PSA: ffmpeg

dv · Post by dv » Fri Apr 17, 2026 10:48 pm

So, MacOS includes a copy of ffmpeg. But it's compiled for Intel.

If you find and install an ARM version, it'll run about 2-3x faster.

If you care enough to bother.

Bren · Post by **Bren** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 4:55 pm

I've always been a bit confused about ffmpeg. It seems like it kind of exists as a stand-alone app, but also needs to be installed in order for other programs to function properly?

I'm guessing the thing I experience as a stand-alone app might really be one of many ffmpeg front ends a person could use? I don't know. Computers are complicated.

Metacell · Post by **Metacell** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 1:58 pm

Bren wrote: Sat Apr 18, 2026 4:55 pm
I've always been a bit confused about ffmpeg. It seems like it kind of exists as a stand-alone app, but also needs to be installed in order for other programs to function properly?

I'm guessing the thing I experience as a stand-alone app might really be one of many ffmpeg front ends a person could use? I don't know. Computers are complicated.

I think it can be run alone as a command line tool, but mostly its used as a linked library for other software.