Youtube Youtube Using FFMPEG Experience

[Teenagmi]

The concept of video uniqueness is a complex topic that cannot be addressed with a simple answer. However, I will attempt to explain how it functions and suggest settings you should consider trying.

When it comes to video verification on social networks and video hosting platforms, it can generally be categorized into two main approaches:

1. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and live moderators: These methods are typically employed to identify inappropriate content such as explicit material or copyrighted content.
2. Methods that primarily analyze the technical aspects of the video, including its hash sum.

Personally, I have gained significant experience with the second set of methods, and I will elaborate on them further. The process of altering the video code can be divided into two crucial areas.

1. 
   The first aspect involves adjusting the recording settings within the video itself. This includes rendering, video bitrate, audio bitrate, frame rate, and constant rate factor (-crf).
2. The second aspect focuses on making subtle modifications to the video content that are imperceptible to the average viewer. This can include mirroring, adjusting brightness, contrast, adding introductions, or combining random segments of the video, among other techniques.

The number of settings required will depend on the complexity of the task (such as the number of videos to be modified and their original versions). Here are some tips listed in order of increasing complexity, based on the desired outcome and the platform you intend to manipulate:

1. Start by re-rendering your file. This simple action requires minimal computer resources and time, yet it results in a relatively unique hash sum without altering the video content, as the pixels are overwritten in an arbitrary order.
2. Set a random bitrate value. Bitrate is a powerful tool in creating unique videos, as it determines the amount of information recorded per second and the overall file size. In my experience, this parameter has geted significant results. The more copies you desire, the wider the range of bitrates you should use (e.g., from 2M to 8M) with increments of 1M for each new video. For example, 2M, 3M, 4M, 5M, 6M, 7M, 8M... Additionally, fractional values can be used, such as setting the video bitrate as "-b:v 6.5M".
3. Adjust brightness and contrast. This step strengthens the first and second methods by modifying the video content, albeit in a subtle manner that minimally affects the overall quality. The brightness parameter (-vf eq=brightness=) accepts values from -1 to 1. I recommend a range of -0.2 to 0.2, as larger deviations from 0 can noticeably distort the image. In my templates, I generate a random value within the recommended range with a step of 0.02 (e.g., -0.2, -0.18, -0.16, -0.14...). Similarly, the contrast parameter (-vf eq=contrast=) can be adjusted within a range of -1 to 1, with a step of 0.2 (e.g., -1, -0.8, -0.6, -0.4...). Based on my YouTube experience, increments of 0.02 and 0.2 are sufficient to maintain imperceptibility to the human eye while significantly increasing the video's uniqueness from a machine's perspective.
4. Modify video length and add an intro. Using YouTube as an example, incorporating a randomly prepared intro lasting between 4 to 7 seconds at the beginning of the video can significantly increase the number of unique copies derived from a single file. The intro can consist of a picture, logo, or animated sequence (created using software like After Effects). Creating 3-5 variations of intros and randomly appending them to the main video also alters the video's overall length.

These steps should address 90% of the challenge, resulting in a final approach that can be summarized as follows.

ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts"
ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts"
ffmpeg -i "concat:C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts|C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts" -s 1280x720 -b:v 6.5M -vf eq = brightness = 0.02 -vf eq = contrast = 0.8 "C:\Users\User\Desktop\VideoNew.mp4"

1. If the previous steps are insufficient for your objectives, the next approach involves generating random values for Frame rate (-r) and Constant Rate Factor (-crf).

For the Frame rate, the value should be selected based on the dynamics of your video, the processing power of your computer, and the desired file size. I would advise against setting it lower than 30, as even for slow slide shows, the visual quality noticeably degrades. Higher frame rates require rendering more frames, which can impact render speed and the overall file size.

The -crf parameter accepts values ranging from 0 to 51, and it determines the video quality. However, our focus lies within the range of 18 to 28. A setting of 18 offers better quality but results in larger file sizes, while 28 gets lower quality but reduces file size. The default value is typically 23.

ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts"
ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts"
ffmpeg -i "concat:C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts|C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts" -s 1280x720 -r 30 -crf 28 -b:v 6.5M -vf eq=brightness=0.02 -vf eq=contrast=0.8 "C:\Users\User\Desktop\VideoNew.mp4"

 

[Catis]

I appreciate your kind words and find it valuable that you found the information I provided on the TikTok forum thread about making unique TikTok videos. Thank you for considering me a legend.

