diff --git a/defaults.toml b/defaults.toml
index a837c0d..17faa2f 100644
--- a/defaults.toml
+++ b/defaults.toml
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ max_height = 10000
 max_area = 40000000
 max_file_size = 40
 max_frame_count = 900
+process_timeout = 30
 enable_silent_video = true
 enable_full_video = false
 video_codec = "vp9"
diff --git a/pict-rs.toml b/pict-rs.toml
index 859a46d..dfd6cd7 100644
--- a/pict-rs.toml
+++ b/pict-rs.toml
@@ -154,6 +154,13 @@ max_file_size = 40
 # default: # 900
 max_frame_count = 900
 
+## Optional: set a timeout (in seconds) for any spawned process
+# environment variable: PICTRS__MEDIA__PROCESS_TIMEOUT
+# default: 30
+#
+# This may need to be increased if processing large video uploads
+process_timeout = 30
+
 ## Optional: enable GIF, MP4, and WEBM uploads (without sound)
 # environment variable: PICTRS__MEDIA__ENABLE_SILENT_VIDEO
 # default: true
diff --git a/src/config/commandline.rs b/src/config/commandline.rs
index 7d50ec0..d13456b 100644
--- a/src/config/commandline.rs
+++ b/src/config/commandline.rs
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ impl Args {
                 media_max_area,
                 media_max_file_size,
                 media_max_frame_count,
+                media_process_timeout,
                 media_gif_max_width,
                 media_gif_max_height,
                 media_gif_max_area,
@@ -90,6 +91,7 @@ impl Args {
                     max_area: media_max_area,
                     max_file_size: media_max_file_size,
                     max_frame_count: media_max_frame_count,
+                    process_timeout: media_process_timeout,
                     gif,
                     enable_silent_video: media_enable_silent_video,
                     enable_full_video: media_enable_full_video,
@@ -347,6 +349,8 @@ struct Media {
     #[serde(skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
     max_frame_count: Option<usize>,
     #[serde(skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
+    process_timeout: Option<u64>,
+    #[serde(skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
     gif: Option<Gif>,
     #[serde(skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
     enable_silent_video: Option<bool>,
@@ -474,6 +478,9 @@ struct Run {
     /// The maximum number of frames allowed for uploaded GIF and MP4s.
     #[arg(long)]
     media_max_frame_count: Option<usize>,
+    /// How long to allow any media processing operation to last before giving up
+    #[arg(long)]
+    media_process_timeout: Option<u64>,
     /// Maximum width allowed for gif uploads.
     ///
     /// If an upload exceeds this value, it will be transcoded to a video format or rejected,
diff --git a/src/config/defaults.rs b/src/config/defaults.rs
index 0ba993b..0f718b9 100644
--- a/src/config/defaults.rs
+++ b/src/config/defaults.rs
@@ -67,6 +67,7 @@ struct MediaDefaults {
     max_area: usize,
     max_file_size: usize,
     max_frame_count: usize,
+    process_timeout: u64,
     gif: GifDefaults,
     enable_silent_video: bool,
     enable_full_video: bool,
@@ -180,6 +181,7 @@ impl Default for MediaDefaults {
             max_area: 40_000_000,
             max_file_size: 40,
             max_frame_count: 900,
+            process_timeout: 30,
             gif: Default::default(),
             enable_silent_video: true,
             enable_full_video: false,
diff --git a/src/config/file.rs b/src/config/file.rs
index 390d3ca..5c94afe 100644
--- a/src/config/file.rs
+++ b/src/config/file.rs
@@ -156,6 +156,8 @@ pub(crate) struct Media {
 
     pub(crate) max_frame_count: usize,
 
+    pub(crate) process_timeout: u64,
+
     pub(crate) gif: Gif,
 
     pub(crate) enable_silent_video: bool,
diff --git a/src/details.rs b/src/details.rs
index fea1251..d91903d 100644
--- a/src/details.rs
+++ b/src/details.rs
@@ -30,9 +30,13 @@ impl Details {
             || self.content_type.type_() == "image" && self.content_type.subtype() == "gif"
     }
 
-    pub(crate) async fn from_bytes(input: web::Bytes, hint: ValidInputType) -> Result<Self, Error> {
+    pub(crate) async fn from_bytes(
+        input: web::Bytes,
+        hint: ValidInputType,
+        timeout: u64,
+    ) -> Result<Self, Error> {
         let details = if hint.is_video() {
-            crate::ffmpeg::details_bytes(input.clone()).await?
+            crate::ffmpeg::details_bytes(input.clone(), timeout).await?
         } else {
             None
         };
@@ -40,7 +44,7 @@ impl Details {
         let details = if let Some(details) = details {
             details
         } else {
-            crate::magick::details_bytes(input, Some(hint)).await?
+            crate::magick::details_bytes(input, Some(hint), timeout).await?
         };
 
