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How to Solve "AttributeError: module 'ffmpeg' has no attribute 'input'" in Python

The error AttributeError: module 'ffmpeg' has no attribute 'input' in Python typically occurs when you've installed the wrong ffmpeg package. The correct package for interacting with FFmpeg in Python is ffmpeg-python, not ffmpeg or python-ffmpeg.

This guide explains the correct installation process and troubleshooting steps.

Understanding the Error: Incorrect Package​

The error message AttributeError: module 'ffmpeg' has no attribute 'input' clearly indicates that the ffmpeg module you've imported doesn't have the expected input function.

This happens because the ffmpeg package on PyPI is not the correct package for programmatic control of FFmpeg. You need ffmpeg-python. Similarly, python-ffmpeg is also incorrect.

Installing the Correct Package: ffmpeg-python​

Uninstalling Incorrect Packages**​

First, uninstall any conflicting packages:

pip uninstall ffmpeg python-ffmpeg ffmpeg-python            # Remove any existing, potentially clashing packages
pip3 uninstall ffmpeg python-ffmpeg ffmpeg-python           # Use pip3 if needed
python -m pip uninstall ffmpeg python-ffmpeg ffmpeg-python  # If pip is not found, use python -m pip
python3 -m pip uninstall ffmpeg python-ffmpeg ffmpeg-python # If pip3 is not found, use python3 -m pip

  • It's critical to remove all potentially conflicting packages.

Installing ffmpeg-python​

Now, install the correct ffmpeg-python package:

pip install ffmpeg-python
# OR, for Python 3 (might be pip3, pip3.10, etc. on your system)
pip3 install ffmpeg-python

# OR, if pip is not in your PATH
python -m pip install ffmpeg-python
python3 -m pip install ffmpeg-python

# OR, for Anaconda
conda install -c conda-forge ffmpeg-python

# OR, in a Jupyter Notebook
!pip install ffmpeg-python

If you encounter permission errors, try:

sudo pip3 install ffmpeg-python  # On macOS/Linux (use with caution!)
pip install ffmpeg-python --user # Installs for the current user only

Verifying the Installation​

After installing, verify that you have the correct package and can access the input function:

import ffmpeg

print(dir(ffmpeg))      # Should show 'input' in the output
print(ffmpeg.__file__)  # Should show a path ending in .../site-packages/ffmpeg/__init__.py
  • Check that input is listed in the output of dir(ffmpeg).
  • Also print the path to the file to make sure that the correct ffmpeg module is being used.

Verifying FFmpeg Installation (Crucial!)​

ffmpeg-python is a wrapper around the FFmpeg command-line tool. You must have FFmpeg itself installed separately on your system.

note

This is the most common reason why ffmpeg-python code still fails even after correct package installation.

  • Windows: Download a pre-built executable from a reputable source (like https://www.gyan.dev/ffmpeg/builds/) and add the directory containing ffmpeg.exe to your system's PATH environment variable. Do not just place ffmpeg.exe in your project directory; it needs to be in a location where your system can find it.

  • macOS: Use Homebrew: brew install ffmpeg

  • Linux: Use your distribution's package manager (e.g., apt install ffmpeg on Debian/Ubuntu, yum install ffmpeg on CentOS/Fedora).

To verify FFmpeg is installed and in your PATH, open a new terminal/command prompt window (important, so it picks up any PATH changes) and run:

ffmpeg -version

You should see output showing the FFmpeg version and build information. If you get a "command not found" error, FFmpeg is not installed correctly or not in your PATH.

Checking for Naming Conflicts​

Ensure you don't have a file named ffmpeg.py in your project directory. This will shadow the installed ffmpeg-python module and cause the AttributeError. Rename your file if it exists.

import ffmpeg

print(dir(ffmpeg))      # Check the output to ensure it's the correct module.
print(ffmpeg.__file__)  # Verify the file location (should be in site-packages)

Conclusion​

The AttributeError: module 'ffmpeg' has no attribute 'input' error is almost always due to installing the wrong ffmpeg package.

By uninstalling incorrect packages, installing ffmpeg-python, verifying the FFmpeg installation, and checking for naming conflicts, you can resolve this error and use the ffmpeg-python library correctly.

Remember that ffmpeg-python requires a separate FFmpeg installation on your system.

If, after following all these steps, you still have problems, double-check your FFmpeg installation and your system's PATH environment variable. If you're in a virtual environment, make sure FFmpeg is accessible within that environment.

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