Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Ffmpeg with Python

Installing Ffmpeg can be a little tricky if you haven't set your PATH before, but if you're having trouble getting up and running, follow the steps below -- you'll be set up in no time. The steps are slightly different for Mac and Windows users, so be sure to follow the correct guide for your operating system.

For Mac Users:

Step One - Download Ffmpeg

Download the most recent static build of Ffmpeg here. Be sure to download the right version for your operating system.

Step Two - Save to Downloads

In your downloads, you should see a compressed folder. Unzip this folder. Inside, there is an executable named "ffmpeg". Move the ffmpeg executable to the "Downloads" folder.

Step Three - Copy to your Bin

Now for the confusing part - we need to make sure that ffmpeg is saved in your system's "bin", and then make sure it's added to your "path" so that the system can find it when you run your code.

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Did you know?

The $PATH variable is a set of directories that your system looks in when trying to find a command.

The easiest way to copy your Ffmpeg file into the bin is using the Terminal. In Terminal, navigate to the folder containing the Ffmpeg file using the "cd" (change directory) command.

cd /Users/[your name]/Downloads

Create a folder called "/usr/local/bin/" using the following command: sudo mkdir /usr/local/bin/

If this returns a line that includes "File exists", then you're good to continue.

Copy the ffmpeg file into /usr/local/bin: sudo cp ./ffmpeg /usr/local/bin

Step Four - Add to PATH

We now can add Ffmpeg to the $PATH variable. Type the following command into Terminal:cd
Then use the "open" command to open the bash_profile:open -e .bash_profile
If the bash_profile doesn't exist, create it by entering the command touch .bash_profile, then open it using open -e .bash_profile
The bash_profile should open in a new window. Add a new line to the file that says:

export PATH="/usr/local/bin:$PATH"

Save the bash_profile.

Step Five - Check that it's installed

Open a new terminal window and type: echo $PATH
You should see "/usr/local/bin" somewhere in the response.

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Ffmpeg should now be successfully installed!

Check whether it worked by typing ffpmeg in Terminal - you should see some information about the version and copyright info.

For Windows Users:

Step One - Download Ffmpeg

Download the most recent static build of Ffmpeg here. Be sure to download the right version for your operating system - the file name will be ffmpeg-release-full.7z.

Step Two - Unzip using 7Zip

To unzip the folder, you will need to download and install a free application called 7Zip - you can do this here.

Step Three - Extract the File

Right-click the Windows/Start button and select File Explorer.
Go to your downloads and right-click the file you just downloaded. Select the 7-Zip menu (this might be under "show more options") and click Extract Here.

Step Four - Copy to your Main Directory

Rename the newly extracted folder Ffmpeg and cut and paste it over to your hard drive - usually called something like Local Disk (C:) and accessible by clicking on This PC.

Step Five - Open Command Prompt as an Administrator

To do this, type cmd into the Windows search bar, right-click Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, and then click Yes.

Step Six - Add Ffmpeg to your Path

Type the following command: setx /m PATH "C:\ffmpeg\bin;%PATH%" and press enter.

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Ffmpeg should now be successfully installed!

Check whether it worked by opening a new command prompt window and typing ffmpeg -version. The system should return the ffmpeg version number, and not show any errors.