         Ok(Details::now(
@@ -55,9 +59,10 @@ impl Details {
         store: S,
         identifier: S::Identifier,
         expected_format: Option<ValidInputType>,
+        timeout: u64,
     ) -> Result<Self, Error> {
         let details = if expected_format.map(|t| t.is_video()).unwrap_or(true) {
-            crate::ffmpeg::details_store(&store, &identifier).await?
+            crate::ffmpeg::details_store(&store, &identifier, timeout).await?
         } else {
             None
         };
@@ -65,7 +70,7 @@ impl Details {
         let details = if let Some(details) = details {
             details
         } else {
-            crate::magick::details_store(store, identifier, expected_format).await?
+            crate::magick::details_store(store, identifier, expected_format, timeout).await?
         };
 
         Ok(Details::now(
diff --git a/src/exiftool.rs b/src/exiftool.rs
index cf094f2..f51782f 100644
--- a/src/exiftool.rs
+++ b/src/exiftool.rs
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ impl ExifError {
 }
 
 #[tracing::instrument(level = "trace", skip(input))]
-pub(crate) async fn needs_reorienting(input: Bytes) -> Result<bool, ExifError> {
-    let process =
-        Process::run("exiftool", &["-n", "-Orientation", "-"]).map_err(ExifError::Process)?;
+pub(crate) async fn needs_reorienting(input: Bytes, timeout: u64) -> Result<bool, ExifError> {
+    let process = Process::run("exiftool", &["-n", "-Orientation", "-"], timeout)
+        .map_err(ExifError::Process)?;
     let mut reader = process.bytes_read(input);
 
     let mut buf = String::new();
@@ -34,9 +34,12 @@ pub(crate) async fn needs_reorienting(input: Bytes) -> Result<bool, ExifError> {
 }
 
 #[tracing::instrument(level = "trace", skip(input))]
-pub(crate) fn clear_metadata_bytes_read(input: Bytes) -> Result<impl AsyncRead + Unpin, ExifError> {
-    let process =
-        Process::run("exiftool", &["-all=", "-", "-out", "-"]).map_err(ExifError::Process)?;
+pub(crate) fn clear_metadata_bytes_read(
+    input: Bytes,
+    timeout: u64,
+) -> Result<impl AsyncRead + Unpin, ExifError> {
+    let process = Process::run("exiftool", &["-all=", "-", "-out", "-"], timeout)
+        .map_err(ExifError::Process)?;
 
     Ok(process.bytes_read(input))
 }
diff --git a/src/ffmpeg.rs b/src/ffmpeg.rs
index 85e364b..f857962 100644
--- a/src/ffmpeg.rs
+++ b/src/ffmpeg.rs
@@ -203,6 +203,7 @@ impl TranscodeOptions {
         input_path: &str,
         output_path: &str,
         alpha: bool,
+        timeout: u64,
     ) -> Result<Process, ProcessError> {
         match self.output {
             TranscodeOutputOptions::Gif => Process::run("ffmpeg", &[
@@ -217,7 +218,7 @@ impl TranscodeOptions {
                 "-f",
                 self.output_ffmpeg_format(),
                 output_path
-            ]),
+            ], timeout),
             TranscodeOutputOptions::Video {
                 video_codec,
                 audio_codec: None,
@@ -240,6 +241,7 @@ impl TranscodeOptions {
                     self.output_ffmpeg_format(),
                     output_path,
                 ],
+                    timeout,
             ),
             TranscodeOutputOptions::Video {
                 video_codec,
@@ -264,6 +266,7 @@ impl TranscodeOptions {
                     self.output_ffmpeg_format(),
                     output_path,
                 ],
+                    timeout,
             ),
         }
     }
@@ -429,8 +432,9 @@ const FORMAT_MAPPINGS: &[(&str, VideoFormat)] = &[
 
 pub(crate) async fn input_type_bytes(
     input: Bytes,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<Option<(Details, ValidInputType)>, FfMpegError> {
-    if let Some(details) = details_bytes(input).await? {
+    if let Some(details) = details_bytes(input, timeout).await? {
         let input_type = details
             .validate_input()
             .map_err(FfMpegError::ValidateDetails)?;
@@ -444,33 +448,43 @@ pub(crate) async fn input_type_bytes(
 pub(crate) async fn details_store<S: Store>(
     store: &S,
     identifier: &S::Identifier,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<Option<Details>, FfMpegError> {
-    details_file(move |mut tmp_one| async move {
-        let stream = store
-            .to_stream(identifier, None, None)
-            .await
-            .map_err(FfMpegError::Store)?;
-        tmp_one
-            .write_from_stream(stream)
-            .await
-            .map_err(FfMpegError::Write)?;
-        Ok(tmp_one)
-    })
+    details_file(
+        move |mut tmp_one| async move {
+            let stream = store
+                .to_stream(identifier, None, None)
+                .await
+                .map_err(FfMpegError::Store)?;
+            tmp_one
+                .write_from_stream(stream)
+                .await
+                .map_err(FfMpegError::Write)?;
+            Ok(tmp_one)
+        },
+        timeout,
+    )
     .await
 }
 
