diff --git a/backend/server.js b/backend/server.js
index d71c538..8a3d6b8 100644
--- a/backend/server.js
+++ b/backend/server.js
@@ -18,25 +18,53 @@ app.get('/health', (_req, res) => {
   res.json({ status: 'ok', timestamp: new Date().toISOString() });
 });
 
-// ---- Image proxy (MinIO → browser) ----
+// ---- Media proxy (MinIO → browser) with HTTP Range support ----
 app.get('/api/images/*', async (req, res) => {
   try {
     const objectPath = req.params[0]; // everything after /api/images/
     if (!objectPath) return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Missing path' });
     const { minioClient, MINIO_BUCKET } = require('./minio');
     const stat = await minioClient.statObject(MINIO_BUCKET, objectPath);
-    if (stat.metaData?.['content-type']) {
-      res.setHeader('Content-Type', stat.metaData['content-type']);
-    }
+    const contentType = stat.metaData?.['content-type'] || 'application/octet-stream';
+    const totalSize = stat.size;
+
     res.setHeader('Cache-Control', 'public, max-age=31536000, immutable');
+    res.setHeader('Accept-Ranges', 'bytes');
+
+    const rangeHeader = req.headers.range;
+    if (rangeHeader && totalSize) {
+      // Parse Range: bytes=start-end
+      const match = rangeHeader.match(/bytes=(\d+)-(\d*)/);
+      if (match) {
+        const start = parseInt(match[1], 10);
+        const requestedEnd = match[2] ? parseInt(match[2], 10) : totalSize - 1;
+        const end = Math.min(requestedEnd, totalSize - 1);
+        if (start >= totalSize || end < start) {
+          res.status(416).setHeader('Content-Range', `bytes */${totalSize}`).end();
+          return;
+        }
+        const chunkSize = end - start + 1;
+        res.status(206);
+        res.setHeader('Content-Type', contentType);
+        res.setHeader('Content-Range', `bytes ${start}-${end}/${totalSize}`);
+        res.setHeader('Content-Length', chunkSize);
+        const stream = await minioClient.getPartialObject(MINIO_BUCKET, objectPath, start, chunkSize);
+        stream.pipe(res);
+        return;
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Full response
+    res.setHeader('Content-Type', contentType);
+    if (totalSize) res.setHeader('Content-Length', totalSize);
     const stream = await minioClient.getObject(MINIO_BUCKET, objectPath);
     stream.pipe(res);
   } catch (err) {
     if (err.code === 'NoSuchKey' || err.code === 'NotFound') {
       return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Image not found' });
     }
-    console.error('[server] image proxy error:', err);
-    return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to serve image' });
+    console.error('[server] media proxy error:', err);
+    return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Failed to serve media' });
   }
 });
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/canvas/PixiCanvas.tsx b/frontend/src/canvas/PixiCanvas.tsx
index 0be6578..40a5fe5 100644
--- a/frontend/src/canvas/PixiCanvas.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/canvas/PixiCanvas.tsx
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import { Viewport } from 'pixi-viewport';
 import { SceneManager, getItemWorldBounds, type SceneItem } from './SceneManager';
 import { TextureManager } from './TextureManager';
 import { ImageSprite } from './sprites/ImageSprite';
+import { VideoSprite } from './sprites/VideoSprite';
 import { SpringManager } from './spring';
 import { convertFabricToV2 } from './scene-format';
 import type { SceneData } from './scene-format';
@@ -166,11 +167,13 @@ const PixiCanvas = forwardRef<PixiCanvasHandle, PixiCanvasProps>(
         });
 
         // -- Visibility culling ticker (runs every 200ms, not every frame) --
-        // Images: load textures when near viewport, unload when far away.
-        // Uses preload margin and hysteresis. Caps concurrent loaded textures
-        // to prevent GPU OOM when zoomed out (all items visible at once).
+        // Manages GPU/memory budgets for both images and videos.
+        // Distance-based priority: nearest to viewport center get resources first.
+
+        const MAX_LOADED_TEXTURES = 60;   // max image textures in GPU
+        const MAX_INITIALIZED_VIDEOS = 6; // max <video> elements (tier 1+)
+        const MAX_POSTER_VIDEOS = 4;      // max poster textures in GPU (tier 2)
 
-        const MAX_LOADED_TEXTURES = 60; // GPU budget — only this many images loaded at once
         let lastCullCheck = 0;
         app.ticker.add((ticker) => {
           lastCullCheck += ticker.deltaMS;
@@ -179,61 +182,96 @@ const PixiCanvas = forwardRef<PixiCanvasHandle, PixiCanvasProps>(
 
           const bounds = viewport.getVisibleBounds();
           const loadMargin = Math.max(bounds.width, bounds.height);
-          const unloadMargin = loadMargin * 2;
           const vcx = bounds.x + bounds.width / 2;
           const vcy = bounds.y + bounds.height / 2;
 