 

[MdoggMister]

How can audio be changed or edited?

 

[Jecterra]

Thank you for providing this valuable information! I appreciate it greatly!

 

[Shmoenevo]

I have a sense that this information holds significant value, although I haven't fully grasped its meaning yet.

 

[FairySaiyan]

How can audio be changed or edited?

I believe that dealing with audio requires specific attention, but I don't have a strong inclination to delve deeply into it. However, I can offer a few suggestions:

1. One option is to modify the Audio Bitrate (-b:a 320k | 256k | 192k) which can make the audio file distinct but may significantly impact its file size depending on the chosen value.
2. If I frequently use background soundtracks, I occasionally adjust their volume by +/- 10% and alter their length as a precautionary measure. I cannot ascertain its effectiveness, but I do it for my own peace of mind.

The primary system I use is illustrated in the image below.



To begin, the process involves randomly selecting content from a pre-prepared main video, along with incorporating a random introduction and random audio.

While I have primarily focused on the video aspect, I haven't devoted as much attention to audio. If someone havees knowledge in this area, I would be delighted to receive new insights and opinions.

 

[Dataville]

What type of content are you publishing? And how do you conduct keyword research for it?

 

[Necromancer]

What type of content are you publishing? And how do you conduct keyword research for it?

Typically, I create short CPA videos. When it comes to conducting keyword research on Google, I rely on the neilpatel service. For YouTube tags, I use vidIQ.

 

[IdealCert]

If you aim to generate approximately 1000 unique videos, incorporating random intros, outros, and logos can be an effective approach. By using these elements in a random manner, you can create variations that give each video a unique touch. This can help in achieving your goal of generating a large number of distinct videos. Best of luck, and you're very welcome!

 

[Shucket]

Can PowerDirector 19 fulfill the requirements for this task?

 

[Proudel]

Can PowerDirector 19 fulfill the requirements for this task?

I haven't encountered PowerDirector 19 before. However, in general, any video editing software with flexible output settings can potentially be suitable for the task. The challenge lies in manually configuring each video personly, which can be time-consuming. On the other hand, ffmpeg offers automation capabilities, making it advantageous in this regard. You mentioned your intention to create another post on this topic, but you're uncertain about the level of detail due to factors such as program usage, computer power, and scalability.

 

[Teenagmi]

If you aim to generate approximately 1000 unique videos, incorporating random intros, outros, and logos can be an effective approach. By using these elements in a random manner, you can create variations that give each video a unique touch. This can help in achieving your goal of generating a large number of distinct videos. Best of luck, and you're very welcome!

This is a solid goal. I managed to create and upload around 550 videos in just 22 hours.

1. Adding an intro will definitely help. I suggest doing several, maybe 4-12 different lengths—something like 3-7 seconds each. For every new video, pick an intro randomly from the list.
2. Adding an outro could help too, though I didn’t see as big of an impact as with the intro. If it’s not too hard, you can create 4-12 different outros and mix them in randomly. You could even use online tools to make 8 intros and 8 outros in about 15-25 minutes.
3. This won’t be enough if you want to make hundreds or even thousands of videos. You’ll need to change things like bit rate, frame rate, brightness, contrast, and Constant Rate Factor (-crf).

Prepare the video files ahead of time, saving them as “.ts” containers with your intro, outro, and main video in the same format.

Code:
ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts"

Next, grab the last part of the ffmpeg command from my post and replace the values with random ones.

Code:
ffmpeg -i "concat:C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts|C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts" -s 1280x720 -r 30 -crf 28 -b:v 6.5M -vf eq=brightness=0.02 -vf eq=contrast=0.8 "C:\Users\User\Desktop\VideoNew.mp4"

I’ll mark the spots in square brackets where you should replace the values with random ones.

Command:
ffmpeg -i "concat:[Intro]|[Video]" -s 1280x720 -r [Frame rate] -crf [crf] -b:v [Video bitrate] -vf eq=brightness=[Brightness] -vf eq=contrast=[Contrast] "[Save location for new video]"

 

[Polyves]

The concept of video uniqueness is a complex topic that cannot be addressed with a simple answer. However, I will attempt to explain how it functions and suggest settings you should consider trying.

When it comes to video verification on social networks and video hosting platforms, it can generally be categorized into two main approaches:

1. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and live moderators: These methods are typically employed to identify inappropriate content such as explicit material or copyrighted content.
2. Methods that primarily analyze the technical aspects of the video, including its hash sum.

