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January 5, 20267 min readHow to rebuild

How to rebuild a high-performing e-commerce site with Next.js and Replay AI in 2026

R
Replay Team
Developer Advocates

TL;DR: Rebuild your e-commerce site faster and more accurately in 2026 by using Replay AI to convert user behavior videos into fully functional Next.js code, leveraging behavior-driven reconstruction for superior results.

Rebuilding an e-commerce site is a daunting task. You're not just migrating code; you're reimagining user experiences, optimizing for conversions, and wrestling with legacy systems. In 2026, the stakes are even higher. Users expect seamless, personalized, and incredibly fast experiences. Traditional methods of rebuilding – manually coding from scratch or relying on static design mockups – simply can't keep up. That's where behavior-driven reconstruction comes in, and Replay is leading the charge.

The E-Commerce Rebuild Challenge in 2026#

The year is 2026. E-commerce is more competitive than ever. Users have sky-high expectations for speed, personalization, and intuitive navigation. Rebuilding your e-commerce site the old way – manually coding from scratch or relying on static design mockups – is a recipe for disaster. You need a solution that understands user behavior, not just visual design.

Why Traditional Methods Fall Short#

  • Manual Coding: Time-consuming, prone to errors, and difficult to adapt to changing user needs.
  • Screenshot-to-Code Tools: Generate code based on static images, missing crucial behavioral context.
  • Design Mockups: Often fail to capture the nuances of user interactions and product flows.

These approaches lead to:

  • Long development cycles
  • Inconsistent user experiences
  • Poor conversion rates
  • High maintenance costs

Behavior-Driven Reconstruction: The Future of E-Commerce Rebuilds#

Behavior-driven reconstruction flips the script. Instead of starting with static designs, you begin with video recordings of real user interactions. This allows you to capture the intent behind the clicks, scrolls, and taps. Replay analyzes these videos, using advanced AI to understand user behavior and generate code that accurately reflects the desired experience.

What is Behavior-Driven Reconstruction?#

It's a methodology that uses video recordings of user sessions as the primary source of truth for generating code. By analyzing user behavior, you can create a more intuitive and effective e-commerce site.

Why Video?#

Video captures the dynamic nature of user interactions, including:

  • Mouse movements
  • Scroll patterns
  • Form submissions
  • Page transitions

This rich data allows for a more accurate and complete reconstruction of the user experience.

Rebuilding Your E-Commerce Site with Next.js and Replay#

Replay simplifies the e-commerce rebuild process by automating the conversion of user behavior videos into working Next.js code. This allows you to focus on high-level strategy and customization, rather than tedious manual coding.

Step 1: Capture User Behavior Videos#

Record user sessions on your existing e-commerce site, focusing on key product flows such as:

  • Product browsing
  • Adding items to cart
  • Checkout process
  • Account management

Use screen recording tools or integrate with existing analytics platforms that support video capture.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on recording sessions with high conversion rates or positive user feedback. These sessions represent the ideal user experience you want to replicate.

Step 2: Upload Videos to Replay#

Upload the recorded videos to the Replay platform. Replay's AI engine will analyze the videos and generate a working Next.js codebase.

Step 3: Review and Customize the Generated Code#

Replay provides a clean and well-structured codebase that you can easily review and customize. You can adjust styling, add new features, and integrate with your existing backend systems.

typescript
// Example Next.js component generated by Replay import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react'; const ProductDetails = ({ productId }) => { const [product, setProduct] = useState(null); useEffect(() => { const fetchProduct = async () => { const response = await fetch(`/api/products/${productId}`); const data = await response.json(); setProduct(data); }; fetchProduct(); }, [productId]); if (!product) { return <div>Loading...</div>; } return ( <div> <h1>{product.name}</h1> <p>{product.description}</p> <button>Add to Cart</button> </div> ); }; export default ProductDetails;

Step 4: Integrate with Supabase (Optional)#

Replay seamlessly integrates with Supabase, allowing you to easily connect your Next.js codebase to a scalable and reliable backend. This simplifies data management and authentication.

