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, focusing here on the "Metadata" resource with the "Extract Metadata" operation. It extracts metadata information from a given media file input, which can be useful for analyzing media properties such as format, duration, codec details, resolution, and other embedded metadata.

Common scenarios include:

  • Automatically retrieving media file details before processing or transcoding.
  • Extracting technical metadata for cataloging or reporting purposes.
  • Validating media file attributes in workflows that handle video or audio content.

Example: You provide a URL or binary field containing a video file, and the node outputs detailed metadata about that video, enabling subsequent nodes to make decisions based on this data.

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 information such as codec type, duration, bit rate, resolution, frame rate, audio channels, and other relevant media attributes.

If the input is binary data, the node processes it accordingly to extract metadata without requiring an external URL.

No binary output is produced by this operation; the output is purely JSON metadata describing the media file.

Dependencies

  • Requires an API key credential for accessing the underlying ffmpeg service.
  • The node depends on ffmpeg-related libraries bundled within the node implementation.
  • No additional environment variables are explicitly required beyond the API authentication.

Troubleshooting

  • Invalid Media Input: If the media URL or binary field is invalid or inaccessible, the node may fail to extract metadata. Ensure the input is correct and accessible.
  • Unsupported Media Format: Some media formats might not be supported by the underlying ffmpeg service, leading to errors or incomplete metadata.
  • Authentication Errors: Missing or incorrect API credentials will prevent the node from functioning.
  • Timeouts or Large Files: Very large media files might cause timeouts or performance issues during metadata extraction.

Common error messages might indicate inability to read the media file or failure to connect to the ffmpeg service. Verify inputs and credentials to resolve these.

Links and References

Discussion