Personally, I have gained significant experience with the second set of methods, and I will elaborate on them further. The process of altering the video code can be divided into two crucial areas.

1. 
   The first aspect involves adjusting the recording settings within the video itself. This includes rendering, video bitrate, audio bitrate, frame rate, and constant rate factor (-crf).
2. The second aspect focuses on making subtle modifications to the video content that are imperceptible to the average viewer. This can include mirroring, adjusting brightness, contrast, adding introductions, or combining random segments of the video, among other techniques.

The number of settings required will depend on the complexity of the task (such as the number of videos to be modified and their original versions). Here are some tips listed in order of increasing complexity, based on the desired outcome and the platform you intend to manipulate:

1. Start by re-rendering your file. This simple action requires minimal computer resources and time, yet it results in a relatively unique hash sum without altering the video content, as the pixels are overwritten in an arbitrary order.
2. Set a random bitrate value. Bitrate is a powerful tool in creating unique videos, as it determines the amount of information recorded per second and the overall file size. In my experience, this parameter has geted significant results. The more copies you desire, the wider the range of bitrates you should use (e.g., from 2M to 8M) with increments of 1M for each new video. For example, 2M, 3M, 4M, 5M, 6M, 7M, 8M... Additionally, fractional values can be used, such as setting the video bitrate as "-b:v 6.5M".
3. Adjust brightness and contrast. This step strengthens the first and second methods by modifying the video content, albeit in a subtle manner that minimally affects the overall quality. The brightness parameter (-vf eq=brightness=) accepts values from -1 to 1. I recommend a range of -0.2 to 0.2, as larger deviations from 0 can noticeably distort the image. In my templates, I generate a random value within the recommended range with a step of 0.02 (e.g., -0.2, -0.18, -0.16, -0.14...). Similarly, the contrast parameter (-vf eq=contrast=) can be adjusted within a range of -1 to 1, with a step of 0.2 (e.g., -1, -0.8, -0.6, -0.4...). Based on my YouTube experience, increments of 0.02 and 0.2 are sufficient to maintain imperceptibility to the human eye while significantly increasing the video's uniqueness from a machine's perspective.
4. Modify video length and add an intro. Using YouTube as an example, incorporating a randomly prepared intro lasting between 4 to 7 seconds at the beginning of the video can significantly increase the number of unique copies derived from a single file. The intro can consist of a picture, logo, or animated sequence (created using software like After Effects). Creating 3-5 variations of intros and randomly appending them to the main video also alters the video's overall length.

These steps should address 90% of the challenge, resulting in a final approach that can be summarized as follows.

ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts"
ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts"
ffmpeg -i "concat:C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts|C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts" -s 1280x720 -b:v 6.5M -vf eq = brightness = 0.02 -vf eq = contrast = 0.8 "C:\Users\User\Desktop\VideoNew.mp4"

1. If the previous steps are insufficient for your objectives, the next approach involves generating random values for Frame rate (-r) and Constant Rate Factor (-crf).

For the Frame rate, the value should be selected based on the dynamics of your video, the processing power of your computer, and the desired file size. I would advise against setting it lower than 30, as even for slow slide shows, the visual quality noticeably degrades. Higher frame rates require rendering more frames, which can impact render speed and the overall file size.

The -crf parameter accepts values ranging from 0 to 51, and it determines the video quality. However, our focus lies within the range of 18 to 28. A setting of 18 offers better quality but results in larger file sizes, while 28 gets lower quality but reduces file size. The default value is typically 23.

ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts"
ffmpeg -i "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.mp4" -acodec copy -vcodec copy -vbsf h264_mp4toannexb -f mpegts "C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts"
ffmpeg -i "concat:C:\Users\User\Desktop\Intro.ts|C:\Users\User\Desktop\Video.ts" -s 1280x720 -r 30 -crf 28 -b:v 6.5M -vf eq=brightness=0.02 -vf eq=contrast=0.8 "C:\Users\User\Desktop\VideoNew.mp4"

Hey, thanks a lot for the great advice! I have a few questions if you don’t mind. These are from one of my clients, since we handle their social media:

About re-rendering—our client uses the blaster suite (mass video spinner). Will that cover the points you mentioned about:

Unique hash sum (how can we check this?)

Video bitrate

Audio bitrate

Frame rate

Constant Rate Factor (-crf)

How can we confirm if the random bit-rate has been changed after spinning the video? A lot of what you mentioned is a bit unclear, but I can definitely Google it. However, I was asked to check with you directly, just in case you’ve used Camtasia and the spinner together before.