Step 5: Deploy Your Rebuilt E-Commerce Site#

Deploy your rebuilt e-commerce site to your preferred hosting provider. Monitor user behavior and make adjustments as needed to optimize performance and conversions.

Replay Features for E-Commerce Rebuilds#

  • Multi-Page Generation: Replay can generate code for entire product flows, not just individual pages.
  • Supabase Integration: Seamlessly connect your Next.js frontend to a Supabase backend.
  • Style Injection: Customize the look and feel of your e-commerce site with CSS or Tailwind CSS.
  • Product Flow Maps: Visualize user journeys and identify areas for improvement.

The Replay Advantage: Understanding User Intent#

Unlike screenshot-to-code tools, Replay understands what users are trying to do, not just what they see. This allows for a more accurate and intuitive reconstruction of the user experience. Replay analyzes user behavior patterns, such as:

  • Navigation paths
  • Search queries
  • Form submissions
  • Product interactions

This information is used to generate code that reflects the intended user experience, resulting in a more effective and engaging e-commerce site.

Replay vs. Traditional Methods: A Comparison#

FeatureTraditional MethodsScreenshot-to-CodeReplay
InputDesign Mockups, Manual SpecsScreenshotsVideo
Behavior AnalysisPartial
Code AccuracyLowMediumHigh
Development SpeedSlowMediumFast
User ExperienceInconsistentPotentially InconsistentConsistent & Intent-Driven
Supabase IntegrationManualManual
Multi-Page GenerationManualLimited

📝 Note: "Traditional Methods" encompasses manual coding and other non-AI assisted development.

Common Concerns and How Replay Addresses Them#

  • Privacy: Replay uses anonymized video data to protect user privacy. You can also configure Replay to exclude sensitive information from the analysis.
  • Accuracy: Replay's AI engine is constantly improving, resulting in increasingly accurate code generation. You can also manually review and customize the generated code to ensure accuracy.
  • Customization: Replay provides a flexible codebase that you can easily customize to meet your specific needs. You can add new features, adjust styling, and integrate with your existing backend systems.

⚠️ Warning: Ensure you have the proper consent from users before recording their sessions. Comply with all applicable privacy regulations.

Addressing Scalability Concerns#

One major concern when rebuilding an e-commerce platform is ensuring scalability. Replay, when used in conjunction with Next.js and Supabase, provides a robust foundation for handling high traffic and large product catalogs.

  • Next.js: Offers server-side rendering, static site generation, and incremental static regeneration, allowing for optimal performance and SEO.
  • Supabase: Provides a scalable and reliable PostgreSQL database, authentication, and real-time capabilities.
  • Replay: Generates efficient and well-structured code that is optimized for performance.
javascript
// Example of using Next.js API routes for server-side functionality import { supabase } from '../../utils/supabaseClient'; export default async function handler(req, res) { if (req.method === 'GET') { const { data, error } = await supabase .from('products') .select('*') .limit(10); if (error) { return res.status(500).json({ error: error.message }); } return res.status(200).json(data); } else { return res.status(405).json({ message: 'Method Not Allowed' }); } }

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is Replay free to use?#

Replay offers a free trial with limited features. Paid plans are available for full access and higher usage limits. Check the Replay pricing page for the most current information.

How is Replay different from v0.dev?#

While both tools generate code, Replay focuses on behavior-driven reconstruction using video as the source of truth, whereas v0.dev primarily uses text prompts and design constraints. Replay understands user intent, not just visual appearance.

Can I use Replay with other frameworks besides Next.js?#

Currently, Replay is optimized for Next.js. Support for other frameworks may be added in the future.

How secure is Replay?#

Replay prioritizes security and privacy. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest. You have full control over your data and can delete it at any time.


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