CODEWITHSUNDEEP
ffmpeg
ketchupOnWaffles
ketchupOnWaffles

Reputation: 11

FFmpeg license for transcoding without distribution

I am making a website (in a commercial context) where users can upload videos to our server naturally that causes problems with browser compatibility. the solution would be to transcode them using FFmpeg on the server. the problem is i have been reading on FFmpeg and it's license and i am very confused, does the use of FFmpeg on the server count as distribution ? and that is before talking about patented code. if it is not possible to do it without risking the entire company in legal disputes. are there any alternatives that can be used ? thank you very much

Upvotes: 0

Views: 1030

Answers (1)

Ronald S. Bultje
Ronald S. Bultje

Reputation: 11184

does the use of FFmpeg on the server count as distribution ?

No. "use" and "distribution" are specifically different things in a legal context. The FFmpeg license (LGPL) only limits distribution rights; it gives you the "freedom to run" (this is freedom 0) which means you can use it in any you want. That freedom is explicit and intentional.

and that is before talking about patented code.

As for patents: ask a lawyer.

are there any alternatives that can be used

Not really, most alternatives end up using FFmpeg internally.

Upvotes: 1

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