-pub(crate) async fn details_bytes(input: Bytes) -> Result<Option<Details>, FfMpegError> {
-    details_file(move |mut tmp_one| async move {
-        tmp_one
-            .write_from_bytes(input)
-            .await
-            .map_err(FfMpegError::Write)?;
-        Ok(tmp_one)
-    })
+pub(crate) async fn details_bytes(
+    input: Bytes,
+    timeout: u64,
+) -> Result<Option<Details>, FfMpegError> {
+    details_file(
+        move |mut tmp_one| async move {
+            tmp_one
+                .write_from_bytes(input)
+                .await
+                .map_err(FfMpegError::Write)?;
+            Ok(tmp_one)
+        },
+        timeout,
+    )
     .await
 }
 
-async fn alpha_pixel_formats() -> Result<HashSet<String>, FfMpegError> {
+async fn alpha_pixel_formats(timeout: u64) -> Result<HashSet<String>, FfMpegError> {
     let process = Process::run(
         "ffprobe",
         &[
@@ -483,6 +497,7 @@ async fn alpha_pixel_formats() -> Result<HashSet<String>, FfMpegError> {
             "-print_format",
             "json",
         ],
+        timeout,
     )
     .map_err(FfMpegError::Process)?;
 
@@ -535,7 +550,7 @@ struct Format {
 }
 
 #[tracing::instrument(skip(f))]
-async fn details_file<F, Fut>(f: F) -> Result<Option<Details>, FfMpegError>
+async fn details_file<F, Fut>(f: F, timeout: u64) -> Result<Option<Details>, FfMpegError>
 where
     F: FnOnce(crate::file::File) -> Fut,
     Fut: std::future::Future<Output = Result<crate::file::File, FfMpegError>>,
@@ -568,6 +583,7 @@ where
             "json",
             input_file_str,
         ],
+        timeout,
     )
     .map_err(FfMpegError::Process)?;
 
@@ -640,7 +656,7 @@ fn parse_details_inner(
     }))
 }
 
-async fn pixel_format(input_file: &str) -> Result<String, FfMpegError> {
+async fn pixel_format(input_file: &str, timeout: u64) -> Result<String, FfMpegError> {
     let process = Process::run(
         "ffprobe",
         &[
@@ -654,6 +670,7 @@ async fn pixel_format(input_file: &str) -> Result<String, FfMpegError> {
             "compact=p=0:nk=1",
             input_file,
         ],
+        timeout,
     )
     .map_err(FfMpegError::Process)?;
 
@@ -675,6 +692,7 @@ async fn pixel_format(input_file: &str) -> Result<String, FfMpegError> {
 pub(crate) async fn transcode_bytes(
     input: Bytes,
     transcode_options: TranscodeOptions,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<impl AsyncRead + Unpin, FfMpegError> {
     let input_file = crate::tmp_file::tmp_file(Some(transcode_options.input_file_extension()));
     let input_file_str = input_file.to_str().ok_or(FfMpegError::Path)?;
@@ -700,12 +718,12 @@ pub(crate) async fn transcode_bytes(
     let alpha = if transcode_options.supports_alpha() {
         static ALPHA_PIXEL_FORMATS: OnceCell<HashSet<String>> = OnceCell::new();
 
-        let format = pixel_format(input_file_str).await?;
+        let format = pixel_format(input_file_str, timeout).await?;
 
         match ALPHA_PIXEL_FORMATS.get() {
             Some(alpha_pixel_formats) => alpha_pixel_formats.contains(&format),
             None => {
-                let pixel_formats = alpha_pixel_formats().await?;
+                let pixel_formats = alpha_pixel_formats(timeout).await?;
                 let alpha = pixel_formats.contains(&format);
                 let _ = ALPHA_PIXEL_FORMATS.set(pixel_formats);
                 alpha
@@ -716,7 +734,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn transcode_bytes(
     };
 
     let process = transcode_options
-        .execute(input_file_str, output_file_str, alpha)
+        .execute(input_file_str, output_file_str, alpha, timeout)
         .map_err(FfMpegError::Process)?;
 
     process.wait().await.map_err(FfMpegError::Process)?;
@@ -743,6 +761,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn thumbnail<S: Store>(
     from: S::Identifier,
     input_format: VideoFormat,
     format: ThumbnailFormat,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<impl AsyncRead + Unpin, FfMpegError> {
     let input_file = crate::tmp_file::tmp_file(Some(input_format.to_file_extension()));
     let input_file_str = input_file.to_str().ok_or(FfMpegError::Path)?;
@@ -785,6 +804,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn thumbnail<S: Store>(
             format.as_ffmpeg_format(),
             output_file_str,
         ],
+        timeout,
     )
     .map_err(FfMpegError::Process)?;
 
diff --git a/src/generate.rs b/src/generate.rs
index 5e88f67..132a7d3 100644
--- a/src/generate.rs
+++ b/src/generate.rs
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn generate<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
     thumbnail_args: Vec<String>,
     input_format: Option<VideoFormat>,
     thumbnail_format: Option<ThumbnailFormat>,
+    timeout: u64,
     hash: R::Bytes,
 ) -> Result<(Details, Bytes), Error> {
     let process_fut = process(
@@ -34,6 +35,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn generate<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
         thumbnail_args,
         input_format,
         thumbnail_format,
+        timeout,
         hash.clone(),
     );
 
