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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 user-defined highlights. It allows users to input a video URL and specify multiple highlight segments with start and end times, which the node then extracts and merges into a single output video. Optionally, transitions can be added between these trimmed segments to create smooth visual effects.

Common scenarios where this node is beneficial include:

  • Creating highlight reels from longer videos by extracting key moments.
  • Editing event footage to focus on important parts without manual video editing software.
  • Automatically generating summarized videos for presentations or social media sharing.

For example, a user could input a full-length lecture video URL and specify highlight times corresponding to different topics covered. The node would then produce a shorter video containing only those topics, 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. Each object contains highlight_reason (description) and highlight_time (time range in "HH:MM - HH:MM" format). Example: [{"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 If transitions are enabled, specifies the type of transition effect to apply between segments. 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 merged video composed of the trimmed segments specified by the highlights. The output is provided as JSON data representing the processed video metadata and/or a binary field containing the resulting video file.

If transitions are enabled, the output video will include the selected transition effects between segments.

Binary output typically contains the final video file ready for download or further workflow steps.

Dependencies

  • Requires access to the input video via a valid URL.
  • Depends on an external ffmpeg-based service or API (configured via an API key credential) to perform video trimming, merging, and transition effects.
  • Proper configuration of the API authentication token or key within n8n credentials is necessary for the node to function.

Troubleshooting

  • Invalid Video URL: Ensure the provided video URL is accessible and points to a supported video format.
  • Malformed Highlights JSON: The Video Highlights property must be a correctly formatted JSON string representing an array of objects with highlight_reason and highlight_time. Invalid JSON or incorrect time formats may cause errors.
  • Transition Errors: If transitions are enabled but the output fails, verify that the transition type and duration are valid and supported.
  • API Authentication Failures: Check that the API key credential is correctly set up and has sufficient permissions.
  • Timeouts or Large Videos: Processing very large videos or many highlight segments might lead to timeouts or performance issues; consider splitting tasks or reducing segment count.

Links and References

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