For app developers, choosing the right tools can make or break a project. Relive, an app that turns outdoor adventures into immersive 3D videos, exemplifies the power of leveraging robust APIs to build scalable, user-centric platforms. Recently, Bastiaan Terhorst, Relive's CTO, shared how the platform has evolved and how Stream's Activity Feeds API has been integral to its growth.
From Holiday Experiment to Global Platform
Relive's story began in an unexpected place: a cycling holiday. "One of the founders built the very first prototype during their holiday," shared Terhorst. "They wanted to share their experience of cycling through the mountains with friends." This experiment led to the creation of Relive, a platform that turns uploaded routes and photos into stunning 3D animated videos. As the platform's popularity grew, so did the need for robust infrastructure.
"From the start, we focused on building a decentralized architecture to handle the many users that found their way to our product," Terhorst explained. Relive adopted AWS Lambda functions for modularity and scalability---a foundational approach that extended to their choice of tools like Stream.
Choosing Stream: A Focus on Speed and Scalability
When Relive began considering community features, experimentation was key. "We focus on rapid iteration and lots of experiments," Terhorst said. "We needed a solution that allowed us to validate ideas quickly with minimal effort." Stream's ease of integration stood out. "We were able to implement the first version of our community platform in just a week or two," he added. "That experiment quickly showed us that we didn't need to look elsewhere. Stream worked perfectly."
Stream's flexible API structure was another deciding factor. "We liked how Stream handles data," Terhorst noted. "We keep all our customer data on our side, which ensures GDPR compliance while leveraging Stream to construct the feeds." This balance of control and convenience has been vital for Relive's operations.
Stream in Action: Simplicity Meets Performance
For Relive, Stream's out-of-the-box solution delivered both simplicity and reliability. "The core integration we built during those first two weeks is still what we use today," Terhorst shared. Even during high-traffic moments, like when Tim Cook tweeted about their app, Stream's infrastructure held strong. "We saw huge spikes in traffic, but Stream handled it with ease," he said.
This reliability allows Relive to focus on other priorities. "Using Stream freed us to develop core features like our new Routes functionality," Terhorst explained. "If we had built our community feeds ourselves, we wouldn't have had the time."
Balancing Privacy and Flexibility
Data privacy is a critical consideration for Relive. "We don't store any PII or user data on Stream," Terhorst emphasized. "Stream links document IDs, while all the actual data stays in our cloud. This approach ensures that all our GDPR workflows remain intact without any modifications."
Stream's flexible architecture offers room to evolve. "If we decide to store more data with Stream in the future, the option is there," Terhorst said. "That adaptability is incredibly valuable."
The Results: Engaged Users and Efficient Development
Implementing Stream has not only streamlined development but also enhanced user retention. "We've seen that users who engage with our community features stay with the app longer," Terhorst noted. On the development side, the biggest ROI has been time saved. "By outsourcing a complex feature like activity feeds, we've been able to focus on what makes Relive unique."
What's Next for Relive and Stream
As Relive continues to grow, the team is exploring new possibilities. "We're looking at expanding community functionality into the physical world," Terhorst shared. "For example, creating communities around national parks with the participation of park organizations."
For developers considering Stream, Terhorst's advice is simple: "Just give it a try. The low effort to get started means you'll quickly see if it's the right fit. For us, it absolutely was."
Relive's journey is a testament to the power of combining innovative vision with the right tools. By leveraging Stream's Activity Feeds API, they've been able to scale effortlessly, enhance user engagement, and focus on what truly matters: helping adventurers relive their experiences. As they continue to evolve, we're excited to support their mission every step of the way.