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How to solve the problem that the video address returned 403 when accessing the video on demand and the video cannot be loaded?

When accessing Video on Demand (VOD) and encountering a 403 error, which prevents the video from loading, the issue is typically related to permission or access restrictions. Here’s how to diagnose and resolve it:

  1. Check Access Permissions:

    • Ensure the video file or URL has the correct permissions set. If the video is private or restricted, the server returns a 403 Forbidden error.
    • Example: If the video is hosted on a cloud platform, verify that the access policy (e.g., signed URLs or token-based authentication) allows the requesting user or application to fetch the video.
  2. Verify URL Validity:

    • A 403 error may occur if the video URL is expired, malformed, or lacks required parameters (e.g., signature, timestamp).
    • Example: If using a time-limited signed URL, regenerate a new URL with updated credentials and expiration time.
  3. Inspect Server-Side Restrictions:

    • The server hosting the video may block requests from specific IPs, user agents, or regions.
    • Example: If the VOD service has IP whitelisting enabled, ensure the client’s IP is included in the allowed list.
  4. Use a Reliable VOD Service:

    • If self-hosting causes persistent issues, consider using a managed VOD solution with built-in access control and CDN integration.
    • Recommendation: Tencent Cloud’s VOD (Video on Demand) service provides secure video storage, playback, and access control features. It supports signed URLs, token authentication, and global CDN acceleration to prevent 403 errors.
  5. Check for CDN or Firewall Issues:

    • If a CDN or firewall is misconfigured, it may block legitimate requests.
    • Example: Ensure the CDN cache rules or firewall settings do not inadvertently restrict access to the video endpoint.

By addressing these areas, you can resolve the 403 error and ensure smooth video playback. For managed solutions, Tencent Cloud VOD simplifies permission management and scalability.