Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a method and device for playing a video. The method is applicable in a video monitoring system and includes: obtaining a video playing request carrying target time identification information; transferring and storing video index information buffered in a buffer area of the video monitoring system to a target storage area of the video monitoring system so as to update an index information packet stored in the target storage area; and playing a video file corresponding to the target time identification information based on the updated index information packet. It can be seen, in the embodiment, the video monitoring system allows playing the corresponding video file according to the user's video playing request, so as to meet the user's needs and thus provide a better user experience.