The client uses Camtasia for editing, so adjusting things like brightness, contrast, volume, etc., shouldn’t be a problem. I’m not sure what you mean by "Mirroring" though—could you explain that? Also, they can add an intro clip and a random image at the end. I’m guessing that should be enough?

You mentioned audio bit-rate. In Camtasia, you can easily adjust the sound settings—would that work? How can we confirm that the bit-rate is changed to what you suggested: Bitrate (-b:a 320k | 256k | 192k)?

Adding background music makes sense, and there are lots of free sites to get them from, so that’s all good.

For the outro, would using an image work as well?

Thanks a ton!

 

[Teenagmi]

Hey, thanks a lot for the great advice! I have a few questions if you don’t mind. These are from one of my clients, since we handle their social media:

About re-rendering—our client uses the blaster suite (mass video spinner). Will that cover the points you mentioned about:

Unique hash sum (how can we check this?)

Video bitrate

Audio bitrate

Frame rate

Constant Rate Factor (-crf)

How can we confirm if the random bit-rate has been changed after spinning the video? A lot of what you mentioned is a bit unclear, but I can definitely Google it. However, I was asked to check with you directly, just in case you’ve used Camtasia and the spinner together before.

The client uses Camtasia for editing, so adjusting things like brightness, contrast, volume, etc., shouldn’t be a problem. I’m not sure what you mean by "Mirroring" though—could you explain that? Also, they can add an intro clip and a random image at the end. I’m guessing that should be enough?

You mentioned audio bit-rate. In Camtasia, you can easily adjust the sound settings—would that work? How can we confirm that the bit-rate is changed to what you suggested: Bitrate (-b:a 320k | 256k | 192k)?

Adding background music makes sense, and there are lots of free sites to get them from, so that’s all good.

For the outro, would using an image work as well?

Thanks a ton!

Sorry in advance if the translation messes up the meaning. English isn't my first language.

1.1 The hash sum changes even if you alter just one pixel in your video. Here's why: a video, like any other file (such as Word, txt, mp3, jpeg, etc.), is made up of a series of 0s and 1s on your computer. Even a small image, when converted to binary code, becomes a long string of numbers that's hard for people to understand. Large files are made up of an enormous number of these 0s and 1s. So, when you make a tiny change (like adding a comma in a Word document or adjusting one pixel in a jpeg), it completely alters this long chain.

To make it easier for both computers and people to see these changes in the file, a “hash function” is used. This converts the long binary string into a shorter, more readable one. This shorter string (hash sum) might look something like "25f9e794323b453885f5181f1b624d0b."

The hash function has two important features:

a) If you apply the same hash function to the same input data, you’ll get the exact same result. For example, if 5 people use the MD5 function on the word “YouTube,” they will all get the string "8dd1bae8da2e2408210d0656fbe6b7d1." (You can check this yourself.)

b) Even the tiniest change in the input data will completely change the hash sum.

I’ll leave some links to Wikipedia articles below for more details:
Checksum

Hash function

1.2 If you’re using Microsoft Windows, you can check the size of a video file by looking at its file properties. Here’s how:

a) Select the video file.
b) Right-click on the file and choose "Properties."
c) Click the "Details" or "Summary" tab.
d) Under the "Video" section in the "Details" area, you’ll see all the key video parameters.


2.1 I haven’t used Camtasia myself, but most video editors work fine for this task. The issue is that you need to create each file by hand. For automation, the best tool I know is ffmpeg. It can save a lot of computer or server resources by letting you adjust video settings and automate the process. I’m planning to write a separate post on this soon.


2.2 "Mirroring" might be a poor translation. It actually means reflecting your image. I don’t use this method myself, as it impacts the video’s content and doesn’t really make as big of a difference as other adjustments.


2.3 Adding an intro can really help improve things. You should only add an outro if it fits the topic or format of the video, or if it doesn’t take up too much of your time.


3.1 I don’t have much experience with audio, but adjusting the volume seems like a good option. I’ve used it myself, but I didn’t notice a huge change. I mainly did it just for peace of mind.


3.2 You can check the audio bitrate in section 1.2.

1. You can pick any music you like. As long as you use tracks from the YouTube library, you’re safe from copyright issues, so your video won’t have any problems with audio copyright.
2. Yep, for sure. I usually just use a picture and turn it into a short video, around 4-7 seconds long.