Techniques are provided for optimizing an assignment of a set of available video encoders to a plurality of video channels. Embodiments determine an optimal assignment of the set of available video encoders to the plurality of video channels, comprising, for each of the plurality of video channels, by determining a respective number of video encoders to assign to the video channel, and determining a respective set of video streams to provide for the video channel, using the assigned video encoders. The video streams are generated for the plurality of video channels, using the assigned video encoders.