon completion.
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Seamless & Secure Stripe Payments: A smooth and secure checkout process powered by Stripe for both recurring subscriptions and one-time purchases, ensuring user trust and data protection.
Project Outcome
The project was successfully delivered, resulting in a professional, scalable, and highly manageable video-on-demand platform. The client now has a powerful tool to grow their business and full autonomy over their content and monetization strategy. The use of Laravel and Livewire ensures the application is not only fast and secure but also easy to maintain and extend with new features in the future.
Have a similar project in mind?
If you're looking to build a custom web application, a subscription-based platform, or need to integrate complex payment systems, I'd love to hear from you. Let's connect and discuss how we can bring your vision to life.