@@ -54,6 +56,7 @@ async fn process<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
     thumbnail_args: Vec<String>,
     input_format: Option<VideoFormat>,
     thumbnail_format: Option<ThumbnailFormat>,
+    timeout: u64,
     hash: R::Bytes,
 ) -> Result<(Details, Bytes), Error> {
     let permit = crate::PROCESS_SEMAPHORE.acquire().await;
@@ -75,6 +78,7 @@ async fn process<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
             identifier,
             input_format.unwrap_or(VideoFormat::Mp4),
             thumbnail_format,
+            timeout,
         )
         .await?;
         let motion_identifier = store
@@ -87,8 +91,13 @@ async fn process<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
         motion_identifier
     };
 
-    let mut processed_reader =
-        crate::magick::process_image_store_read(store.clone(), identifier, thumbnail_args, format)?;
+    let mut processed_reader = crate::magick::process_image_store_read(
+        store.clone(),
+        identifier,
+        thumbnail_args,
+        format,
+        timeout,
+    )?;
 
     let mut vec = Vec::new();
     processed_reader
@@ -99,7 +108,7 @@ async fn process<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
 
     drop(permit);
 
-    let details = Details::from_bytes(bytes.clone(), format.as_hint()).await?;
+    let details = Details::from_bytes(bytes.clone(), format.as_hint(), timeout).await?;
 
     let identifier = store
         .save_bytes(bytes.clone(), details.content_type())
diff --git a/src/ingest.rs b/src/ingest.rs
index 564bda9..56f4545 100644
--- a/src/ingest.rs
+++ b/src/ingest.rs
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn ingest<R, S>(
     stream: impl Stream<Item = Result<Bytes, Error>> + Unpin + 'static,
     declared_alias: Option<Alias>,
     should_validate: bool,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<Session<R, S>, Error>
 where
     R: FullRepo + 'static,
@@ -65,8 +66,12 @@ where
         if let Some(format) = input_type.to_format() {
             let (_, magick_args) = crate::processor::build_chain(operations, format.as_ext())?;
 
-            let processed_reader =
-                crate::magick::process_image_async_read(validated_reader, magick_args, format)?;
+            let processed_reader = crate::magick::process_image_async_read(
+                validated_reader,
+                magick_args,
+                format,
+                timeout,
+            )?;
 
             Either::left(processed_reader)
         } else {
diff --git a/src/lib.rs b/src/lib.rs
index 633153e..8f4ee95 100644
--- a/src/lib.rs
+++ b/src/lib.rs
@@ -122,7 +122,13 @@ async fn ensure_details<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
     } else {
         tracing::debug!("generating new details from {:?}", identifier);
         let hint = details_hint(alias);
-        let new_details = Details::from_store(store.clone(), identifier.clone(), hint).await?;
+        let new_details = Details::from_store(
+            store.clone(),
+            identifier.clone(),
+            hint,
+            CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
+        )
+        .await?;
         tracing::debug!("storing details for {:?}", identifier);
         repo.relate_details(&identifier, &new_details).await?;
         tracing::debug!("stored");
@@ -164,8 +170,18 @@ impl<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static> FormData for Upload<R, S> {
                     let stream = stream.map_err(Error::from);
 
                     Box::pin(
-                        async move { ingest::ingest(&**repo, &**store, stream, None, true).await }
-                            .instrument(span),
+                        async move {
+                            ingest::ingest(
+                                &**repo,
+                                &**store,
+                                stream,
+                                None,
+                                true,
+                                CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
+                            )
+                            .await
+                        }
+                        .instrument(span),
                     )
                 })),
             )
@@ -217,6 +233,7 @@ impl<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static> FormData for Import<R, S> {
                                 stream,
                                 Some(Alias::from_existing(&filename)),
                                 !CONFIG.media.skip_validate_imports,
+                                CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
                             )
                             .await
                         }
@@ -472,7 +489,15 @@ async fn do_download_inline<R: FullRepo + 'static, S: Store + 'static>(
     repo: web::Data<R>,
     store: web::Data<S>,
 ) -> Result<HttpResponse, Error> {
-    let mut session = ingest::ingest(&repo, &store, stream, None, true).await?;
+    let mut session = ingest::ingest(
+        &repo,
+        &store,
+        stream,
+        None,
+        true,
+        CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let alias = session.alias().expect("alias should exist").to_owned();
     let delete_token = session.delete_token().await?;
@@ -658,6 +683,7 @@ async fn process<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
                 (**store).clone(),
                 identifier.clone(),
                 Some(ValidInputType::from_format(format)),
+                CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
             )
             .await?;
             tracing::debug!("storing details for {:?}", identifier);
@@ -680,6 +706,7 @@ async fn process<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
         thumbnail_args,
         original_details.to_input_format(),
         None,
+        CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
         hash,
     )
     .await?;
@@ -753,6 +780,7 @@ async fn process_head<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
                 (**store).clone(),
                 identifier.clone(),
                 Some(ValidInputType::from_format(format)),
+                CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
             )
             .await?;
             tracing::debug!("storing details for {:?}", identifier);
diff --git a/src/magick.rs b/src/magick.rs
index 650c729..6ef6c26 100644
--- a/src/magick.rs
+++ b/src/magick.rs
@@ -206,6 +206,7 @@ pub(crate) struct Details {
 pub(crate) fn convert_bytes_read(
     input: Bytes,
     format: ImageFormat,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<impl AsyncRead + Unpin, MagickError> {
     let process = Process::run(
         "magick",
@@ -216,6 +217,7 @@ pub(crate) fn convert_bytes_read(
             "-strip",
             format!("{}:-", format.as_magick_format()).as_str(),
         ],
+        timeout,
     )
     .map_err(MagickError::Process)?;
 
