diff --git a/gst/gstbuffer.c b/gst/gstbuffer.c
index 3e78ccddcc..18b765a7b4 100644
--- a/gst/gstbuffer.c
+++ b/gst/gstbuffer.c
@@ -116,6 +116,7 @@
  * for re-use. (Since: 1.6)
  *
  */
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 
 #ifdef HAVE_UNISTD_H
@@ -2933,3 +2934,96 @@ gst_buffer_get_custom_meta (GstBuffer * buffer, const gchar * name)
 
   return (GstCustomMeta *) gst_buffer_get_meta (buffer, info->api);
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_ref: (skip)
+ * @buf: a #GstBuffer.
+ *
+ * Increases the refcount of the given buffer by one.
+ *
+ * Note that the refcount affects the writability
+ * of @buf and its metadata, see gst_buffer_is_writable().
+ * It is important to note that keeping additional references to
+ * GstBuffer instances can potentially increase the number
+ * of memcpy operations in a pipeline.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): @buf
+ */
+GstBuffer *
+gst_buffer_ref (GstBuffer * buf)
+{
+  return (GstBuffer *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (buf));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_unref: (skip)
+ * @buf: (transfer full): a #GstBuffer.
+ *
+ * Decreases the refcount of the buffer. If the refcount reaches 0, the buffer
+ * with the associated metadata and memory will be freed.
+ */
+void
+gst_buffer_unref (GstBuffer * buf)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (buf));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_clear_buffer: (skip)
+ * @buf_ptr: a pointer to a #GstBuffer reference
+ *
+ * Clears a reference to a #GstBuffer.
+ *
+ * @buf_ptr must not be %NULL.
+ *
+ * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
+ * reference count of the buffer is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+void
+gst_clear_buffer (GstBuffer ** buf_ptr)
+{
+  gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) buf_ptr);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_copy: (skip)
+ * @buf: a #GstBuffer.
+ *
+ * Create a copy of the given buffer. This will only copy the buffer's
+ * data to a newly allocated memory if needed (if the type of memory
+ * requires it), otherwise the underlying data is just referenced.
+ * Check gst_buffer_copy_deep() if you want to force the data
+ * to be copied to newly allocated memory.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @buf.
+ */
+GstBuffer *
+gst_buffer_copy (const GstBuffer * buf)
+{
+  return GST_BUFFER (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (buf)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_replace: (skip)
+ * @obuf: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer to
+ *     a #GstBuffer to be replaced.
+ * @nbuf: (transfer none) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstBuffer that will
+ *     replace the buffer pointed to by @obuf.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstBuffer to point to a different #GstBuffer. The
+ * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
+ * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
+ * buffer is unreffed, the new is reffed).
+ *
+ * Either @nbuf or the #GstBuffer pointed to by @obuf may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE when @obuf was different from @nbuf.
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_buffer_replace (GstBuffer ** obuf, GstBuffer * nbuf)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) obuf,
+      (GstMiniObject *) nbuf);
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstbuffer.h b/gst/gstbuffer.h
index 682ac9697a..f2cd71d044 100644
--- a/gst/gstbuffer.h
+++ b/gst/gstbuffer.h
@@ -409,56 +409,20 @@ GST_API
 gboolean       gst_buffer_unset_flags      (GstBuffer * buffer, GstBufferFlags flags);
 
 
-
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_buffer_ref: (skip)
- * @buf: a #GstBuffer.
- *
- * Increases the refcount of the given buffer by one.
- *
- * Note that the refcount affects the writability
- * of @buf and its metadata, see gst_buffer_is_writable().
- * It is important to note that keeping additional references to
- * GstBuffer instances can potentially increase the number
- * of memcpy operations in a pipeline.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): @buf
- */
-static inline GstBuffer* gst_buffer_ref(GstBuffer* buf);
 static inline GstBuffer *
 gst_buffer_ref (GstBuffer * buf)
 {
   return (GstBuffer *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (buf));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_buffer_unref: (skip)
- * @buf: (transfer full): a #GstBuffer.
- *
- * Decreases the refcount of the buffer. If the refcount reaches 0, the buffer
- * with the associated metadata and memory will be freed.
- */
-static inline void gst_buffer_unref(GstBuffer* buf);
 static inline void
 gst_buffer_unref (GstBuffer * buf)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (buf));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_clear_buffer: (skip)
- * @buf_ptr: a pointer to a #GstBuffer reference
- *
- * Clears a reference to a #GstBuffer.
- *
- * @buf_ptr must not be %NULL.
- *
- * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
- * reference count of the buffer is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline void
 gst_clear_buffer (GstBuffer ** buf_ptr)
 {
@@ -466,24 +430,24 @@ gst_clear_buffer (GstBuffer ** buf_ptr)
 }
 
