diff --git a/modules/media/gtkffmediafile.c b/modules/media/gtkffmediafile.c
index 7f6244224e..04737f7474 100644
--- a/modules/media/gtkffmediafile.c
+++ b/modules/media/gtkffmediafile.c
@@ -656,6 +656,9 @@ gtk_ff_media_file_play (GtkMediaStream *stream)
 {
   GtkFfMediaFile *video = GTK_FF_MEDIA_FILE (stream);
 
+  if (video->format_ctx == NULL)
+    return FALSE;
+
   if (!gtk_media_stream_is_prepared (stream))
     return TRUE;
 
diff --git a/modules/media/gtkgstmediafile.c b/modules/media/gtkgstmediafile.c
index 93162eae5b..afbf637bd3 100644
--- a/modules/media/gtkgstmediafile.c
+++ b/modules/media/gtkgstmediafile.c
@@ -245,6 +245,9 @@ gtk_gst_media_file_play (GtkMediaStream *stream)
 {
   GtkGstMediaFile *self = GTK_GST_MEDIA_FILE (stream);
 
+  if (self->player == NULL)
+    return FALSE;
+
   gst_player_play (self->player);
 
   return TRUE;