@@ -226,6 +228,7 @@ pub(crate) fn convert_bytes_read(
 pub(crate) async fn details_bytes(
     input: Bytes,
     hint: Option<ValidInputType>,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<Details, MagickError> {
     if let Some(hint) = hint.and_then(|hint| hint.video_hint()) {
         let input_file = crate::tmp_file::tmp_file(Some(hint));
@@ -243,7 +246,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn details_bytes(
             .map_err(MagickError::Write)?;
         tmp_one.close().await.map_err(MagickError::CloseFile)?;
 
-        return details_file(input_file_str).await;
+        return details_file(input_file_str, timeout).await;
     }
 
     let last_arg = if let Some(expected_format) = hint {
@@ -252,7 +255,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn details_bytes(
         "-".to_owned()
     };
 
-    let process = Process::run("magick", &["convert", "-ping", &last_arg, "JSON:"])
+    let process = Process::run("magick", &["convert", "-ping", &last_arg, "JSON:"], timeout)
         .map_err(MagickError::Process)?;
 
     let mut reader = process.bytes_read(input);
@@ -295,6 +298,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn details_store<S: Store + 'static>(
     store: S,
     identifier: S::Identifier,
     hint: Option<ValidInputType>,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<Details, MagickError> {
     if let Some(hint) = hint.and_then(|hint| hint.video_hint()) {
         let input_file = crate::tmp_file::tmp_file(Some(hint));
@@ -316,7 +320,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn details_store<S: Store + 'static>(
             .map_err(MagickError::Write)?;
         tmp_one.close().await.map_err(MagickError::CloseFile)?;
 
-        return details_file(input_file_str).await;
+        return details_file(input_file_str, timeout).await;
     }
 
     let last_arg = if let Some(expected_format) = hint {
@@ -325,7 +329,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn details_store<S: Store + 'static>(
         "-".to_owned()
     };
 
-    let process = Process::run("magick", &["convert", "-ping", &last_arg, "JSON:"])
+    let process = Process::run("magick", &["convert", "-ping", &last_arg, "JSON:"], timeout)
         .map_err(MagickError::Process)?;
 
     let mut reader = process.store_read(store, identifier);
@@ -347,8 +351,8 @@ pub(crate) async fn details_store<S: Store + 'static>(
 }
 
 #[tracing::instrument]
-pub(crate) async fn details_file(path_str: &str) -> Result<Details, MagickError> {
-    let process = Process::run("magick", &["convert", "-ping", path_str, "JSON:"])
+pub(crate) async fn details_file(path_str: &str, timeout: u64) -> Result<Details, MagickError> {
+    let process = Process::run("magick", &["convert", "-ping", path_str, "JSON:"], timeout)
         .map_err(MagickError::Process)?;
 
     let mut reader = process.read();
@@ -438,15 +442,20 @@ fn parse_details(details_output: Vec<DetailsOutput>) -> Result<Details, ParseDet
 
 pub(crate) async fn input_type_bytes(
     input: Bytes,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<(Details, ValidInputType), MagickError> {
-    let details = details_bytes(input, None).await?;
+    let details = details_bytes(input, None, timeout).await?;
     let input_type = details
         .validate_input()
         .map_err(MagickError::ValidateDetails)?;
     Ok((details, input_type))
 }
 
-fn process_image(process_args: Vec<String>, format: ImageFormat) -> Result<Process, ProcessError> {
+fn process_image(
+    process_args: Vec<String>,
+    format: ImageFormat,
+    timeout: u64,
+) -> Result<Process, ProcessError> {
     let command = "magick";
     let convert_args = ["convert", "-"];
     let last_arg = format!("{}:-", format.as_magick_format());
@@ -456,7 +465,7 @@ fn process_image(process_args: Vec<String>, format: ImageFormat) -> Result<Proce
     args.extend(process_args.iter().map(|s| s.as_str()));
     args.push(&last_arg);
 
-    Process::run(command, &args)
+    Process::run(command, &args, timeout)
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn process_image_store_read<S: Store + 'static>(
@@ -464,8 +473,9 @@ pub(crate) fn process_image_store_read<S: Store + 'static>(
     identifier: S::Identifier,
     args: Vec<String>,
     format: ImageFormat,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<impl AsyncRead + Unpin, MagickError> {
-    Ok(process_image(args, format)
+    Ok(process_image(args, format, timeout)
         .map_err(MagickError::Process)?
         .store_read(store, identifier))
 }
@@ -474,8 +484,9 @@ pub(crate) fn process_image_async_read<A: AsyncRead + Unpin + 'static>(
     async_read: A,
     args: Vec<String>,
     format: ImageFormat,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<impl AsyncRead + Unpin, MagickError> {
-    Ok(process_image(args, format)
+    Ok(process_image(args, format, timeout)
         .map_err(MagickError::Process)?
         .pipe_async_read(async_read))
 }
diff --git a/src/process.rs b/src/process.rs
index f58ba6a..9c89f3f 100644
--- a/src/process.rs
+++ b/src/process.rs
@@ -6,10 +6,11 @@ use std::{
     pin::Pin,
     process::{ExitStatus, Stdio},
     task::{Context, Poll},
+    time::Duration,
 };
 use tokio::{
     io::{AsyncRead, AsyncWriteExt, ReadBuf},
-    process::{Child, ChildStdin, Command},
+    process::{Child, ChildStdin, ChildStdout, Command},
     sync::oneshot::{channel, Receiver},
 };
 use tracing::{Instrument, Span};
@@ -19,6 +20,7 @@ struct StatusError(ExitStatus);
 