-          // Collect image items with distance from viewport center
           const imageItems: { item: SceneItem; sprite: ImageSprite; dist: number; near: boolean }[] = [];
+          const videoItems: { item: SceneItem; sprite: VideoSprite; dist: number; near: boolean }[] = [];
 
           for (const item of scene.getAllItems()) {
             const { x: ix, y: iy, w: iw, h: ih } = getItemWorldBounds(item);
+            const cx = ix + iw / 2;
+            const cy = iy + ih / 2;
+            const dist = (cx - vcx) ** 2 + (cy - vcy) ** 2;
+            const near =
+              ix + iw > bounds.x - loadMargin &&
+              ix < bounds.x + bounds.width + loadMargin &&
+              iy + ih > bounds.y - loadMargin &&
+              iy < bounds.y + bounds.height + loadMargin;
 
             if (item.type === 'image' && item.displayObject instanceof ImageSprite) {
-              const near =
-                ix + iw > bounds.x - loadMargin &&
-                ix < bounds.x + bounds.width + loadMargin &&
-                iy + ih > bounds.y - loadMargin &&
-                iy < bounds.y + bounds.height + loadMargin;
-              const cx = ix + iw / 2;
-              const cy = iy + ih / 2;
-              const dist = (cx - vcx) ** 2 + (cy - vcy) ** 2;
               imageItems.push({ item, sprite: item.displayObject, dist, near });
-            }
-
-            if (item.type === 'video' && 'onVisibilityChange' in item.displayObject) {
-              const inView =
-                ix + iw > bounds.x - loadMargin &&
-                ix < bounds.x + bounds.width + loadMargin &&
-                iy + ih > bounds.y - loadMargin &&
-                iy < bounds.y + bounds.height + loadMargin;
-              (item.displayObject as any).onVisibilityChange(inView);
+            } else if (item.type === 'video' && item.displayObject instanceof VideoSprite) {
+              videoItems.push({ item, sprite: item.displayObject, dist, near });
             }
           }
 
-          // Sort by distance — closest to viewport center first
+          // ---- Image budget management ----
           imageItems.sort((a, b) => a.dist - b.dist);
-
-          // Determine which should be loaded: nearest items up to budget
-          const nearItems = imageItems.filter(i => i.near);
-          const shouldBeLoaded = new Set(
-            nearItems.slice(0, MAX_LOADED_TEXTURES).map(i => i.item.id)
+          const nearImages = imageItems.filter(i => i.near);
+          const shouldLoadImage = new Set(
+            nearImages.slice(0, MAX_LOADED_TEXTURES).map(i => i.item.id)
           );
 
-          // Load nearest unloaded items (cap at 5 per tick to avoid spike)
-          let loadsThisTick = 0;
+          let imgLoadsThisTick = 0;
           for (const { item, sprite } of imageItems) {
-            if (shouldBeLoaded.has(item.id) && !sprite.loaded && loadsThisTick < 5) {
+            if (shouldLoadImage.has(item.id) && !sprite.loaded && imgLoadsThisTick < 5) {
               sprite.loadTexture();
-              loadsThisTick++;
+              imgLoadsThisTick++;
+            }
+          }
+          for (const { item, sprite, near } of imageItems) {
+            if (!sprite.loaded) continue;
+            if (!near || !shouldLoadImage.has(item.id)) {
+              sprite.unloadTexture();
             }
           }
 
-          // Unload items that are either far away or over budget
-          for (const { item, sprite, near } of imageItems) {
-            if (!sprite.loaded) continue;
-            if (!near || !shouldBeLoaded.has(item.id)) {
-              sprite.unloadTexture();
+          // ---- Video budget management ----
+          videoItems.sort((a, b) => a.dist - b.dist);
+
+          // Determine budget sets (sorted by distance, nearest first)
+          const nearVideos = videoItems.filter(i => i.near);
+          const shouldInit = new Set(
+            nearVideos.slice(0, MAX_INITIALIZED_VIDEOS).map(i => i.item.id)
+          );
+          const shouldPoster = new Set(
+            nearVideos.slice(0, MAX_POSTER_VIDEOS).map(i => i.item.id)
+          );
+
+          // Initialize nearest videos within budget
+          let vidInitsThisTick = 0;
+          for (const { item, sprite } of videoItems) {
+            if (shouldInit.has(item.id) && !sprite.isInitialized && vidInitsThisTick < 2) {
+              sprite.initVideo();
+              vidInitsThisTick++;
+            }
+          }
+
+          // Capture posters for nearest subset (only if already initialized)
+          for (const { item, sprite } of videoItems) {
+            if (shouldPoster.has(item.id) && sprite.isInitialized && !sprite.hasPoster) {
+              sprite.capturePoster();
+            }
+          }
+
+          // Tear down videos outside budgets (farthest first = reverse iteration)
+          for (let i = videoItems.length - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
+            const { item, sprite, near } = videoItems[i];
+
+            // Pause offscreen playing videos
+            if (!near && sprite.isPlaying) {
+              sprite.onVisibilityChange(false);
+            }
+
+            // Destroy poster if outside poster budget
+            if (!shouldPoster.has(item.id) && sprite.hasPoster && !sprite.isPlaying) {
+              sprite.destroyPoster();
+            }
+
+            // Tear down video element if outside init budget
+            if (!shouldInit.has(item.id) && sprite.isInitialized && !sprite.isPlaying) {
+              sprite.teardownVideo();
             }
           }
         });
diff --git a/frontend/src/canvas/SceneManager.ts b/frontend/src/canvas/SceneManager.ts
index 7e897be..ab9953e 100644
--- a/frontend/src/canvas/SceneManager.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/canvas/SceneManager.ts
@@ -268,7 +268,15 @@ export class SceneManager {
       case 'video': {
         const vidData = data as VideoObject;
         const videoUrl = this.textures.urlForAsset(vidData.asset);
-        const videoSprite = new VideoSprite(vidData.asset, vidData.w, vidData.h, videoUrl);
+        // Use cached native dimensions if available (avoids re-init just to discover size)
+        const vw = vidData.nativeW || vidData.w;
+        const vh = vidData.nativeH || vidData.h;
+        const videoSprite = new VideoSprite(vidData.asset, vw, vh, videoUrl);
+        // Apply cached native dims to scene data so display matches
+        if (vidData.nativeW && vidData.nativeH) {
+          data.w = vw;
+          data.h = vh;
+        }
         // Auto-correct dimensions when video metadata loads
         // NOTE: callback must update item.data (the stored copy), not the original `data` param.
         // We wire this after the item is created below (see post-creation video wiring).
@@ -330,6 +338,9 @@ export class SceneManager {
       displayObject.onDimensionsKnown = (realW, realH) => {
         item.data.w = realW;
         item.data.h = realH;
+        // Cache native dimensions so future scene loads skip re-init for size
+        (item.data as VideoObject).nativeW = realW;
+        (item.data as VideoObject).nativeH = realH;
         this._onChange?.();
         this._onItemDimensionsChanged?.(item.id);
       };
diff --git a/frontend/src/canvas/scene-format.ts b/frontend/src/canvas/scene-format.ts
index 5b2f1e9..39183f4 100644
--- a/frontend/src/canvas/scene-format.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/canvas/scene-format.ts
@@ -32,6 +32,9 @@ export interface VideoObject extends SceneObject {
   asset: string;
   muted: boolean;
   loop: boolean;
+  /** Native video dimensions, cached after first metadata load. */
+  nativeW?: number;
+  nativeH?: number;
 }
 
