Top Video Processing APIs ( 2024 Update )

What is a Video Processing API?

A Video Processing API is an application programming interface (API) that provides developers with tools and functions to process videos programmatically. It allows developers to integrate video processing capabilities into their own applications, systems, or websites without having to build the video processing logic from scratch.

To be a bit more specific, video processing APIs allow developers to automate various video-related tasks such as video encoding, video decoding, video editing, video resizing, video watermarking, and extracting video metadata from video files.

There are 5 types of video processing APIs: Video Preview APIs, Video Encoding APIs, Video Decoding APIs, and Video Manipulation APIs.

• Video Preview API

  • Generate Video Thumbnail API

• Video Encoding API

  • Compress Video File API

  • Convert Video Formats API

• Video Storage API

  • api.video's CDN API

• Video Decoding API:

  • Generate GIF from Video API

  • Generate Watermark For Videos API

• Video Manipulation API

  • Extract Video Metadata API

  • Extract Audio from Video API

Video Preview APIs

Video Preview APIs allow applications to integrate functionality for users to play and review video content without leaving the page. A Video Preview API typically generates a preview or thumbnail of the current video.

ApyHub APIs allow the developer to generate an image or video thumbnail from any part of the given video file or URL.

Example of Generating Video Thumbnails in Fusion API Client

Video Encoding APIs

Video Encoding APIs allow developers to encode and process videos programmatically. The API converts video files into different formats, resolutions, and bitrates, making them compatible with various devices and platforms.

ApyHub's Video Encoding APIs allow developers to compress and convert a video to 7 different formats including .MP4, .WEBM .FLV .AVI, .MKV, .MOV, and .3GP

An example of video compression by 90%.

Video Storage APIs

Video storage APIs provide a way for developers to easily integrate video functionalities into their products without the need to build and maintain their server infrastructure for encoding, hosting, and delivering videos.

This api.video’s Video Storage API streamlines the entire video process, from encoding to storage, and delivery.

Example of a Video Streaming

Video Decoding APIs

The Video Decoding API provides developers the capability to perform various operations on videos, enhancing their functionality and visual appeal. With this powerful tool, developers can seamlessly integrate watermarking functionality into their applications, allowing for brand recognition and copyright protection.

ApyHub’s Generate GIF from Video API lets developers generate animated GIFs and Video watermark API allows for watermarking videos using text or images.

Example of an Image and Text Watermark added to the video.

Video Manipulation API

Video Manipulation APIs provide developers with the capability to perform various operations on videos, including extracting useful information such as metadata, transcripts, and audio. These APIs offer a range of functionalities that enable developers to access and manipulate different aspects of videos programmatically.

ApyHub’s Extract Video Metadata API allows developers to fetch metadata from any video file or URL. This includes details like file properties and video specifications. While, extracting audio from a video API allows converting video to mp3 and other popular formats like WAV, AAC, OGG, FLAC, and more.

How To Choose The Right Video API?

Begin by evaluating the application's specific requirements, such as live streaming, recording, playback, or video conferencing. Prioritize scalability to accommodate fluctuating levels of traffic and demand. Additionally, verify that the API has some robust security features including encryption and access controls.

Integration simplicity is vital, so opt for an API with thorough documentation, well-supported SDKs, and user-friendly interfaces that seamlessly merge with the current infrastructure. Cross-platform compatibility is key for broad accessibility; therefore, choose an API that caters to various devices and operating systems.

Consider pricing structures aligned with the budget and usage habits, along with available support options and user feedback. Transparent pricing and responsive customer service can significantly ease integration and troubleshooting. Additionally, evaluate the API's scalability, ensuring it can handle application's growth and changing needs effectively.

Consider the expected growth of the product and the potential increase in video traffic. Opt for an API that can handle the expected load and scale seamlessly as the product expands.

Finally, ensure the API offers robust security features such as end-to-end encryption and complies with privacy regulations such as GDPR. Users' data must always be protected, so choosing an API that prioritizes security and compliance is essential.

Conclusion

Video Processing APIs are excellent utilities for adding functionalities like encoding, decoding, editing, and watermarking to existing applications. This not only saves important time and money but also allows businesses to be more productive while reducing the time to market an application.