---
title: "How to Install FFmpeg on Debian with APT"
description: "The FFmpeg command line interface (CLI) application is a free, versatile audio editor and video editor for Linux, Windows, and macOS. FFmpeg offers a long range of possibilities for recording,..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/live-broadcasting/install-ffmpeg-debian/
date: 2020-07-29
modified: 2021-08-16
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["Live Broadcasting"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# How to Install FFmpeg on Debian with APT

The [FFmpeg](https://ffmpeg.org/) command line interface (CLI) application is a free, versatile [audio editor](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/live-broadcasting/free-audio-editors/) and [video editor](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/live-broadcasting/free-video-editors/) for Linux, Windows, and macOS. FFmpeg offers a long range of possibilities for recording, streaming, and converting media files to your preferences.

Below we cover how to:

- [Install FFmpeg](#install)
- [Use FFmpeg](#tasks)

Keep in mind, the `apt` version of FFmpeg is behind the latest version available. For the latest, stable FFmpeg version, you’ll have to install [FFmpeg from source code](https://ffmpeg.org/download.html) or [email our 24/7 Live Support](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/amp/how-to-get-great-technical-support/) to request a free installation.

## Install FFmpeg on Debian

1. [Log in to SSH](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/server/ssh/do-you-provide-ssh-access/)
2. Update Debian package lists:sudo apt update
3. Install FFmpeg with the `apt` package manager:sudo apt install ffmpeg
4. Check the installed FFmpeg version:ffmpeg -version

Start working on your next secure website today with our [Debian Cloud Server Hosting](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/cloud-vps).

## Use FFmpeg

![](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ffmpeg-show-waves-300x160.png)*Showwaves Screenshot*

You just installed this powerful CLI multimedia editor. How can you test its capabilities?

- [Convert audio and video files using FFmpeg](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/convert-media-files-ffmpeg/)
- [Create visual spectrum videos with FFmpeg](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/audio-spectrum-visuals-ffmpeg/)
- Check online for [FFmpeg GUI applications](https://trac.ffmpeg.org/wiki/Projects) to ease into learning the software
- [Talk with other users](https://www.ffmpeg.org/contact.html) in official FFmpeg internet relay chat (IRC) channels and forums

How do you use FFmpeg? Let us know in the comments below.