 pub(crate) struct Process {
     child: Child,
+    timeout: Duration,
 }
 
 impl std::fmt::Debug for Process {
@@ -31,15 +33,14 @@ struct DropHandle {
     inner: JoinHandle<()>,
 }
 
-pin_project_lite::pin_project! {
-    struct ProcessRead<I> {
-        #[pin]
-        inner: I,
-        err_recv: Receiver<std::io::Error>,
-        err_closed: bool,
-        handle: DropHandle,
-        eof: bool,
-    }
+pub(crate) struct ProcessRead<I> {
+    inner: I,
+    err_recv: Receiver<std::io::Error>,
+    err_closed: bool,
+    #[allow(dead_code)]
+    handle: DropHandle,
+    eof: bool,
+    sleep: Pin<Box<actix_rt::time::Sleep>>,
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, thiserror::Error)]
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ pub(crate) enum ProcessError {
     #[error("Reached process spawn limit")]
     LimitReached,
 
+    #[error("Process timed out")]
+    Timeout,
+
     #[error("Failed with status {0}")]
     Status(ExitStatus),
 
@@ -61,9 +65,9 @@ pub(crate) enum ProcessError {
 }
 
 impl Process {
-    pub(crate) fn run(command: &str, args: &[&str]) -> Result<Self, ProcessError> {
+    pub(crate) fn run(command: &str, args: &[&str], timeout: u64) -> Result<Self, ProcessError> {
         let res = tracing::trace_span!(parent: None, "Create command")
-            .in_scope(|| Self::spawn(Command::new(command).args(args)));
+            .in_scope(|| Self::spawn(Command::new(command).args(args), timeout));
 
         match res {
             Ok(this) => Ok(this),
@@ -78,43 +82,49 @@ impl Process {
         }
     }
 
-    fn spawn(cmd: &mut Command) -> std::io::Result<Self> {
+    fn spawn(cmd: &mut Command, timeout: u64) -> std::io::Result<Self> {
+        let timeout = Duration::from_secs(timeout);
+
         tracing::trace_span!(parent: None, "Spawn command").in_scope(|| {
             let cmd = cmd
                 .stdin(Stdio::piped())
                 .stdout(Stdio::piped())
                 .kill_on_drop(true);
 
-            cmd.spawn().map(|child| Process { child })
+            cmd.spawn().map(|child| Process { child, timeout })
         })
     }
 
     #[tracing::instrument(skip(self))]
-    pub(crate) async fn wait(mut self) -> Result<(), ProcessError> {
-        let res = self.child.wait().await;
+    pub(crate) async fn wait(self) -> Result<(), ProcessError> {
+        let Process { mut child, timeout } = self;
 
-        match res {
-            Ok(status) if status.success() => Ok(()),
-            Ok(status) => Err(ProcessError::Status(status)),
-            Err(e) => Err(ProcessError::Other(e)),
+        match actix_rt::time::timeout(timeout, child.wait()).await {
+            Ok(Ok(status)) if status.success() => Ok(()),
+            Ok(Ok(status)) => Err(ProcessError::Status(status)),
+            Ok(Err(e)) => Err(ProcessError::Other(e)),
+            Err(_) => {
+                child.kill().await.map_err(ProcessError::Other)?;
+                return Err(ProcessError::Timeout);
+            }
         }
     }
 
-    pub(crate) fn bytes_read(self, input: Bytes) -> impl AsyncRead + Unpin {
+    pub(crate) fn bytes_read(self, input: Bytes) -> ProcessRead<ChildStdout> {
         self.spawn_fn(move |mut stdin| {
             let mut input = input;
             async move { stdin.write_all_buf(&mut input).await }
         })
     }
 