 export interface TextObject extends SceneObject {
diff --git a/frontend/src/canvas/sprites/VideoSprite.ts b/frontend/src/canvas/sprites/VideoSprite.ts
index 9cec2fa..58bd4a8 100644
--- a/frontend/src/canvas/sprites/VideoSprite.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/canvas/sprites/VideoSprite.ts
@@ -1,23 +1,23 @@
 import { Container, Sprite, Texture, Graphics } from 'pixi.js';
 
 /**
- * VideoSprite — Container holding shadow + video sprite + play overlay.
+ * VideoSprite — Container with budget-aware lazy video lifecycle.
  *
- * Matches ImageSprite pattern: extends Container (not Sprite) so shadow
- * and overlay children don't affect bounds for transform box.
- * Does NOT auto-play. User clicks to play/pause.
- * Auto-corrects dimensions from video metadata if initial w/h were fallbacks.
+ * Memory tiers (managed by external culling system):
+ *   Tier 0 — placeholder only (offscreen, default state)
+ *   Tier 1 — initialized <video> with preload='metadata' (near viewport)
+ *   Tier 2 — poster texture captured (nearest subset / selected)
+ *   Tier 3 — actively playing with live video texture (user-initiated)
  *
- * Key design:
- *  - preload='auto' so the browser fetches enough data for the first frame
- *  - On 'loadeddata' we briefly play+pause to force the first frame to decode,
- *    then capture it as a static canvas texture (poster). This avoids the
- *    "black box" problem where PixiJS video textures only render while playing.
- *  - When the user hits play, we swap to the live video texture.
- *  - On pause, we keep the live texture (shows last frame).
+ * The culling system in PixiCanvas manages budgets:
+ *   - MAX_INITIALIZED_VIDEOS (tier 1+)
+ *   - MAX_POSTER_VIDEOS (tier 2+)
+ *   - MAX_PLAYING_VIDEOS (tier 3)
+ *
+ * Constructor creates only shadow + placeholder + overlay. No <video> element.
  */
 
-const MAX_CONCURRENT_VIDEOS = 3;
+const MAX_PLAYING_VIDEOS = 1;
 const activeVideos: Set<VideoSprite> = new Set();
 
 const SHADOW_REST = { offsetX: 3, offsetY: 3, alpha: 0.2 };
@@ -25,27 +25,34 @@ const SHADOW_LIFT = { offsetX: 6, offsetY: 8, alpha: 0.3 };
 
 export class VideoSprite extends Container {
   readonly assetKey: string;
-  private videoEl: HTMLVideoElement;
+  readonly videoUrl: string;
+
+  private videoEl: HTMLVideoElement | null = null;
   private videoTexture: Texture | null = null;
   private posterTexture: Texture | null = null;
-  private _sprite: Sprite;
+  private _sprite: Sprite | null = null;
   private _shadow: Graphics;
   private _overlay: Graphics;
   private _placeholder: Graphics | null = null;
   private _naturalWidth: number;
   private _naturalHeight: number;
   private _isPlaying = false;
-  private _videoReady = false;
+  private _videoInitialized = false;
+  private _hasPoster = false;
   muted = true;
   loop = true;
 
   /** Called when video metadata reveals the real dimensions. */
   onDimensionsKnown: ((w: number, h: number) => void) | null = null;
 
+  /** Called when playback state changes (for external controls). */
+  onStateChange: (() => void) | null = null;
+
   constructor(assetKey: string, w: number, h: number, videoUrl: string) {
     super();
 
     this.assetKey = assetKey;
+    this.videoUrl = videoUrl;
     this._naturalWidth = w;
     this._naturalHeight = h;
 
@@ -54,13 +61,7 @@ export class VideoSprite extends Container {
     this._drawShadow(SHADOW_REST);
     this.addChild(this._shadow);
 