 /* copy buffer */
-/**
- * gst_buffer_copy: (skip)
- * @buf: a #GstBuffer.
- *
- * Create a copy of the given buffer. This will only copy the buffer's
- * data to a newly allocated memory if needed (if the type of memory
- * requires it), otherwise the underlying data is just referenced.
- * Check gst_buffer_copy_deep() if you want to force the data
- * to be copied to newly allocated memory.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @buf.
- */
-static inline GstBuffer* gst_buffer_copy(const GstBuffer* buf);
 static inline GstBuffer *
 gst_buffer_copy (const GstBuffer * buf)
 {
   return GST_BUFFER (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (buf)));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstBuffer * gst_buffer_ref       (GstBuffer * buf);
+
+GST_API
+void        gst_buffer_unref     (GstBuffer * buf);
+
+GST_API
+void        gst_clear_buffer     (GstBuffer ** buf_ptr);
+
+GST_API
+GstBuffer * gst_buffer_copy      (const GstBuffer * buf);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 GST_API
 GstBuffer * gst_buffer_copy_deep (const GstBuffer * buf);
@@ -579,28 +543,17 @@ gboolean        gst_buffer_copy_into            (GstBuffer *dest, GstBuffer *src
  */
 #define         gst_buffer_make_writable(buf)   GST_BUFFER_CAST (gst_mini_object_make_writable (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (buf)))
 
-/**
- * gst_buffer_replace: (skip)
- * @obuf: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer to
- *     a #GstBuffer to be replaced.
- * @nbuf: (transfer none) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstBuffer that will
- *     replace the buffer pointed to by @obuf.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstBuffer to point to a different #GstBuffer. The
- * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
- * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
- * buffer is unreffed, the new is reffed).
- *
- * Either @nbuf or the #GstBuffer pointed to by @obuf may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE when @obuf was different from @nbuf.
- */
-static inline gboolean gst_buffer_replace(GstBuffer** obuf, GstBuffer* nbuf);
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 static inline gboolean
 gst_buffer_replace (GstBuffer **obuf, GstBuffer *nbuf)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) obuf, (GstMiniObject *) nbuf);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+gboolean        gst_buffer_replace              (GstBuffer ** obuf,
+                                                 GstBuffer * nbuf);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /* creating a region */
 
diff --git a/gst/gstbufferlist.c b/gst/gstbufferlist.c
index 0bfdcd5dbf..5dfc9cac1b 100644
--- a/gst/gstbufferlist.c
+++ b/gst/gstbufferlist.c
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@
  * interesting when multiple buffers need to be pushed in one go because it
  * can reduce the amount of overhead for pushing each buffer individually.
  */
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 
 #include "gstbuffer.h"
@@ -553,3 +554,120 @@ gst_buffer_list_calculate_size (GstBufferList * list)
 
