change video speed ffmpeg
Change video speed with FFmpeg
If you need to change video speed with FFmpeg, the common goal is to speed up or slow down playback while keeping video and audio in sync. This page shows the practical FFmpeg command, the matching FFmpeg API request, and an online tool you can test in the browser.
FFmpeg CLI
How to change video speed in FFmpeg
A common FFmpeg speed-change workflow uses `setpts` for video timing and `atempo` for audio timing, then maps the adjusted streams into a new output file.
FFmpeg speed command
Click any part of the command to see what it does.
FFmpeg speed command
ffmpeg
This runs the FFmpeg binary. The rest of the command defines the source file, speed-adjustment filters, and output path.
API
Use the same speed-change workflow through the FFmpeg API
If you need playback-speed control inside your product, app, or backend workflow, the FFmpeg API gives you a faster path than maintaining your own media processing infrastructure. You can send one args-based request and reuse the same workflow in production.
Request
curl -X POST https://ffmpeg-api.cloud/v1/jobs \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"ffmpegArgs": [
"-y",
"-i",
"{{input}}",
"-filter_complex",
"[0:v]setpts=PTS/1.25[v];[0:a]atempo=1.25[a]",
"-map",
"[v]",
"-map",
"[a]",
"{{output}}"
],
"inputs": {
"input": {
"type": "url",
"url": "https://example.com/input.mp4"
}
},
"outputs": {
"output": {
"fileName": "speed-output.mp4"
}
}
}'Response
{
"jobId": "job_01hxyz...",
"status": "queued",
"runtimeSeconds": 0,
"creditsCharged": 0,
"createdAt": "2026-04-14T10:30:00.000Z"
}Online tool
Try this FFmpeg API speed control tool online
Upload a source video, choose the target playback factor, and run the job in the browser. It is the quickest way to validate output pacing before wiring the same request into your own app or backend.
Live playground
Change video speed with FFmpeg
Speed up or slow down a source video with an args-based FFmpeg API request.
Use cases
Common ways to use FFmpeg video speed control
Playback-speed changes are useful when you want faster summaries, slower reviews, or alternate pacing for the same source clip.
Speed up walkthroughs and long recordings
Create shorter summary versions of demos, screencasts, or meetings without cutting individual sections by hand.
Slow down clips for review or education
Generate slower playback variants for training material, visual analysis, or frame-sensitive review workflows.
Prepare alternate playback versions in product pipelines
Create speed-adjusted assets for previews, internal review, or experimentation inside your own app or backend.
FAQ
FFmpeg change video speed FAQ
Common questions about changing playback speed with FFmpeg, keeping audio in sync, and moving the same workflow into the FFmpeg API.
Related templates
Other FFmpeg templates
Explore other FFmpeg templates for trimming, rotation, audio extraction, and more.