How to remove Complete Metadata from video file

[deepfrayder]

Hi!
Please advise how to completely remove metadata from video file e.g Copyright, author etc.
Thanks

[mammo1789]

If it is MKV file https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTXGuBTB0tU

[Cornucopia]

Depends on filetype. Many options.

But if all else fails, you always have these 2 options:
1. Hexeditor do search & replace with zeros.
2. Re-encode and don't include the metadata this time.
Note, that last one only works for attributive/auxilliary metadata, not self-descriptive (which you should/must keep anyway).

Scott

[blud7]

ffmpeg -i movie.mkv -map_metadata -1 -c copy movie_new.mkv

[Cornucopia]

Very good option, blud7!

Scott

[sneaker]

Note that blud7's command may not copy all tracks (e.g. in the case you have multiple audio/subtitle tracks). That can be fixed by adding -map 0.

ffmpeg -i movie.mkv -map 0 -map_metadata -1 -c copy movie_new.mkv

https://trac.ffmpeg.org/wiki/Map

[pandy]

Above examples work fine for container level but they doesn't remove metadata embedded in elementary streams - to remove them completely you need use additional filters.

[deepfrayder]

Please advise how to completely remove metadata from MKV, Mp4 & wmv video file e.g Copyright, author etc.

[video.baba]

Please advise how to completely remove metadata from MKV, Mp4 & wmv video file e.g Copyright, author etc.

...and hello again. Well it's been two weeks and you're back, I knew you would be.

You see, the -map_metadata -1 get's used a lot in response to your question, and as you have probably found out, it's not the perfect solution, in fact, I don't know whether there is one.

I was interested in this too a couple of years ago, I did some extensive searching and testing, I actually got a little peeved with it and gave up, was too busy at the time. I had found about 6 or 7 different approaches, all of which did 'something': Different 'metadata' options, '+bitexact' options and whatnot, I forget them all now. But look above at post #7 (pandy). In my own tests that is something that became apparent.

I can remember at the time also being a little annoyed of other changes. Example, change different ffmpeg metadata options then load the file into MKVToolNix GUI, you're presented with lots of addition TAG tracks, I guess no big deal but it just didn't feel 'clean'.

I guess, and it is a guess, a different approach may be needed depending on the container and formats contained within. I guess it needs someone who has a little time on their hands. It would be interesting to see if there is a perfect outcome or if the relevant information/knowledge/testing is available I can get something 'knocked-up' to do the task.

Good luck.
Wayne

[deepfrayder]

Thanks!