   return size;
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_list_ref: (skip)
+ * @list: a #GstBufferList
+ *
+ * Increases the refcount of the given buffer list by one.
+ *
+ * Note that the refcount affects the writability of @list and its data, see
+ * gst_buffer_list_make_writable(). It is important to note that keeping
+ * additional references to GstBufferList instances can potentially increase
+ * the number of memcpy operations in a pipeline.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): @list
+ */
+GstBufferList *
+gst_buffer_list_ref (GstBufferList * list)
+{
+  return
+      GST_BUFFER_LIST_CAST (gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (list)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_list_unref: (skip)
+ * @list: (transfer full): a #GstBufferList
+ *
+ * Decreases the refcount of the buffer list. If the refcount reaches 0, the
+ * buffer list will be freed.
+ */
+void
+gst_buffer_list_unref (GstBufferList * list)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (list));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_clear_buffer_list: (skip)
+ * @list_ptr: a pointer to a #GstBufferList reference
+ *
+ * Clears a reference to a #GstBufferList.
+ *
+ * @list_ptr must not be %NULL.
+ *
+ * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
+ * reference count of the list is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+void
+gst_clear_buffer_list (GstBufferList ** list_ptr)
+{
+  gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) list_ptr);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_list_copy: (skip)
+ * @list: a #GstBufferList
+ *
+ * Create a shallow copy of the given buffer list. This will make a newly
+ * allocated copy of the source list with copies of buffer pointers. The
+ * refcount of buffers pointed to will be increased by one.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @list.
+ */
+GstBufferList *
+gst_buffer_list_copy (const GstBufferList * list)
+{
+  return
+      GST_BUFFER_LIST_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST
+          (list)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_list_replace:
+ * @old_list: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer to a
+ *     #GstBufferList to be replaced.
+ * @new_list: (transfer none) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstBufferList that
+ *     will replace the buffer list pointed to by @old_list.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstBufferList to point to a different
+ * #GstBufferList. The modification is done atomically (so this is useful for
+ * ensuring thread safety in some cases), and the reference counts are updated
+ * appropriately (the old buffer list is unreffed, the new is reffed).
+ *
+ * Either @new_list or the #GstBufferList pointed to by @old_list may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_list was different from @old_list
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_buffer_list_replace (GstBufferList ** old_list, GstBufferList * new_list)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_list,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_list);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_buffer_list_take:
+ * @old_list: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstBufferList
+ *     to be replaced.
+ * @new_list: (transfer full) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstBufferList
+ *     that will replace the bufferlist pointed to by @old_list.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstBufferList to point to a different
+ * #GstBufferList. This function is similar to gst_buffer_list_replace() except
+ * that it takes ownership of @new_list.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_list was different from @old_list
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_buffer_list_take (GstBufferList ** old_list, GstBufferList * new_list)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_list,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_list);
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstbufferlist.h b/gst/gstbufferlist.h
index 61ff5de5c4..87132c96da 100644
--- a/gst/gstbufferlist.h
+++ b/gst/gstbufferlist.h
@@ -58,22 +58,8 @@ typedef struct _GstBufferList GstBufferList;
 typedef gboolean   (*GstBufferListFunc)   (GstBuffer **buffer, guint idx,
                                            gpointer user_data);
 
-
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_buffer_list_ref: (skip)
- * @list: a #GstBufferList
- *
- * Increases the refcount of the given buffer list by one.
- *
- * Note that the refcount affects the writability of @list and its data, see
- * gst_buffer_list_make_writable(). It is important to note that keeping
- * additional references to GstBufferList instances can potentially increase
- * the number of memcpy operations in a pipeline.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): @list
- */
-static inline GstBufferList* gst_buffer_list_ref(GstBufferList* list);
 static inline GstBufferList *
 gst_buffer_list_ref (GstBufferList * list)
 {
@@ -81,33 +67,12 @@ gst_buffer_list_ref (GstBufferList * list)
       list)));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_buffer_list_unref: (skip)
- * @list: (transfer full): a #GstBufferList
- *
- * Decreases the refcount of the buffer list. If the refcount reaches 0, the
- * buffer list will be freed.
- */
-static inline void gst_buffer_list_unref(GstBufferList* list);
 static inline void
 gst_buffer_list_unref(GstBufferList* list)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (list));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_clear_buffer_list: (skip)
- * @list_ptr: a pointer to a #GstBufferList reference
- *
- * Clears a reference to a #GstBufferList.
- *
- * @list_ptr must not be %NULL.
- *
- * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
- * reference count of the list is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline void
 gst_clear_buffer_list (GstBufferList ** list_ptr)
 {
@@ -115,41 +80,12 @@ gst_clear_buffer_list (GstBufferList ** list_ptr)
 }
 
