I'm trying to set up a youtube clone but godaddy doesn't seem to support ffmpeg and the other tools needed. It sounds like dedicated hosting is what i need. or can the tools be used on a shared server? prices from godaddy and hostgator look around $150/month. Thats WAY too much. perhaps virtual hosting? any other ways around this? i'm new to this whole thing, any advice is appreciated.
You'll need to find a shared hosting or VPS that has your requirements. Just don't trust any of the 1000GB transfer for 10$ and you'll be fine.
Bluehost gives ssh and you can install ffmpeg on shared hosting or you can get a vps or dedicated box depends on your budget.
You're kidding, right? Video clone sites hog bandwidth, especially a well put together one. Video clone sites also hog cpu usage. Never try to run it on a 'shared' server, you'll get kicked out quicker than anything if you run a 'successful' site. Complaining that paying $150/month for a server isn't the answer. Paying that amount for a proper server is. If it's not in your budget, find a way to MAKE it in your budget, but complaining about someone else's prices doesn't benefit anyone. What you need for a successful youtube clone server: #1: Knowledge of how to compile everything in (or find an admin) #2: A dedicated server for handling the processing of videos #3: a LOT of bandwidth Video processing and conversion are hefty tasks and can take down a server easily. Be careful here. Running in a shared environment (which a VPS is as well) is going to get you in trouble. Best bet? Spend that $150 a month on a real server (not something from godaddy or hostgator, because they're way overpriced for what they're selling @ that level), and find a way to make up the cash somewhere else
Whatever choice you make too you will want to read their TOS before forking out for the hosting just incase this type of site is not allowed at some hosts. http://www.knownhost.com/ <-- ive been recommended that one before from someone who uses their VPS, i plan to possibly choose them in the future for the VPS, im in no way endorsing them, i dont use them and use hostgator. But as twhiting9275 is pointing out anyway,, for this type of site you want something proper that can handle it for the various reasons stated.
Not necessarily, here's a list of providers which support ffmpeg on shared plans: http://www.ffmpeg-hosting.com/ There are many who offer 1TB of bandwidth for $10 or 1.5TB for $12 or $15.