-    // Main sprite (starts empty)
-    this._sprite = new Sprite(Texture.EMPTY);
-    this._sprite.width = w;
-    this._sprite.height = h;
-    this.addChild(this._sprite);
-
-    // Dark placeholder with film icon
+    // Dark placeholder
     this._placeholder = new Graphics();
     this._placeholder.rect(0, 0, w, h).fill(0x2a2a2a);
     this.addChild(this._placeholder);
@@ -69,128 +70,173 @@ export class VideoSprite extends Container {
     this._overlay = new Graphics();
     this._drawPlayIcon();
     this.addChild(this._overlay);
-
-    // Video element
-    this.videoEl = document.createElement('video');
-    this.videoEl.crossOrigin = 'anonymous';
-    this.videoEl.muted = true;
-    this.videoEl.loop = true;
-    this.videoEl.playsInline = true;
-    this.videoEl.preload = 'auto'; // load enough for first frame
-
-    // Auto-correct dimensions from video metadata
-    this.videoEl.addEventListener('loadedmetadata', () => {
-      const vw = this.videoEl.videoWidth;
-      const vh = this.videoEl.videoHeight;
-      if (vw > 0 && vh > 0) {
-        // Cap to 600px max dimension, preserving aspect ratio
-        const maxDim = 600;
-        let fw = vw, fh = vh;
-        if (vw > maxDim || vh > maxDim) {
-          const s = maxDim / Math.max(vw, vh);
-          fw = Math.round(vw * s);
-          fh = Math.round(vh * s);
-        }
-        if (fw !== this._naturalWidth || fh !== this._naturalHeight) {
-          this._naturalWidth = fw;
-          this._naturalHeight = fh;
-          this._sprite.width = fw;
-          this._sprite.height = fh;
-          // Update placeholder size too
-          if (this._placeholder) {
-            this._placeholder.clear();
-            this._placeholder.rect(0, 0, fw, fh).fill(0x2a2a2a);
-          }
-          this._drawShadow(SHADOW_REST);
-          this._drawPlayIcon();
-          this.onDimensionsKnown?.(fw, fh);
-        }
-      }
-    }, { once: true });
-
-    // When first frame data is available, capture a poster
-    this.videoEl.addEventListener('loadeddata', () => {
-      this._captureFirstFrame();
-    }, { once: true });
-
-    // Set src last to start loading
-    this.videoEl.src = videoUrl;
   }
 
-  /**
-   * Capture the first frame as a static canvas texture.
-   * This ensures the video shows content even when paused/not-yet-played.
-   */
-  private _captureFirstFrame(): void {
-    const vw = this.videoEl.videoWidth;
-    const vh = this.videoEl.videoHeight;
-    if (vw <= 0 || vh <= 0) return;
+  get isPlaying(): boolean { return this._isPlaying; }
+  get isInitialized(): boolean { return this._videoInitialized; }
+  get hasPoster(): boolean { return this._hasPoster; }
 
-    try {
-      const canvas = document.createElement('canvas');
-      canvas.width = vw;
-      canvas.height = vh;
-      const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
-      if (!ctx) return;
+  /** Expose the underlying HTMLVideoElement for external controls. Null if not initialized. */
+  get videoElement(): HTMLVideoElement | null { return this.videoEl; }
 
-      ctx.drawImage(this.videoEl, 0, 0, vw, vh);
-      this.posterTexture = Texture.from(canvas);
-      this._sprite.texture = this.posterTexture;
-      this._sprite.width = this._naturalWidth;
-      this._sprite.height = this._naturalHeight;
-      this._videoReady = true;
+  // ---- Tier 1: Initialize <video> element ---------------------------------
 
-      // Remove placeholder
-      if (this._placeholder) {
-        this.removeChild(this._placeholder);
-        this._placeholder.destroy();
-        this._placeholder = null;
-      }
-    } catch (err) {
-      // Cross-origin or other issue — try the seeked approach
-      this._trySeekCapture();
+  /** Create <video> with preload='metadata'. Called by culling when within init budget. */
+  initVideo(): void {
+    if (this._videoInitialized || this.destroyed) return;
+    this._videoInitialized = true;
+
+    const video = document.createElement('video');
+    video.crossOrigin = 'anonymous';
+    video.muted = true;
+    video.loop = true;
+    video.playsInline = true;
+    video.preload = 'metadata';
+
+    video.addEventListener('loadedmetadata', this._onLoadedMetadata);
+
+    this.videoEl = video;
+    video.src = this.videoUrl;
+    this.onStateChange?.(); // notify controls of new element
+  }
+
+  /** Tear down the <video> element. Keeps poster if present. */
+  teardownVideo(): void {
+    if (!this._videoInitialized) return;
+    if (this._isPlaying) return; // don't tear down while user is watching
+
+    this._destroyVideoEl();
+    this._destroyVideoTexture();
+    this._videoInitialized = false;
+    this.onStateChange?.(); // notify controls element is gone
+  }
+
+  // ---- Tier 2: Poster texture ---------------------------------------------
+
+  /** Capture a poster frame. Requires initialized video. */
+  capturePoster(): void {
+    if (this._hasPoster || !this.videoEl || this.destroyed) return;
+
+    // Need loadeddata to capture a frame — listen if not yet ready
+    if (this.videoEl.readyState >= 2) {
+      this._captureFirstFrame();
+    } else {
+      this.videoEl.addEventListener('loadeddata', this._onLoadedData, { once: true });
     }
   }
 
