FFmpeg Micro vs AWS MediaConvert
MediaConvert is a powerful AWS-native service for broadcast-grade encoding. FFmpeg Micro is a managed FFmpeg API designed for automation workflows in n8n and Make.com.
If you already live in AWS, it can be tempting to stay entirely within the AWS ecosystem. This page explains when that makes sense and when a focused FFmpeg API is a better fit.
At a glance
- Simple FFmpeg-based API, priced by input minute
- Works the same whether you are on AWS, GCP, or elsewhere
- Drop into n8n/Make via HTTP nodes without custom AWS glue
- Great when you want automation-first editing, not AWS pipeline design
- Deep AWS integration with S3, IAM, MediaPackage, and MediaLive
- Complex job templates and queues to design and maintain
- Best when you need broadcast/OTT features and are fully invested in AWS
- Less convenient for no-code automation tools like n8n/Make
Pricing comparison
MediaConvert pricing depends on region, tier (Basic vs Professional), and output resolutions. For many HD VOD workloads, a rough guide is about $0.015 per HD minute on the Basic tier.
| Monthly usage | FFmpeg Micro | AWS MediaConvert (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 minutes | $19 (Starter, 2,000 minutes included) | ~$15 (1,000 × $0.015) before S3/CloudFront |
| 10,000 minutes | $89 (Pro, 12,000 minutes included) | ~$150 (10,000 × $0.015) before S3/CloudFront |
| 60,000 minutes | $349 (Scale, 60,000 minutes included) | ~$900 (60,000 × $0.015) before S3/CloudFront |
For straightforward FFmpeg-style jobs, FFmpeg Micro is often similar or cheaper on pure encoding cost — especially when you factor in the engineering time required to design and maintain AWS pipelines.
MediaConvert shines when you need deep AWS integration and broadcast features; FFmpeg Micro shines when you just want a simple FFmpeg API for your workflows.
Automation & integration
- Call FFmpeg Micro from HTTP nodes with simple JSON payloads
- Use the same job definitions from both automations and custom code
- Inspect job status and results through a consistent API
- No need to install AWS SDKs or manage IAM permissions
- Requires AWS SDK/API calls and IAM setup from your workflows
- Job templates and queues live in AWS, separate from your automation tools
- Monitoring and debugging spread across CloudWatch, S3, and your workflows
- Great for AWS-native teams; heavier lift for automation-first flows
When to choose FFmpeg Micro vs MediaConvert
- You automate video editing from n8n, Make.com, or Zapier
- You do not need broadcast/OTT-specific AWS features
- You want a simple FFmpeg API that works across clouds
- You are fully committed to AWS and already operate other media services
- You need tight integration with MediaPackage/MediaLive and detailed presets
- You have engineers comfortable with AWS pipelines and IAM
- Use FFmpeg Micro for automation-first editing workflows
- Use MediaConvert only where AWS-native features are truly needed
- Keep your automation layer agnostic while leveraging AWS selectively
Want FFmpeg automation without AWS pipeline complexity?
Start a free FFmpeg Micro account, connect it to n8n or Make, and run your first automated job without touching MediaConvert job templates or queues.
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