FFmpeg recipe

FFmpeg: Reverse a Video (Audio + Video)

reverse filters the entire video backward — note that it loads everything into memory, so works best on short clips.

Command

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf reverse -af areverse -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -y output_reversed.mp4
Prefer no terminal?
Use the Video Reverse in your browser
Open Video Reverse

What each flag does

-iInput file. Can be a video, audio, or image. Repeat for multiple inputs.
-vfVideo filter chain. e.g. scale=1280:720, crop=, fps=30.
-afAudio filter chain. e.g. silenceremove, loudnorm.
-c:vVideo codec for output. e.g. libx264, libx265, libvpx-vp9.
-crfConstant Rate Factor — quality target (lower = better, larger file). 23 is visually lossless for libx264.
reverseVideo filter that buffers the entire stream and emits it in reverse.
areverseAudio counterpart of reverse. Often paired together.

Notes & gotchas

  • Both filters require the entire stream in memory — keep clips under 1 minute or use a workstation with lots of RAM.
  • For boomerang-style loops, use the loop recipe and append a reversed copy.

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