How to Install FFmpeg on Fedora 40 or 39

FFmpeg is a powerful multimedia framework that can decode, encode, transcode, mux, demux, stream, filter, and play almost anything that humans and machines have created. It supports a wide range of codecs and formats, making it an essential tool for video and audio processing tasks such as converting files between formats, editing media, and streaming content. FFmpeg is widely used in video production, live streaming, and software development, thanks to its flexibility and comprehensive feature set.

On Fedora 40 or 39, FFmpeg can be installed using two primary methods. The first method is through Fedora’s AppStream, which offers a stable version of FFmpeg that integrates seamlessly with Fedora’s package management system. This method provides an easy installation process for users who need reliable and well-maintained software. Alternatively, FFmpeg can be installed via RPM Fusion, a third-party repository that often provides access to newer versions or additional multimedia codecs that are not included in the official Fedora repositories. This guide will walk you through both installation methods, helping you set up FFmpeg on your Fedora system according to your needs.

Method 1: Install FFMpeg via DNF

Refresh Fedora Packages Before FFmpeg Installation

To ensure a smooth installation process for FFmpeg, begin by updating your Fedora system. This step is crucial to prevent potential conflicts with existing packages.

Execute the following command in the terminal:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command refreshes the repository indexes and updates all the packages to their latest versions.

Install FFmpeg via DNF Command

Fedora includes FFmpeg in its default repository and updates it regularly to align with its commitment to offering the latest software versions. This approach simplifies the FFmpeg installation process.

To install FFmpeg, use this command:

sudo dnf install ffmpeg-free

Installing the development packages is necessary for users who require advanced features and the ability to compile software that depends on FFmpeg.

Use this command for the development packages:

sudo dnf install ffmpeg-free-devel

Verifying FFmpeg Installation

After installing FFmpeg, you should verify that it has been installed correctly. Check the installed version by running the following command in the terminal:

ffmpeg -version

This command displays the installed version of FFmpeg, its configuration details, and the supported libraries. It’s essential to ensure the installation succeeds and the software is ready for use.

Method 2: Install FFMpeg via RPM Fusion

Enable RPM Fusion

This is the first essential step if you haven’t already imported RPM Fusion into your Fedora system. RPM Fusion provides a broader range of software not included in Fedora by default.

Use these commands to enable RPM Fusion:

sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm

sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm

These commands add the free and non-free repositories of RPM Fusion to your system, expanding the range of available software.

Install FFmpeg via DNF Command from RPM Fusion

For users who haven’t installed FFmpeg yet, the following command will install it from RPM Fusion:

sudo dnf install ffmpeg --allowerasing

To install the development package, similar to the previous method, use:

sudo dnf install ffmpeg-devel --allowerasing

This step ensures you have the latest version of FFmpeg with additional development tools.

Note: For the FFmpeg installation command from RPM Fusion, it’s important to include –allowerasing. This option ensures that libavcodec-freeworld and other related libraries, which are specifically designed to complement the ffmpeg-free package, are not required when installing FFMpeg direct from RPM Fusion.

Switch FFmpeg-Free to FFmpeg (Situational)

If you already have the Fedora version of FFmpeg installed, switching to the RPM Fusion-provided build is recommended for better support.

Use this command:

sudo dnf swap ffmpeg-free ffmpeg --allowerasing

This command replaces the Fedora-provided FFmpeg with the RPM Fusion version, which may include more features or better compatibility.

Verify FFmpeg RPM Fusion Installation

To confirm that you have installed the correct version of FFmpeg from RPM Fusion, run the following:

ffmpeg -version

This command will display the version and configuration details of the installed FFmpeg, ensuring that you are using the version provided by RPM Fusion.

Managing FFMpeg on Fedora Linux

Remove FFmpeg

Uninstalling FFmpeg from your Fedora Linux system requires a specific command, which ensures the removal of both the FFmpeg software and its development packages. This ensures a thorough and clean uninstallation.

For Standard Fedora Packages:

If you installed FFmpeg using Fedora’s standard repositories, execute this command in the terminal:

sudo dnf remove ffmpeg-free ffmpeg-free-devel

This command tells the system’s package manager to remove ffmpeg-free and its development package ffmpeg-free-devel. Remember to remove ffmpeg-free-devel if you installed it for development purposes, ensure all related components are fully uninstalled.

For RPM Fusion Installation:

In case you installed FFmpeg from RPM Fusion, the uninstallation command differs slightly:

sudo dnf remove ffmpeg ffmpeg-devel

This command is tailored for systems where FFmpeg was installed via RPM Fusion, targeting both the main FFmpeg package and its development counterpart, ffmpeg-devel.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, installing FFmpeg on Fedora through the AppStream repository provides a stable and well-integrated option for most users. However, if you need the latest features or additional codecs, RPM Fusion is a solid alternative, offering a more up-to-date version. Whichever method you choose, keeping FFmpeg updated through these repositories will ensure you can efficiently manage a wide range of multimedia tasks on your Fedora system.

Useful Links

Here are some useful links related to using FFmpeg:

FFmpeg Official Website: Visit the official FFmpeg website for information about the multimedia framework, features, and download options.
FFmpeg Documentation: Access comprehensive documentation for detailed guides on using FFmpeg.
OpenH264 on Fedora: Learn about OpenH264 support and integration within the Fedora Project.
FFmpeg Forums: Join the FFmpeg forums to discuss issues, share solutions, and get support from the community.
FFmpeg Issue Tracker: Report bugs, track issues, and view bug reports related to FFmpeg on the issue tracker.
FFmpeg Developer Resources: Access resources for contributing to FFmpeg’s development, including coding guidelines and repository information.