ffmpeg Node icon

ffmpeg Node

n8n Node for some Ffmpeg functionality

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Overview

This node provides video processing capabilities focused on trimming and merging video segments based on specified highlights. It allows users to input a video URL and define multiple highlight segments with start and end times along with reasons for those highlights. The node then extracts these segments from the original video and merges them into a single output video. Optionally, it can add visual transitions between the merged segments to create a smoother viewing experience.

Common scenarios where this node is beneficial include:

  • Creating highlight reels from longer videos by extracting key moments.
  • Editing event recordings to focus on important parts.
  • Generating summarized versions of tutorials or presentations.
  • Adding professional transitions between clips for polished video content.

For example, a user could input a full-length webinar video URL and specify highlights such as "Introduction" (00:00 - 00:10) and "Main Event" (01:00 - 01:30). The node will trim these segments and merge them, optionally adding fade transitions between them.

Properties

Name Meaning
Video Url A valid URL pointing to the source video to be processed.
Video Highlights JSON-formatted array of objects specifying highlight segments with their time ranges and reasons. Example format: [{ "highlight_reason": "Introduction", "highlight_time": "00:00 - 00:10" }, { "highlight_reason": "Main event", "highlight_time": "01:00 - 01:30" }]
Add Transitions Boolean flag indicating whether to add transitions between the trimmed video segments.
Transition Type Type of transition effect to apply between video segments if transitions are enabled. Options: Cross Zoom, Dissolve, Fade, Wipe Left, Wipe Right.
Transition Duration Duration in seconds for each transition effect applied between video segments.

Output

The node outputs a JSON object containing the processed video data. This typically includes the merged video file composed of the trimmed highlight segments, optionally with transitions applied. If binary data output is supported, it would represent the final video file ready for download or further use.

Dependencies

  • Requires access to the input video via a valid URL.
  • Depends on an external video processing backend or API capable of trimming, merging, and applying transitions to videos.
  • Requires an API authentication token or key configured in n8n credentials to authorize requests to the video processing service.

Troubleshooting

  • Invalid Video URL: Ensure the provided video URL is accessible and points to a supported video format.
  • Malformed Highlights JSON: The highlights property must be a correctly formatted JSON string representing an array of objects with highlight_reason and highlight_time. Invalid JSON will cause errors.
  • Transition Errors: If transitions are enabled but the type or duration is invalid or unsupported, the node may fail. Verify that transition options are correctly set.
  • API Authentication Failures: Check that the API key or authentication token is properly configured in n8n credentials.
  • Timeouts or Large Videos: Processing very large videos or many segments might lead to timeouts or performance issues depending on the backend service limits.

Links and References

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