 /* copy */
-/**
- * gst_buffer_list_copy: (skip)
- * @list: a #GstBufferList
- *
- * Create a shallow copy of the given buffer list. This will make a newly
- * allocated copy of the source list with copies of buffer pointers. The
- * refcount of buffers pointed to will be increased by one.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @list.
- */
-static inline GstBufferList* gst_buffer_list_copy(const GstBufferList* list);
 static inline GstBufferList *
 gst_buffer_list_copy (const GstBufferList * list)
 {
   return GST_BUFFER_LIST_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (list)));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_buffer_list_replace:
- * @old_list: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer to a
- *     #GstBufferList to be replaced.
- * @new_list: (transfer none) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstBufferList that
- *     will replace the buffer list pointed to by @old_list.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstBufferList to point to a different
- * #GstBufferList. The modification is done atomically (so this is useful for
- * ensuring thread safety in some cases), and the reference counts are updated
- * appropriately (the old buffer list is unreffed, the new is reffed).
- *
- * Either @new_list or the #GstBufferList pointed to by @old_list may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_list was different from @old_list
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline gboolean
 gst_buffer_list_replace (GstBufferList **old_list, GstBufferList *new_list)
 {
@@ -157,27 +93,33 @@ gst_buffer_list_replace (GstBufferList **old_list, GstBufferList *new_list)
       (GstMiniObject *) new_list);
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_buffer_list_take:
- * @old_list: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstBufferList
- *     to be replaced.
- * @new_list: (transfer full) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstBufferList
- *     that will replace the bufferlist pointed to by @old_list.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstBufferList to point to a different
- * #GstBufferList. This function is similar to gst_buffer_list_replace() except
- * that it takes ownership of @new_list.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_list was different from @old_list
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline gboolean
 gst_buffer_list_take (GstBufferList **old_list, GstBufferList *new_list)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_list,
       (GstMiniObject *) new_list);
 }
+#else  /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstBufferList * gst_buffer_list_ref     (GstBufferList * list);
+
+GST_API
+void            gst_buffer_list_unref   (GstBufferList * list);
+
+GST_API
+void            gst_clear_buffer_list   (GstBufferList ** list_ptr);
+
+GST_API
+GstBufferList * gst_buffer_list_copy    (const GstBufferList * list);
+
+GST_API
+gboolean        gst_buffer_list_replace (GstBufferList ** old_list,
+                                         GstBufferList * new_list);
+
+GST_API
+gboolean        gst_buffer_list_take    (GstBufferList ** old_list,
+                                         GstBufferList * new_list);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /**
  * gst_buffer_list_is_writable:
diff --git a/gst/gstcaps.c b/gst/gstcaps.c
index 680eb57216..0831f1438f 100644
--- a/gst/gstcaps.c
+++ b/gst/gstcaps.c
@@ -65,6 +65,7 @@
 #include <string.h>
 #include <signal.h>
 
