ffmpeg Node icon

ffmpeg Node

n8n Node for some Ffmpeg functionality

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Overview

This node provides functionality related to media files using ffmpeg, a powerful multimedia framework. Specifically, for the Metadata resource with the Extract Metadata operation, it extracts metadata information from a given media file. This can be useful in scenarios where you need to analyze or process media files by retrieving details such as codec, duration, format, resolution, and other embedded metadata.

Practical examples include:

  • Extracting video or audio metadata before transcoding or filtering.
  • Gathering media file properties to make conditional workflow decisions.
  • Logging or auditing media file characteristics in automated pipelines.

Properties

Name Meaning
Media File Input A valid media URL or the name of the input binary field containing the media file to analyze.

Output

The node outputs JSON data containing the extracted metadata of the provided media file. This typically includes detailed technical information about the media such as codecs, bitrates, duration, streams info, and other relevant metadata fields.

If the input is binary (a media file), the node reads this binary data to extract metadata. The output does not include binary data itself but focuses on structured metadata information.

Dependencies

  • Requires an API key credential for accessing the underlying ffmpeg service or API.
  • Depends on ffmpeg-related libraries bundled within the node implementation.
  • No additional external services are explicitly required beyond the configured API authentication.

Troubleshooting

  • Invalid Media Input: If the media URL or binary field name is incorrect or inaccessible, the node will fail to extract metadata. Ensure the input points to a valid media source.
  • Unsupported Media Format: Some media formats might not be supported by the underlying ffmpeg library, leading to errors or incomplete metadata extraction.
  • Credential Issues: Missing or invalid API credentials will prevent the node from functioning correctly.
  • Timeouts or Large Files: Very large media files may cause timeouts or performance issues during metadata extraction.

Common error messages might indicate:

  • "Media file not found" — check the input path or binary field.
  • "Unsupported format" — verify the media file type compatibility.
  • "Authentication failed" — confirm API key validity and permissions.

Links and References

Discussion