How to Fix: Using FFmpeg to make a movie from PNG files: .WEBM with video filter blending error: Output file is empty

The error 'Output file is empty, nothing was encoded (check -ss / -t / -frames parameters if used)' occurs when using FFmpeg to create a .webm video from PNG files with video filter blending. This issue affects users who are trying to create videos from PNG files using FFmpeg and have encountered an empty output file.

This error can be frustrating as it prevents the user from achieving their desired outcome, which is to create a working .webm video. In this guide, we will walk through the root causes of this issue and provide two primary fix methods to resolve the problem.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

• The first main reason why this error happens is due to an incorrect filter specification in the FFmpeg command. The '-vf' option is used to specify video filters, but it requires a valid filter name or expression. In this case, the 'minterpolate' filter is being used incorrectly, which may not be supported by the VP9 codec.
• Another possible reason for this error could be that the input PNG files do not have enough data to create a full frame. This can occur if the PNG files are not large enough or if they are not properly aligned with the desired output resolution.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the issue of an empty .webm output file when using FFmpeg to create a video from PNG files with video filter blending, ensure that you are using the correct filter specification or consider using the 'fps' option instead. By following these steps and verifying your input files and filter specifications, you should be able to create a working .webm video.