Systems and methods for auto-scaling computing resources for applications that rely on microservices, such as media streaming applications. In example embodiments, the systems and methods use a hybrid approach that takes into account proactive and reactive metrics to predict future processing needs. The proactive metrics use data obtained from the microservices pipeline. In example embodiments, computing units are deployed or removed from a cluster of computing units in anticipation of a future computational need and in consideration of quality of service requirements.