-    pub(crate) fn read(self) -> impl AsyncRead + Unpin {
+    pub(crate) fn read(self) -> ProcessRead<ChildStdout> {
         self.spawn_fn(|_| async { Ok(()) })
     }
 
     pub(crate) fn pipe_async_read<A: AsyncRead + Unpin + 'static>(
         self,
         mut async_read: A,
-    ) -> impl AsyncRead + Unpin {
+    ) -> ProcessRead<ChildStdout> {
         self.spawn_fn(move |mut stdin| async move {
             tokio::io::copy(&mut async_read, &mut stdin)
                 .await
@@ -126,7 +136,7 @@ impl Process {
         self,
         store: S,
         identifier: S::Identifier,
-    ) -> impl AsyncRead + Unpin {
+    ) -> ProcessRead<ChildStdout> {
         self.spawn_fn(move |mut stdin| {
             let store = store;
             let identifier = identifier;
@@ -138,13 +148,15 @@ impl Process {
     #[allow(unknown_lints)]
     #[allow(clippy::let_with_type_underscore)]
     #[tracing::instrument(level = "trace", skip_all)]
-    fn spawn_fn<F, Fut>(mut self, f: F) -> impl AsyncRead + Unpin
+    fn spawn_fn<F, Fut>(self, f: F) -> ProcessRead<ChildStdout>
     where
         F: FnOnce(ChildStdin) -> Fut + 'static,
         Fut: Future<Output = std::io::Result<()>>,
     {
-        let stdin = self.child.stdin.take().expect("stdin exists");
-        let stdout = self.child.stdout.take().expect("stdout exists");
+        let Process { mut child, timeout } = self;
+
+        let stdin = child.stdin.take().expect("stdin exists");
+        let stdout = child.stdout.take().expect("stdout exists");
 
         let (tx, rx) = tracing::trace_span!(parent: None, "Create channel")
             .in_scope(channel::<std::io::Error>);
@@ -152,82 +164,84 @@ impl Process {
         let span = tracing::info_span!(parent: None, "Background process task");
         span.follows_from(Span::current());
 
-        let mut child = self.child;
         let handle = tracing::trace_span!(parent: None, "Spawn task").in_scope(|| {
             actix_rt::spawn(
                 async move {
-                    if let Err(e) = (f)(stdin).await {
-                        let _ = tx.send(e);
-                        return;
-                    }
+                    let child_fut = async {
+                        (f)(stdin).await?;
 
-                    match child.wait().await {
-                        Ok(status) => {
-                            if !status.success() {
-                                let _ = tx.send(std::io::Error::new(
-                                    std::io::ErrorKind::Other,
-                                    StatusError(status),
-                                ));
-                            }
-                        }
-                        Err(e) => {
-                            let _ = tx.send(e);
-                        }
-                    }
+                        child.wait().await
+                    };
+
+                    let err = match actix_rt::time::timeout(timeout, child_fut).await {
+                        Ok(Ok(status)) if status.success() => return,
+                        Ok(Ok(status)) => std::io::Error::new(
+                            std::io::ErrorKind::Other,
+                            ProcessError::Status(status),
+                        ),
+                        Ok(Err(e)) => e,
+                        Err(_) => std::io::ErrorKind::TimedOut.into(),
+                    };
+
+                    let _ = tx.send(err);
+
+                    let _ = child.kill().await;
                 }
                 .instrument(span),
             )
         });
 
+        let sleep = Box::pin(actix_rt::time::sleep(timeout));
+
         ProcessRead {
             inner: stdout,
             err_recv: rx,
             err_closed: false,
             handle: DropHandle { inner: handle },
             eof: false,
+            sleep,
         }
     }
 }
 
 impl<I> AsyncRead for ProcessRead<I>
 where
-    I: AsyncRead,
+    I: AsyncRead + Unpin,
 {
     fn poll_read(
         mut self: Pin<&mut Self>,
         cx: &mut Context<'_>,
         buf: &mut ReadBuf<'_>,
     ) -> Poll<std::io::Result<()>> {
-        let this = self.as_mut().project();
-
-        let err_recv = this.err_recv;
-        let err_closed = this.err_closed;
-        let eof = this.eof;
-        let inner = this.inner;
-
-        if !*err_closed {
-            if let Poll::Ready(res) = Pin::new(err_recv).poll(cx) {
-                *err_closed = true;
+        if !self.err_closed {
+            if let Poll::Ready(res) = Pin::new(&mut self.err_recv).poll(cx) {
+                self.err_closed = true;
 
                 if let Ok(err) = res {
                     return Poll::Ready(Err(err));
                 }
 
-                if *eof {
+                if self.eof {
                     return Poll::Ready(Ok(()));
                 }
             }
+
+            if let Poll::Ready(()) = self.sleep.as_mut().poll(cx) {
+                self.err_closed = true;
+
+                return Poll::Ready(Err(std::io::ErrorKind::TimedOut.into()));
+            }
         }
 
-        if !*eof {
+        if !self.eof {
             let before_size = buf.filled().len();
 
-            return match inner.poll_read(cx, buf) {
+            return match Pin::new(&mut self.inner).poll_read(cx, buf) {
                 Poll::Ready(Ok(())) => {
                     if buf.filled().len() == before_size {
-                        *eof = true;
+                        self.eof = true;
 
-                        if !*err_closed {
+                        if !self.err_closed {
                             // reached end of stream & haven't received process signal
                             return Poll::Pending;
                         }
@@ -236,7 +250,7 @@ where
                     Poll::Ready(Ok(()))
                 }
                 Poll::Ready(Err(e)) => {
-                    *eof = true;
+                    self.eof = true;
 
                     Poll::Ready(Err(e))
                 }
@@ -244,7 +258,7 @@ where
             };
         }
 