-  /**
-   * Fallback: seek to 0.1s and capture on 'seeked' event.
-   * Some browsers need a seek to decode the first frame.
-   */
-  private _trySeekCapture(): void {
-    const onSeeked = () => {
-      this.videoEl.removeEventListener('seeked', onSeeked);
-      const vw = this.videoEl.videoWidth;
-      const vh = this.videoEl.videoHeight;
-      if (vw <= 0 || vh <= 0) return;
-
-      try {
-        const canvas = document.createElement('canvas');
-        canvas.width = vw;
-        canvas.height = vh;
-        const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
-        if (!ctx) return;
-
-        ctx.drawImage(this.videoEl, 0, 0, vw, vh);
-        this.posterTexture = Texture.from(canvas);
-        this._sprite.texture = this.posterTexture;
-        this._sprite.width = this._naturalWidth;
-        this._sprite.height = this._naturalHeight;
-        this._videoReady = true;
-
-        if (this._placeholder) {
-          this.removeChild(this._placeholder);
-          this._placeholder.destroy();
-          this._placeholder = null;
-        }
-      } catch {
-        // Give up on poster — user will see placeholder until play
+  /** Destroy the poster texture to free GPU memory. */
+  destroyPoster(): void {
+    if (!this._hasPoster) return;
+    if (this.posterTexture) {
+      // If sprite is showing poster, switch back to nothing
+      if (this._sprite && this._sprite.texture === this.posterTexture) {
+        this._removeSpriteFromTree();
       }
-    };
-
-    this.videoEl.addEventListener('seeked', onSeeked);
-    this.videoEl.currentTime = 0.1;
+      this.posterTexture.destroy(true);
+      this.posterTexture = null;
+    }
+    this._hasPoster = false;
+    this._restorePlaceholder();
   }
 
+  /** Full aggressive teardown: destroy video element + poster + all textures. */
+  teardownFull(): void {
+    if (this._isPlaying) this.pause();
+    this.destroyPoster();
+    this.teardownVideo();
+  }
+
+  // ---- Tier 3: Playback ---------------------------------------------------
+
+  play(): void {
+    if (this._isPlaying) return;
+
+    // Ensure video element exists
+    if (!this._videoInitialized) this.initVideo();
+    if (!this.videoEl) return;
+
+    // Evict oldest if at capacity
+    if (activeVideos.size >= MAX_PLAYING_VIDEOS) {
+      const oldest = activeVideos.values().next().value as VideoSprite;
+      oldest.pause();
+    }
+
+    // Promote to full load for playback
+    this.videoEl.preload = 'auto';
+    this.videoEl.muted = this.muted;
+    this.videoEl.loop = this.loop;
+
+    // Create live video texture
+    if (!this.videoTexture) {
+      this.videoTexture = Texture.from(this.videoEl);
+    }
+
+    // Drop poster while playing — don't keep both resident
+    if (this.posterTexture && this._hasPoster) {
+      this.posterTexture.destroy(true);
+      this.posterTexture = null;
+      this._hasPoster = false;
+    }
+
+    this._ensureSprite(this.videoTexture);
+    this._removePlaceholder();
+
+    this._isPlaying = true;
+    this._overlay.visible = false;
+    activeVideos.add(this);
+    this.onStateChange?.();
+
+    this.videoEl.play().catch(() => {
+      // Autoplay blocked — show placeholder
+      this._isPlaying = false;
+      this._overlay.visible = true;
+      activeVideos.delete(this);
+      this.onStateChange?.();
+    });
+  }
+
+  pause(): void {
+    if (!this._isPlaying) return;
+    this.videoEl?.pause();
+    this._isPlaying = false;
+    this._overlay.visible = true;
+    activeVideos.delete(this);
+    this.onStateChange?.();
+    // Keep video texture showing last frame
+  }
+
+  togglePlayPause(): void {
+    if (this._isPlaying) this.pause(); else this.play();
+  }
+
+  toggleMute(): void {
+    this.muted = !this.muted;
+    if (this.videoEl) this.videoEl.muted = this.muted;
+    this.onStateChange?.();
+  }
+
+  seek(time: number): void {
+    if (!this.videoEl) return;
+    this.videoEl.currentTime = Math.max(0, Math.min(time, this.videoEl.duration || 0));
+  }
+
+  // ---- Visibility (called by culling system) ------------------------------
+
+  /** Simple visibility callback — culling system manages budgets externally. */
+  onVisibilityChange(visible: boolean): void {
+    if (!visible && this._isPlaying) {
+      this.pause();
+    }
+    // NOTE: init/teardown is now managed by the culling budget system,
+    // not by individual visibility changes.
+  }
+
+  // ---- Shadow / overlay ---------------------------------------------------
+
+  liftShadow(): void { this._drawShadow(SHADOW_LIFT); }
+  dropShadow(): void { this._drawShadow(SHADOW_REST); }
+
   private _drawShadow(cfg: { offsetX: number; offsetY: number; alpha: number }): void {
     this._shadow.clear();
     this._shadow.rect(cfg.offsetX, cfg.offsetY, this._naturalWidth, this._naturalHeight);
@@ -205,11 +251,9 @@ export class VideoSprite extends Container {
     const cx = w / 2;
     const cy = h / 2;
 
-    // Semi-transparent circle
     this._overlay.circle(cx, cy, triSize * 0.8);
     this._overlay.fill({ color: 0x000000, alpha: 0.5 });
 
-    // Play triangle
     this._overlay.poly([
       cx - triSize * 0.3, cy - triSize * 0.4,
       cx + triSize * 0.4, cy,
@@ -218,96 +262,157 @@ export class VideoSprite extends Container {
     this._overlay.fill({ color: 0xffffff, alpha: 0.9 });
   }
 
