Batch extract metadata from videos

To batch extract metadata from videos, you can use command-line tools or scripts that work across multiple files. One of the most effective tools for this task is FFmpeg (specifically using ffprobe), which can be paired with a script to automate metadata extraction.

Here’s how you can do it:

Requirements

• FFmpeg installed (includes ffprobe)

• Basic knowledge of using Terminal (Linux/macOS) or Command Prompt/Powershell (Windows)

• Your video files collected in a single folder

Method 1: Bash Script (Linux/macOS)

bash
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#!/bin/bash

mkdir -p metadata_output

for file in *.mp4; do
    filename="${file%.*}"
    ffprobe -v quiet -print_format json -show_format -show_streams "$file" > "metadata_output/${filename}_metadata.json"
done

Save this script in the same directory as your videos (e.g., extract_metadata.sh), give it execution permissions:

bash
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chmod +x extract_metadata.sh
./extract_metadata.sh

Method 2: PowerShell Script (Windows)

powershell
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$files = Get-ChildItem -Path . -Filter *.mp4

foreach ($file in $files) {
    $output = ".metadata_output$($file.BaseName)_metadata.json"
    ffprobe -v quiet -print_format json -show_format -show_streams $file.FullName > $output
}

Make sure to create the output folder first or add this line before the loop:

powershell
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New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path .metadata_output

Method 3: Python Script (Cross-platform)

python
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import subprocess
import json
import os

video_folder = "./videos"
output_folder = "./metadata_output"
os.makedirs(output_folder, exist_ok=True)

for file in os.listdir(video_folder):
    if file.endswith(".mp4"):
        input_path = os.path.join(video_folder, file)
        output_path = os.path.join(output_folder, f"{os.path.splitext(file)[0]}_metadata.json")

        cmd = [
            "ffprobe", "-v", "quiet",
            "-print_format", "json",
            "-show_format", "-show_streams",
            input_path
        ]
        with open(output_path, 'w') as out_file:
            subprocess.run(cmd, stdout=out_file)

Run it with:

bash
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python extract_metadata.py

Output Example (.json)

Each .json will include details like:

• Duration

• Codec

• Bitrate

• Resolution

• Frame rate

• Audio channels

• Creation time (if embedded)

Let me know if you want metadata in a CSV or need to process other formats like .mkv, .avi, or .mov.