-        if *err_closed && *eof {
+        if self.err_closed && self.eof {
             return Poll::Ready(Ok(()));
         }
 
diff --git a/src/queue/process.rs b/src/queue/process.rs
index fa76255..ec9443c 100644
--- a/src/queue/process.rs
+++ b/src/queue/process.rs
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ where
                         Serde::into_inner(upload_id),
                         declared_alias.map(Serde::into_inner),
                         should_validate,
+                        crate::CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
                     )
                     .await?
                 }
@@ -51,6 +52,7 @@ where
                         Serde::into_inner(source),
                         process_path,
                         process_args,
+                        crate::CONFIG.media.process_timeout,
                     )
                     .await?
                 }
@@ -72,6 +74,7 @@ async fn process_ingest<R, S>(
     upload_id: UploadId,
     declared_alias: Option<Alias>,
     should_validate: bool,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<(), Error>
 where
     R: FullRepo + 'static,
@@ -90,9 +93,15 @@ where
                 .await?
                 .map_err(Error::from);
 
-            let session =
-                crate::ingest::ingest(&repo, &store2, stream, declared_alias, should_validate)
-                    .await?;
+            let session = crate::ingest::ingest(
+                &repo,
+                &store2,
+                stream,
+                declared_alias,
+                should_validate,
+                timeout,
+            )
+            .await?;
 
             let token = session.delete_token().await?;
 
@@ -134,6 +143,7 @@ async fn generate<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
     source: Alias,
     process_path: PathBuf,
     process_args: Vec<String>,
+    timeout: u64,
 ) -> Result<(), Error> {
     let Some(hash) = repo.hash(&source).await? else {
         // Nothing to do
@@ -160,6 +170,7 @@ async fn generate<R: FullRepo, S: Store + 'static>(
         process_args,
         original_details.to_input_format(),
         None,
+        timeout,
         hash,
     )
     .await?;
diff --git a/src/validate.rs b/src/validate.rs
index 922ba5d..23056cd 100644
--- a/src/validate.rs
+++ b/src/validate.rs
@@ -41,12 +41,13 @@ pub(crate) async fn validate_bytes(
     media: &MediaConfiguration,
     validate: bool,
 ) -> Result<(ValidInputType, impl AsyncRead + Unpin), Error> {
-    let (details, input_type) =
-        if let Some(tup) = crate::ffmpeg::input_type_bytes(bytes.clone()).await? {
-            tup
-        } else {
-            crate::magick::input_type_bytes(bytes.clone()).await?
-        };
+    let (details, input_type) = if let Some(tup) =
+        crate::ffmpeg::input_type_bytes(bytes.clone(), media.process_timeout).await?
+    {
+        tup
+    } else {
+        crate::magick::input_type_bytes(bytes.clone(), media.process_timeout).await?
+    };
 
     if !validate {
         return Ok((input_type, Either::left(UnvalidatedBytes::new(bytes))));
@@ -63,7 +64,12 @@ pub(crate) async fn validate_bytes(
                 Ok((
                     transcode_options.output_type(),
                     Either::right(Either::left(Either::left(
-                        crate::ffmpeg::transcode_bytes(bytes, transcode_options).await?,
+                        crate::ffmpeg::transcode_bytes(
+                            bytes,
+                            transcode_options,
+                            media.process_timeout,
+                        )
+                        .await?,
                     ))),
                 ))
             } else {
@@ -71,6 +77,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn validate_bytes(
                     transcode_options.output_type(),
                     Either::right(Either::right(crate::exiftool::clear_metadata_bytes_read(
                         bytes,
+                        media.process_timeout,
                     )?)),
                 ))
             }
@@ -78,21 +85,25 @@ pub(crate) async fn validate_bytes(
         (FileFormat::Image(image_format), Some(format)) if image_format != format => Ok((
             ValidInputType::from_format(format),
             Either::right(Either::left(Either::right(
-                crate::magick::convert_bytes_read(bytes, format)?,
+                crate::magick::convert_bytes_read(bytes, format, media.process_timeout)?,
             ))),
         )),
         (FileFormat::Image(ImageFormat::Webp), _) => Ok((
             ValidInputType::Webp,
             Either::right(Either::left(Either::right(
-                crate::magick::convert_bytes_read(bytes, ImageFormat::Webp)?,
+                crate::magick::convert_bytes_read(bytes, ImageFormat::Webp, media.process_timeout)?,
             ))),
         )),
         (FileFormat::Image(image_format), _) => {
-            if crate::exiftool::needs_reorienting(bytes.clone()).await? {
+            if crate::exiftool::needs_reorienting(bytes.clone(), media.process_timeout).await? {
                 Ok((
                     ValidInputType::from_format(image_format),
                     Either::right(Either::left(Either::right(
-                        crate::magick::convert_bytes_read(bytes, image_format)?,
+                        crate::magick::convert_bytes_read(
+                            bytes,
+                            image_format,
+                            media.process_timeout,
+                        )?,
                     ))),
                 ))
             } else {
@@ -100,6 +111,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn validate_bytes(
                     ValidInputType::from_format(image_format),
                     Either::right(Either::right(crate::exiftool::clear_metadata_bytes_read(
                         bytes,
+                        media.process_timeout,
                     )?)),
                 ))
             }