Build and optimize a video playlist component

Q: Build and optimize a video playlist component

This is a System Design interview question from Netflix for Software Engineer roles. View the full question and solution on PracHub.

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Question

Implement a React Video Playlist Component

Context

Design and outline a web video playlist UI using React (functional components) and the HTML5 video element. The playlist should render thumbnails, play a selected video, and support a sequential "Play All" mode.

Requirements

Display a list/grid of video thumbnails.
When a thumbnail is clicked, start playing that video and ensure all other videos stop (only one plays at a time).
Provide a "Play All" control that automatically plays all videos sequentially and stops at the end.

Use React functional components and describe your approach and key decisions for:

Managing state with hooks.
Using refs to access players.
Effect handling and media event listeners.

Follow-ups

Performance with many videos (e.g., virtualization, lazy loading, thumbnail vs. player mounting, memoization).
State management for clarity and scalability (lifting state, context, reducer, controlled vs. uncontrolled items).
Component boundaries and props/interfaces (e.g., Playlist, VideoItem, Controls).
Accessibility and browser autoplay considerations.

Build and optimize a video playlist component

Implement a React Video Playlist Component

Context

Requirements

Follow-ups

Solution (Locked)

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