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 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 for this node 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 with transitions for presentations or social media.

For example, a user could input a full-length conference recording and specify highlight times for each speaker’s presentation. The node would trim those segments and merge them into one concise video, optionally adding fade transitions between segments.

Properties

Name Meaning
Video Url A valid URL pointing to the source video to be processed.
Video Highlights JSON array of objects specifying highlight segments to trim. 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 Type of transition effect to apply between segments if transitions are enabled. Options: Cross Zoom, Dissolve, Fade, Wipe Left, Wipe Right.
Transition Duration Duration in seconds for the transition effect between video segments.

Output

The node outputs a merged video composed of the trimmed highlight segments from the input video. If transitions are enabled, these will be applied between segments according to the selected type and duration.

  • The main output is a JSON object containing metadata about the processed video.
  • The binary output field contains the resulting video file data.
  • The output structure includes details such as segment timings and any applied transitions.

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 network connectivity to fetch the video and communicate with the processing backend is necessary.

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 will cause errors.
  • Transition Errors: If transitions are enabled but not properly configured (e.g., invalid transition type or duration), the node may fail or produce unexpected results.
  • API Authentication Failures: Verify that the API key credential is correctly set up and has permissions to use the video processing service.
  • Timeouts or Large Videos: Processing very large videos or many highlight segments may lead to timeouts or performance issues; consider splitting tasks or increasing timeout settings.

Links and References

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