🚀 Deploying a Next.js App to AWS Lambda Using Serverless Framework

As a web developer, embracing serverless architecture can significantly reduce complexity while boosting scalability and cost-efficiency. In this guide, you'll learn how to deploy a Next.js 15 frontend to AWS Lambda using the Serverless Framework.

🧠 Why Use AWS Lambda for Next.js?

Next.js 15 supports both static and server-side rendering (SSR). Traditionally, SSR requires managing a dedicated server, but with AWS Lambda, you can run your server-side logic without managing infrastructure.

Benefits of Using AWS Lambda:

• 💸 Pay only for what you use — no idle server costs.
• ⚡ Auto-scaling — scales with your traffic automatically.
• 🛠️ Simplified DevOps — focus on features, not servers.

1️⃣ Create a New Next.js 15 App

Start by setting up a new Next.js 15 application:

Test it locally:

Visit http://localhost:3000 to see your app in action.

Before deploying, build the production version:

2️⃣ Install Serverless Dependencies

Install the Serverless Framework and the serverless-next.js plugin:

3️⃣ Create the serverless.yml Configuration

At the root of your project, create a file called serverless.yml:

📝 Note: The serverless-next.js plugin automatically configures Lambda functions, API Gateway, and S3 for your static assets. You don’t need to define individual routes or handlers.

4️⃣ Install and Configure AWS CLI

✅ Step 1: Install AWS CLI

If not already installed, install the AWS CLI:

Ubuntu/Debian:

✅ Step 2: Create an IAM User

1. Visit the AWS IAM Console
2. Create a user (e.g., serverless-deployer)
3. Enable Programmatic Access
4. Attach AdministratorAccess (or granular permissions if preferred)
5. Save the Access Key ID and Secret Access Key

✅ Step 3: Configure AWS Credentials Locally

In your terminal:

Enter:

• Access Key ID
• Secret Access Key
• Region (e.g., us-east-1)
• Output format (e.g., json)

5️⃣ Deploy to AWS Lambda

Once AWS credentials are set, deploy your app using:

This command will:

• Package your Next.js app
• Deploy it to AWS Lambda + API Gateway + S3
• Return a live deployment URL

6️⃣ Test Your Deployment

Once deployed, open the generated URL in your browser and verify that your app works as expected.

⚙️ Optimization Tips for Serverless

To boost performance and reduce cold starts:

• 📦 Minimize dependencies in your app build
• 🧊 Use AWS CloudFront for edge caching of static assets
• 🚀 Adjust Lambda memory settings (e.g., 512MB–1024MB) for faster SSR performance
• 📁 Use .env files locally, and define environment variables in serverless.yml under provider.environment

✅ Conclusion

By deploying Next.js 15 to AWS Lambda using the Serverless Framework, you gain:

• ✅ No server maintenance
• ✅ Pay-as-you-go pricing
• ✅ Seamless scaling and global availability

With just a few steps, your app can go from local development to globally accessible without worrying about infrastructure.

#NextJS #AWSLambda #Serverless #React #WebDevelopment #DevOps #CloudComputing