> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.acecloud.ai/knowledge-base/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.acecloud.ai/knowledge-base/tutorials/how-to-install-ffmpeg-on-ubuntu-20.04.md).

# How to install FFmpeg on Ubuntu 20.04?

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/hdzVWMiFdoY>" %}

### Overview <a href="#howtoinstallffmpegonubuntu20.04-overview" id="howtoinstallffmpegonubuntu20.04-overview"></a>

FFmpeg is a software application that can be used across different platforms to perform a variety of multimedia tasks such as recording, converting and streaming audio/video files. Many software applications and websites make use of FFmpeg to handle the read and write operations of their multimedia files. In addition to being a useful tool for developers, FFmpeg also provides a command-line interface that allows users to manage, alter, and analyze their audio and video files in a variety of ways. This interface is capable of performing a large number of tasks related to multimedia file management, such as cutting and merging video files, adjusting video and audio quality, and converting files to different formats.

It is a powerful and versatile multimedia tool that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from basic file management to advanced video and audio editing. Its cross-platform compatibility and command-line interface makes it a popular choice for developers and users alike who require efficient and effective multimedia management tools.

### Prerequisites <a href="#howtoinstallffmpegonubuntu20.04-prerequisites" id="howtoinstallffmpegonubuntu20.04-prerequisites"></a>

There are certain prerequisites that need to be met before you begin.&#x20;

* Ubuntu 22.04 LTS configured on your system.
* Non-root sudo user privileges.

### Get Started <a href="#howtoinstallffmpegonubuntu20.04-getstarted" id="howtoinstallffmpegonubuntu20.04-getstarted"></a>

**Step 1: Installing FFmpeg**

* Update the package index:

```
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
```

* Install FFmpeg:&#x20;

```
sudo apt install ffmpeg
```

* Verify the installation by checking its version:

```
ffmpeg -version
```

<figure><img src="http://customer.acecloudhosting.com/index.php?rp=/images/kb/1086_ff2.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 2: Utilizing the FFmpeg Command Line**

FFmpeg is a powerful multimedia framework that includes a command-line tool for converting and manipulating audio and video files. The tool can be used to perform a wide range of operations, including video encoding, decoding, transcoding, filtering, and streaming. The ffmpeg CLI offers a vast array of options for its users to utilize. Below are some of the fundamental command line options commonly employed in conjunction with ffmpeg.&#x20;

| Command line options | Description                             |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| ffmpeg -version      | to display version                      |
| ffmpeg -formats      | to display available formats            |
| ffmpeg -bsfs         | to display available bit stream filters |
| ffmpeg -protocols    | to display available protocols          |
| ffmpeg -filters      | to display available filters            |
| ffmpeg -layouts      | to display standard channel layouts     |
| ffmpeg -decoders     | to display available decoders           |
| ffmpeg -encoders     | to display available encoders           |

* To print all available FFmpeg’s encoders type, run the following command:&#x20;

```
ffmpeg -encoders
```

<img src="http://customer.acecloudhosting.com/index.php?rp=/images/kb/1085_ff3.png" alt="" height="609" width="1524">

* To print all available FFmpeg’s decoders type, run the following command:&#x20;

```
ffmpeg -decoders
```

<figure><img src="http://customer.acecloudhosting.com/index.php?rp=/images/kb/1084_ff4.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Conclusion**

The aim of this tutorial is to give you directions on how to download and set up FFmpeg on your Linux system running Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.


---

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