Codecs

What are codecs?

Codecs let apps play different audio and video formats.

Without the right codec, a video might play without sound, show a blank screen, or not open at all. Installing the missing codecs helps your apps play those files.

Are they already installed?

Your desktop and media apps may have installed the codecs you need already. Try playing your audio or video first.

The packages below are available from Debian’s normal software sources. You don’t need an extra repository for them.

Add extra codecs

Refresh the package list:

sudo apt update

For apps using GStreamer, these packages add support for more audio and video formats:

sudo apt install gstreamer1.0-libav gstreamer1.0-plugins-good gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad gstreamer1.0-plugins-ugly

Close and reopen your media app or browser, then try again.

Do I need FFmpeg?

FFmpeg’s libraries are used by many media apps and are usually installed along with those apps.

If an app asks for the FFmpeg command, or you want to convert media files in the terminal, install it with:

sudo apt install ffmpeg

See Debian’s GStreamer codec package (opens in a new tab) and FFmpeg package (opens in a new tab) for more information.