diff --git a/pysonic/api.py b/pysonic/api.py
index 442de79..22ce247 100644
--- a/pysonic/api.py
+++ b/pysonic/api.py
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@ import cherrypy
 logging = logging.getLogger("api")
 
 
+TRANSCODE_TIMEOUT = int(os.environ.get("PYSONIC_ENCODE_TIMEOUT", 5 * 60))
+
+
 def extension(mime):
     r = TYPE_TO_EXTENSION.get(mime)
     print(f"getting extension for {mime}: {r}")
@@ -244,7 +247,7 @@ class PysonicSubsonicApi(object):
 
             def stopit(proc):
                 try:
-                    proc.wait(timeout=90)
+                    proc.wait(timeout=TRANSCODE_TIMEOUT)
                 except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
                     logging.warning("killing timed-out transcoder")
                     proc.kill()