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Fix common errors when installing FFmpeg

This guide helps you when the FFmpeg install fails or FFmpeg does not run after you install it.

Dedicated Servers2 min read4 steps

What is FFmpeg?

FFmpeg is a free tool that works with video and sound files. It can convert, cut and shrink them. You need root access to install it. Root is the main administrator login of the server.

Steps to find the cause

  1. Read the last lines of the error. The message often names the problem.
  2. Check your system. Run this command. 
    cat /etc/os-release
    This shows your Linux name and version.
  3. Make sure the server can reach the internet. 
    ping -c 3 google.com
    This sends three test packets. If it fails, fix the network first.
  4. Check free disk space. 
    df -h
    This shows how full each disk is. An install fails when the disk is full.

Common errors

"No package ffmpeg available" or "Unable to locate package"

The software store (repository) does not list FFmpeg. On AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux or CentOS, add the EPEL and RPM Fusion repositories first. On Ubuntu, run apt update and try again.

"Cannot find a valid baseurl for repo"

The server cannot reach a repository. The repository may be old or moved. Check DNS and the repository files in /etc/yum.repos.d/. A very old system may need newer repository addresses.

"Requires: libXXX" or conflicts

A needed piece is missing. Install the library named in the message. If two packages fight, do not force the install. Ask support first.

"command not found" after install

Run which ffmpeg. If it prints nothing, the install did not finish. Run the install again and read the output.

"error while loading shared libraries"

FFmpeg cannot find a library file. Run ldd $(which ffmpeg). It lists the libraries. Any line saying "not found" is the missing one. Install it, then run ldconfig.

Tip: Take a backup or snapshot before you change repositories. Do not delete system files to fix an error.

If you are still stuck, open a ticket at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php. Include the full error text.

Quick recap

  • Read the error text, then check system version, internet and disk space.
  • Add the right repositories for your system.
  • For missing libraries, use ldd to find them and ldconfig to refresh.
  • Send the full error to support if needed.