FFmpeg Micro vs api.video
api.video is a full video API with free encoding, pay-as-you-go hosting, streaming, and a built-in player. FFmpeg Micro is a focused FFmpeg API you plug into automation tools like n8n and Make.com.
api.video gives you a complete video platform with free transcoding. FFmpeg Micro gives you full FFmpeg flexibility that api.video's presets cannot match.
What each product does
FFmpeg Micro
- Provides an FFmpeg-based API for video editing and transcoding
- Supports custom FFmpeg commands, filters, and multi-video composition
- Does not host or stream videos; works with your existing storage/CDN
- Designed to plug into n8n, Make.com, Zapier, and custom backends
api.video
- Full video API: upload, encode, host, stream, and deliver
- Encoding is free; pay only for storage (~$0.003/min) and delivery (~$0.002/min)
- Built-in customizable player, HLS/DASH streaming, and live streaming
- SDKs for Node, Python, PHP, Go, and more
Pricing at a glance
| Component | FFmpeg Micro | api.video |
|---|---|---|
| Encoding | Included in plan | Free (unlimited) |
| Storage | 8-hour temp retention (auto-cleanup) | ~$0.003 per min stored/month |
| Delivery | Download link (no CDN) | ~$0.002 per min delivered |
| Monthly plans | Free (100 min), $19 (2k), $89 (12k), $349 (60k) | Pure pay-as-you-go, no tiers |
| 5,000 min/month example | $89 (Pro plan, processing only) | ~$25 (storage + delivery, hosting included) |
api.video is cheaper when you need hosting and delivery with its free encoding model. FFmpeg Micro gives you full FFmpeg flexibility that api.video does not offer.
Key differences
FFmpeg Micro advantage
- Full FFmpeg flexibility — pass any FFmpeg command, filter, or codec
- Multi-video composition — stitch, overlay, and mix multiple inputs
- Custom filters — color grading, LUTs, watermarks, audio mixing
- No vendor lock-in — standard FFmpeg, portable anywhere
- Predictable monthly pricing — fixed tiers, no usage surprises
api.video advantage
- Free encoding — unlimited transcoding at no cost
- Full video platform — hosting, streaming, player, analytics
- Live streaming — built-in RTMP and WebRTC support
- Customizable player — branded, embeddable video player
- Pay-as-you-go — no monthly commitment, pay only for what you use
Processing flexibility
| Capability | FFmpeg Micro | api.video |
|---|---|---|
| Custom FFmpeg commands | Full support | Presets only |
| Multi-video composition | Stitch, overlay, mix | Single input only |
| Custom filters & effects | Any FFmpeg filter | Limited |
| Output format control | Any FFmpeg format | Common formats |
| Video hosting | 8hr temp storage | Unlimited hosting |
| Streaming player | Not included | Built-in, customizable |
| Live streaming | Not included | RTMP + WebRTC |
When to choose FFmpeg Micro vs api.video
Choose FFmpeg Micro if…
- You need custom FFmpeg operations beyond basic transcoding
- You stitch, overlay, or compose multiple videos together
- You build automation workflows in n8n, Make.com, or Zapier
- You already have your own hosting or CDN solution
- You want predictable monthly costs, not pay-per-use
Choose api.video if…
- You need a complete video platform with hosting and streaming
- Basic transcoding presets are sufficient for your needs
- You want free encoding with pay-as-you-go storage and delivery
- You need live streaming support (RTMP, WebRTC)
- You want a branded, embeddable video player
Use both together when…
- You want FFmpeg Micro for custom processing and api.video for hosting and delivery
- You automate video production, then host the results on api.video
- You need advanced editing that api.video cannot do, plus a built-in player and streaming
Need more than preset-based transcoding?
Start a free FFmpeg Micro account and get full FFmpeg power through a simple API. Stitch videos, apply custom filters, and automate your entire video pipeline.
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