-  liftShadow(): void {
-    this._drawShadow(SHADOW_LIFT);
-  }
+  // ---- Media event handlers (arrow fns for stable `this`) -----------------
 
-  dropShadow(): void {
-    this._drawShadow(SHADOW_REST);
-  }
-
-  play(): void {
-    if (this._isPlaying) return;
-
-    // Evict oldest if at capacity
-    if (activeVideos.size >= MAX_CONCURRENT_VIDEOS) {
-      const oldest = activeVideos.values().next().value as VideoSprite;
-      oldest.pause();
-    }
-
-    this.videoEl.muted = this.muted;
-
-    // Create live video texture for playback
-    if (!this.videoTexture) {
-      this.videoTexture = Texture.from(this.videoEl);
-    }
-    this._sprite.texture = this.videoTexture;
-    this._sprite.width = this._naturalWidth;
-    this._sprite.height = this._naturalHeight;
-
-    this.videoEl.play().catch(() => {
-      // Autoplay blocked — revert to poster
-      if (this.posterTexture) {
-        this._sprite.texture = this.posterTexture;
+  private _onLoadedMetadata = (): void => {
+    if (!this.videoEl || this.destroyed) return;
+    const vw = this.videoEl.videoWidth;
+    const vh = this.videoEl.videoHeight;
+    if (vw > 0 && vh > 0 && (vw !== this._naturalWidth || vh !== this._naturalHeight)) {
+      this._naturalWidth = vw;
+      this._naturalHeight = vh;
+      if (this._sprite) {
+        this._sprite.width = vw;
+        this._sprite.height = vh;
       }
-      this._overlay.visible = true;
-    });
-    this._isPlaying = true;
-    this._overlay.visible = false;
-    activeVideos.add(this);
+      if (this._placeholder) {
+        this._placeholder.clear();
+        this._placeholder.rect(0, 0, vw, vh).fill(0x2a2a2a);
+      }
+      this._drawShadow(SHADOW_REST);
+      this._drawPlayIcon();
+      this.onDimensionsKnown?.(vw, vh);
+    }
+  };
+
+  private _onLoadedData = (): void => {
+    this._captureFirstFrame();
+  };
+
+  // ---- Internal helpers ---------------------------------------------------
+
+  private _captureFirstFrame(): void {
+    if (!this.videoEl || this.destroyed || this._hasPoster) return;
+    const vw = this.videoEl.videoWidth;
+    const vh = this.videoEl.videoHeight;
+    if (vw <= 0 || vh <= 0) return;
+
+    try {
+      const canvas = document.createElement('canvas');
+      canvas.width = vw;
+      canvas.height = vh;
+      const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
+      if (!ctx) return;
+
+      ctx.drawImage(this.videoEl, 0, 0, vw, vh);
+      this.posterTexture = Texture.from(canvas);
+      this._hasPoster = true;
+
+      this._ensureSprite(this.posterTexture);
+      this._removePlaceholder();
+    } catch {
+      this._trySeekCapture();
+    }
   }
 
-  pause(): void {
-    if (!this._isPlaying) return;
+  private _trySeekCapture(): void {
+    if (!this.videoEl) return;
+    const onSeeked = () => {
+      if (!this.videoEl) return;
+      this.videoEl.removeEventListener('seeked', onSeeked);
+      if (this._hasPoster || this.destroyed) return;
+      const vw = this.videoEl.videoWidth;
+      const vh = this.videoEl.videoHeight;
+      if (vw <= 0 || vh <= 0) return;
+
+      try {
+        const canvas = document.createElement('canvas');
+        canvas.width = vw;
+        canvas.height = vh;
+        const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
+        if (!ctx) return;
+
+        ctx.drawImage(this.videoEl, 0, 0, vw, vh);
+        this.posterTexture = Texture.from(canvas);
+        this._hasPoster = true;
+
+        this._ensureSprite(this.posterTexture);
+        this._removePlaceholder();
+      } catch {
+        // Give up on poster
+      }
+    };
+
+    this.videoEl.addEventListener('seeked', onSeeked);
+    this.videoEl.currentTime = 0.1;
+  }
+
+  private _ensureSprite(texture: Texture): void {
+    if (!this._sprite) {
+      this._sprite = new Sprite(texture);
+      this._sprite.width = this._naturalWidth;
+      this._sprite.height = this._naturalHeight;
+      // Insert after shadow (index 0), before placeholder/overlay
+      this.addChildAt(this._sprite, 1);
+    } else {
+      this._sprite.texture = texture;
+      this._sprite.width = this._naturalWidth;
+      this._sprite.height = this._naturalHeight;
+    }
+  }
+
+  private _removeSpriteFromTree(): void {
+    if (this._sprite) {
+      this.removeChild(this._sprite);
+      this._sprite.destroy();
+      this._sprite = null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  private _removePlaceholder(): void {
+    if (this._placeholder) {
+      this.removeChild(this._placeholder);
+      this._placeholder.destroy();
+      this._placeholder = null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  private _restorePlaceholder(): void {
+    if (this._placeholder) return;
+    const p = new Graphics();
+    p.rect(0, 0, this._naturalWidth, this._naturalHeight).fill(0x2a2a2a);
+    this._placeholder = p;
+    // Insert after shadow
+    this.addChildAt(p, 1);
+  }
+
+  private _destroyVideoEl(): void {
+    if (!this.videoEl) return;
+    this.videoEl.removeEventListener('loadedmetadata', this._onLoadedMetadata);
+    this.videoEl.removeEventListener('loadeddata', this._onLoadedData);
     this.videoEl.pause();
-    this._isPlaying = false;
-    this._overlay.visible = true;
-    activeVideos.delete(this);
-    // Keep the video texture showing (last frame) — don't revert to poster
+    this.videoEl.src = '';
+    this.videoEl.load();
+    this.videoEl = null;
   }
 
