How to Process Video in Retool with FFmpeg Micro API

Originally published at ffmpeg-micro.com

Retool makes it easy to build internal dashboards, admin panels, and data tools. But the moment someone on your team says "we need to transcode uploaded videos" or "can we generate thumbnails from this content library," you hit a wall. Retool doesn't process video.

FFmpeg Micro gives you a third option: a hosted REST API that handles video transcoding, compression, and format conversion. Since Retool connects natively to any REST API through its Resource system, you can wire up video processing in your internal tool without leaving the Retool editor.

The Approach in 30 Seconds

Create a REST API Resource in Retool pointing at https://api.ffmpeg-micro.com, add your API key as a Bearer token, and then write three short JavaScript queries: one to submit a transcode job, one to poll for completion, and one to grab a signed download URL.

Set Up the FFmpeg Micro API Resource

• Open Retool and go to the Resources page.
• Click Create new and select REST API.
• Set the Base URL to https://api.ffmpeg-micro.com.
• Add an Authorization header with value Bearer YOUR_API_KEY.
• Save the resource.

Trigger a Transcode

const videoUrl = textInput1.value;
const response = await FFmpegMicroAPI.post('/v1/transcodes', {
  body: JSON.stringify({
    inputs: [{ url: videoUrl }],
    outputFormat: "mp4",
    preset: { quality: "medium", resolution: "720p" }
  }),
  headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }
});
return response;

Use Cases

• Content dashboard thumbnail generation
• Video reformatting for ad campaigns
• Client delivery portals
• Batch compress user uploads
• Social clip generation from long-form content

Read the full guide with polling, download, and FAQ sections at ffmpeg-micro.com.