Overview

FFmpeg API lets you process video and audio files using simple HTTP requests. Convert formats, trim clips, add overlays, extract thumbnails, and run any FFmpeg operation—all without managing servers or installing software.

# Convert a GIF to MP4
curl -X POST https://api.ffmpeg-api.com/ffmpeg/process \
  -H "Authorization: Basic YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"task": {"inputs": [{"file_path": "your-file.gif"}], "outputs": [{"file": "output.mp4"}]}}'

Workflow at a Glance

Create a directory (optional)
Upload your files
Process with /ffmpeg/process using file_path from step 2
Download results

Core Endpoints

POST /file: Get an upload URL for a file
POST /ffmpeg/process: Process your files using FFmpeg
POST /directory: Create a temporary working directory (optional)
GET /directory: List your directories
GET /directory/{dirId}: List files in a specific directory

The legacy POST /ffmpeg/run is deprecated — see the Migration Guide.

Authentication

All endpoints use Basic Auth with your API key. You can view/manage your key in the Dashboard. See Authentication.

Start Here

New to the API? Read the Quick Start
Need to upload and organize files? See File Management
Ready to process media? See Processing

Request