-  togglePlayPause(): void {
-    if (this._isPlaying) this.pause();
-    else this.play();
-  }
-
-  toggleMute(): void {
-    this.muted = !this.muted;
-    this.videoEl.muted = this.muted;
-  }
-
-  get isPlaying(): boolean {
-    return this._isPlaying;
-  }
-
-  /** Expose the underlying HTMLVideoElement for external controls. */
-  get videoElement(): HTMLVideoElement {
-    return this.videoEl;
-  }
-
-  /** Seek to a specific time (in seconds). */
-  seek(time: number): void {
-    this.videoEl.currentTime = Math.max(0, Math.min(time, this.videoEl.duration || 0));
-  }
-
-  onVisibilityChange(visible: boolean): void {
-    if (!visible && this._isPlaying) {
-      this.pause();
+  private _destroyVideoTexture(): void {
+    if (this.videoTexture) {
+      // If sprite is showing live texture, remove it
+      if (this._sprite && this._sprite.texture === this.videoTexture) {
+        this._removeSpriteFromTree();
+        this._restorePlaceholder();
+      }
+      this.videoTexture.destroy(true);
+      this.videoTexture = null;
     }
   }
 
   destroy(options?: Parameters<Container['destroy']>[0]): void {
     this.pause();
-    this.videoEl.src = '';
-    this.videoEl.load();
-    if (this.videoTexture) {
-      this.videoTexture.destroy(true);
-      this.videoTexture = null;
-    }
-    if (this.posterTexture) {
-      this.posterTexture.destroy(true);
-      this.posterTexture = null;
-    }
+    this._destroyVideoEl();
+    if (this.videoTexture) { this.videoTexture.destroy(true); this.videoTexture = null; }
+    if (this.posterTexture) { this.posterTexture.destroy(true); this.posterTexture = null; }
     super.destroy(options);
   }
 }
diff --git a/frontend/src/canvas/sync.ts b/frontend/src/canvas/sync.ts
index 9ccd201..cb05e6a 100644
--- a/frontend/src/canvas/sync.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/canvas/sync.ts
@@ -134,7 +134,6 @@ export function setupSync(
     }));
     socket.emit('object:transform', { boardId, transforms });
     moveTimer = setTimeout(() => { moveTimer = null; }, MOVE_THROTTLE);
-    broadcastSceneDebounced();
   }
 
   // ---- RECEIVE: full scene --------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/VideoControls.tsx b/frontend/src/components/VideoControls.tsx
index 8f81627..38b1cba 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/VideoControls.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/VideoControls.tsx
@@ -15,75 +15,104 @@ function formatTime(seconds: number): string {
 }
 
 export default function VideoControls({ videoSprite, screenRect }: VideoControlsProps) {
-  const video = videoSprite.videoElement;
   const [playing, setPlaying] = useState(videoSprite.isPlaying);
   const [muted, setMuted] = useState(videoSprite.muted);
-  const [currentTime, setCurrentTime] = useState(video.currentTime || 0);
-  const [duration, setDuration] = useState(video.duration || 0);
+  const [currentTime, setCurrentTime] = useState(0);
+  const [duration, setDuration] = useState(0);
   const [seeking, setSeeking] = useState(false);
-  const pollRef = useRef<number | null>(null);
 
-  // Poll currentTime while playing
+  // Track the actual HTMLVideoElement reference so the effect rebinds
+  // when the sprite creates/destroys the underlying element.
+  const [videoEl, setVideoEl] = useState<HTMLVideoElement | null>(videoSprite.videoElement);
+  const seekValueRef = useRef(0); // stable ref for commit value during drag
+
+  // Poll the videoElement reference via onStateChange (fires on init/teardown/play/pause)
   useEffect(() => {
-    if (pollRef.current) {
-      cancelAnimationFrame(pollRef.current);
-      pollRef.current = null;
-    }
-
-    if (!playing || seeking) return;
-
-    let lastUpdate = 0;
-    const poll = (now: number) => {
-      if (now - lastUpdate >= 250) {
-        setCurrentTime(video.currentTime || 0);
-        setDuration(video.duration || 0);
-        lastUpdate = now;
-      }
-      pollRef.current = requestAnimationFrame(poll);
+    const syncState = () => {
+      setPlaying(videoSprite.isPlaying);
+      setMuted(videoSprite.muted);
+      setVideoEl(videoSprite.videoElement);
     };
-    pollRef.current = requestAnimationFrame(poll);
+
+    const prev = videoSprite.onStateChange;
+    videoSprite.onStateChange = () => {
+      syncState();
+      prev?.();
+    };
+
+    // Also sync on mount
+    syncState();
+
+    return () => { videoSprite.onStateChange = prev ?? null; };
+  }, [videoSprite]);
+
+  // Subscribe to media events on the actual <video> element.
+  // Keyed off `videoEl` so it rebinds when the element changes.
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!videoEl) return;
+
+    const onTimeUpdate = () => {
+      if (!seeking) setCurrentTime(videoEl.currentTime || 0);
+    };
+    const onDurationChange = () => setDuration(videoEl.duration || 0);
+    const onPlay = () => setPlaying(true);
+    const onPause = () => setPlaying(false);
+    const onEnded = () => setPlaying(false);
+    const onVolumeChange = () => setMuted(videoEl.muted);
+    const onSeeked = () => {
+      if (!seeking) setCurrentTime(videoEl.currentTime || 0);
+    };
+
+    videoEl.addEventListener('timeupdate', onTimeUpdate);
+    videoEl.addEventListener('durationchange', onDurationChange);
+    videoEl.addEventListener('loadedmetadata', onDurationChange);
+    videoEl.addEventListener('play', onPlay);
+    videoEl.addEventListener('pause', onPause);
+    videoEl.addEventListener('ended', onEnded);
+    videoEl.addEventListener('volumechange', onVolumeChange);
+    videoEl.addEventListener('seeked', onSeeked);
+
+    // Sync initial state from this element
+    setDuration(videoEl.duration || 0);
+    setCurrentTime(videoEl.currentTime || 0);
 