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 #include <gst/gst.h>
 #include <gobject/gvaluecollector.h>
@@ -2714,3 +2715,99 @@ GstCaps *(gst_caps_copy) (const GstCaps * caps)
 {
   return GST_CAPS (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (caps)));
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_caps_ref: (skip)
+ * @caps: the #GstCaps to reference
+ *
+ * Add a reference to a #GstCaps object.
+ *
+ * From this point on, until the caller calls gst_caps_unref() or
+ * gst_caps_make_writable(), it is guaranteed that the caps object will not
+ * change. This means its structures won't change, etc. To use a #GstCaps
+ * object, you must always have a refcount on it -- either the one made
+ * implicitly by e.g. gst_caps_new_simple(), or via taking one explicitly with
+ * this function.
+ *
+ * Returns: the same #GstCaps object.
+ */
+GstCaps *
+gst_caps_ref (GstCaps * caps)
+{
+  return (GstCaps *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (caps));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_caps_unref: (skip)
+ * @caps: a #GstCaps.
+ *
+ * Unref a #GstCaps and and free all its structures and the
+ * structures' values when the refcount reaches 0.
+ */
+void
+gst_caps_unref (GstCaps * caps)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (caps));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_clear_caps: (skip)
+ * @caps_ptr: a pointer to a #GstCaps reference
+ *
+ * Clears a reference to a #GstCaps.
+ *
+ * @caps_ptr must not be %NULL.
+ *
+ * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
+ * reference count of the caps is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+void
+gst_clear_caps (GstCaps ** caps_ptr)
+{
+  gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) caps_ptr);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_caps_replace: (skip)
+ * @old_caps: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer
+ *     to a #GstCaps to be replaced.
+ * @new_caps: (transfer none) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstCaps that will
+ *     replace the caps pointed to by @old_caps.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstCaps to point to a different #GstCaps. The
+ * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
+ * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
+ * caps is unreffed, the new is reffed).
+ *
+ * Either @new_caps or the #GstCaps pointed to by @old_caps may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_caps was different from @old_caps
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_caps_replace (GstCaps ** old_caps, GstCaps * new_caps)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_caps,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_caps);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_caps_take: (skip)
+ * @old_caps: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstCaps to be
+ *     replaced.
+ * @new_caps: (transfer full) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstCaps that will
+ *     replace the caps pointed to by @old_caps.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstCaps to point to a different #GstCaps. This
+ * function is similar to gst_caps_replace() except that it takes ownership
+ * of @new_caps.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_caps was different from @old_caps
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_caps_take (GstCaps ** old_caps, GstCaps * new_caps)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_caps,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_caps);
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstcaps.h b/gst/gstcaps.h
index c38671fed8..5a65527d4f 100644
--- a/gst/gstcaps.h
+++ b/gst/gstcaps.h
@@ -188,61 +188,35 @@ GST_API GstCaps * _gst_caps_none;
  */
 #define GST_CAPS_FLAG_UNSET(caps,flag)         GST_MINI_OBJECT_FLAG_UNSET (caps, flag)
 
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_caps_ref: (skip)
- * @caps: the #GstCaps to reference
- *
- * Add a reference to a #GstCaps object.
- *
- * From this point on, until the caller calls gst_caps_unref() or
- * gst_caps_make_writable(), it is guaranteed that the caps object will not
- * change. This means its structures won't change, etc. To use a #GstCaps
- * object, you must always have a refcount on it -- either the one made
- * implicitly by e.g. gst_caps_new_simple(), or via taking one explicitly with
- * this function.
- *
- * Returns: the same #GstCaps object.
- */
-static inline GstCaps * gst_caps_ref (GstCaps * caps);
 static inline GstCaps *
 gst_caps_ref (GstCaps * caps)
 {
   return (GstCaps *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (caps));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_caps_unref: (skip)
- * @caps: a #GstCaps.
- *
- * Unref a #GstCaps and and free all its structures and the
- * structures' values when the refcount reaches 0.
- */
-static inline void gst_caps_unref (GstCaps * caps);
 static inline void
 gst_caps_unref (GstCaps * caps)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (caps));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_clear_caps: (skip)
- * @caps_ptr: a pointer to a #GstCaps reference
- *
- * Clears a reference to a #GstCaps.
- *
- * @caps_ptr must not be %NULL.
- *
- * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
- * reference count of the caps is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline void
 gst_clear_caps (GstCaps ** caps_ptr)
 {
   gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) caps_ptr);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstCaps * gst_caps_ref   (GstCaps * caps);
+
+GST_API
+void      gst_caps_unref (GstCaps * caps);
+
+GST_API
+void      gst_clear_caps (GstCaps ** caps_ptr);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /* copy caps */
 GST_API
@@ -280,48 +254,27 @@ GstCaps * gst_caps_copy (const GstCaps * caps);
  */
 #define         gst_caps_make_writable(caps)   GST_CAPS_CAST (gst_mini_object_make_writable (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (caps)))
 