     return () => {
-      if (pollRef.current) {
-        cancelAnimationFrame(pollRef.current);
-        pollRef.current = null;
-      }
+      videoEl.removeEventListener('timeupdate', onTimeUpdate);
+      videoEl.removeEventListener('durationchange', onDurationChange);
+      videoEl.removeEventListener('loadedmetadata', onDurationChange);
+      videoEl.removeEventListener('play', onPlay);
+      videoEl.removeEventListener('pause', onPause);
+      videoEl.removeEventListener('ended', onEnded);
+      videoEl.removeEventListener('volumechange', onVolumeChange);
+      videoEl.removeEventListener('seeked', onSeeked);
     };
-  }, [playing, seeking, video]);
-
-  // Sync duration on metadata load
-  useEffect(() => {
-    const onMeta = () => setDuration(video.duration || 0);
-    video.addEventListener('loadedmetadata', onMeta);
-    // Also grab current values
-    setDuration(video.duration || 0);
-    setCurrentTime(video.currentTime || 0);
-    return () => video.removeEventListener('loadedmetadata', onMeta);
-  }, [video]);
+  }, [videoEl, seeking]);
 
   const handlePlayPause = useCallback(() => {
     videoSprite.togglePlayPause();
-    setPlaying(videoSprite.isPlaying);
+    // After play, the video element may have just been created
+    setVideoEl(videoSprite.videoElement);
   }, [videoSprite]);
 
   const handleMuteToggle = useCallback(() => {
     videoSprite.toggleMute();
-    setMuted(videoSprite.muted);
   }, [videoSprite]);
 
+  // Seek: onChange only updates local preview state + ref.
+  // Commit happens on pointerUp/touchEnd/blur using the ref value.
   const handleSeekStart = useCallback(() => {
     setSeeking(true);
   }, []);
 
-  const handleSeekChange = useCallback((e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
+  const handleSeekPreview = useCallback((e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
     const t = parseFloat(e.target.value);
+    seekValueRef.current = t;
     setCurrentTime(t);
   }, []);
 
-  const handleSeekEnd = useCallback((e: React.MouseEvent<HTMLInputElement> | React.TouchEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
-    const t = parseFloat((e.target as HTMLInputElement).value);
-    videoSprite.seek(t);
-    setCurrentTime(t);
+  const commitSeek = useCallback(() => {
+    videoSprite.seek(seekValueRef.current);
+    setCurrentTime(seekValueRef.current);
     setSeeking(false);
   }, [videoSprite]);
 
@@ -113,6 +142,7 @@ export default function VideoControls({ videoSprite, screenRect }: VideoControls
         zIndex: 100,
         pointerEvents: 'auto',
         boxSizing: 'border-box',
+        opacity: videoEl ? 1 : 0.5,
       }}
       onPointerDown={(e) => e.stopPropagation()}
     >
@@ -140,18 +170,17 @@ export default function VideoControls({ videoSprite, screenRect }: VideoControls
         {playing ? <IcoPause /> : <IcoPlay />}
       </button>
 
-      {/* Seekbar */}
+      {/* Seekbar — onChange previews, pointerUp/blur commits */}
       <input
         type="range"
         min={0}
         max={duration || 1}
         step={0.1}
         value={currentTime}
-        onMouseDown={handleSeekStart}
-        onTouchStart={handleSeekStart}
-        onChange={handleSeekChange}
-        onMouseUp={handleSeekEnd}
-        onTouchEnd={handleSeekEnd}
+        onPointerDown={handleSeekStart}
+        onChange={handleSeekPreview}
+        onPointerUp={commitSeek}
+        onBlur={commitSeek}
         style={{
           flex: 1,
           height: '4px',
diff --git a/frontend/src/hooks/useCanvasSetup.ts b/frontend/src/hooks/useCanvasSetup.ts
index abeb9fc..e25745d 100644
--- a/frontend/src/hooks/useCanvasSetup.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/hooks/useCanvasSetup.ts
@@ -138,8 +138,7 @@ export function useCanvasSetup(deps: CanvasSetupDeps) {
           syncRef.current?.broadcastTransform(item);
         };
         selection.transformBox.onDragEnd = (itemIds) => {
-          syncRef.current?.broadcastElements(itemIds);
-          onCanvasChange(itemIds);
+          onCanvasChange(itemIds); // broadcasts elements + saves + undo
         };
 
         socket.on('user:joined', (data: any) => {