-/**
- * gst_caps_replace: (skip)
- * @old_caps: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer
- *     to a #GstCaps to be replaced.
- * @new_caps: (transfer none) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstCaps that will
- *     replace the caps pointed to by @old_caps.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstCaps to point to a different #GstCaps. The
- * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
- * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
- * caps is unreffed, the new is reffed).
- *
- * Either @new_caps or the #GstCaps pointed to by @old_caps may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_caps was different from @old_caps
- */
-static inline gboolean gst_caps_replace (GstCaps **old_caps, GstCaps *new_caps);
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 static inline gboolean
 gst_caps_replace (GstCaps **old_caps, GstCaps *new_caps)
 {
     return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_caps, (GstMiniObject *) new_caps);
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_caps_take: (skip)
- * @old_caps: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstCaps to be
- *     replaced.
- * @new_caps: (transfer full) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstCaps that will
- *     replace the caps pointed to by @old_caps.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstCaps to point to a different #GstCaps. This
- * function is similar to gst_caps_replace() except that it takes ownership
- * of @new_caps.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_caps was different from @old_caps
- */
-static inline gboolean gst_caps_take (GstCaps **old_caps, GstCaps *new_caps);
 static inline gboolean
 gst_caps_take (GstCaps **old_caps, GstCaps *new_caps)
 {
     return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_caps, (GstMiniObject *) new_caps);
 }
+#else  /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+gboolean  gst_caps_replace (GstCaps ** old_caps,
+                            GstCaps * new_caps);
+
+GST_API
+gboolean  gst_caps_take    (GstCaps ** old_caps,
+                            GstCaps * new_caps);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /**
  * GstCaps:
diff --git a/gst/gstcontext.c b/gst/gstcontext.c
index c1bbe0a8be..1e13c89a03 100644
--- a/gst/gstcontext.c
+++ b/gst/gstcontext.c
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@
  * Since: 1.2
  */
 
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 #include <string.h>
 #include "gstcontext.h"
@@ -282,3 +283,79 @@ gst_context_is_persistent (const GstContext * context)
 
   return context->persistent;
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_context_ref:
+ * @context: the context to ref
+ *
+ * Convenience macro to increase the reference count of the context.
+ *
+ * Returns: @context (for convenience when doing assignments)
+ *
+ * Since: 1.2
+ */
+GstContext *
+gst_context_ref (GstContext * context)
+{
+  return (GstContext *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (context));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_context_unref:
+ * @context: the context to unref
+ *
+ * Convenience macro to decrease the reference count of the context, possibly
+ * freeing it.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.2
+ */
+void
+gst_context_unref (GstContext * context)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (context));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_context_copy:
+ * @context: the context to copy
+ *
+ * Creates a copy of the context. Returns a copy of the context.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @context.
+ *
+ * MT safe
+ *
+ * Since: 1.2
+ */
+GstContext *
+gst_context_copy (const GstContext * context)
+{
+  return
+      GST_CONTEXT_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST
+          (context)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_context_replace:
+ * @old_context: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstContext
+ *     to be replaced.
+ * @new_context: (allow-none) (transfer none): pointer to a #GstContext that will
+ *     replace the context pointed to by @old_context.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstContext to point to a different #GstContext. The
+ * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
+ * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
+ * context is unreffed, the new one is reffed).
+ *
+ * Either @new_context or the #GstContext pointed to by @old_context may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_context was different from @old_context
+ *
+ * Since: 1.2
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_context_replace (GstContext ** old_context, GstContext * new_context)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_context,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_context);
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstcontext.h b/gst/gstcontext.h
index 8fd70c9bfe..92d8502b83 100644
--- a/gst/gstcontext.h
+++ b/gst/gstcontext.h
@@ -45,29 +45,14 @@ GST_API GType _gst_context_type;
 GST_API
 GType           gst_context_get_type            (void);
 
-
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_context_ref:
- * @context: the context to ref
- *
- * Convenience macro to increase the reference count of the context.
- *
- * Returns: @context (for convenience when doing assignments)
- */
 static inline GstContext *
 gst_context_ref (GstContext * context)
 {
   return (GstContext *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (context));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_context_unref:
- * @context: the context to unref
- *
- * Convenience macro to decrease the reference count of the context, possibly
- * freeing it.
- */
 static inline void
 gst_context_unref (GstContext * context)
 {
@@ -75,21 +60,21 @@ gst_context_unref (GstContext * context)
 }
 
 /* copy context */
-/**
- * gst_context_copy:
- * @context: the context to copy
- *
- * Creates a copy of the context. Returns a copy of the context.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @context.
- *
- * MT safe
- */
 static inline GstContext *
 gst_context_copy (const GstContext * context)
 {
   return GST_CONTEXT_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (context)));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstContext * gst_context_ref    (GstContext * context);
+
+GST_API
+void         gst_context_unref  (GstContext * context);
+
+GST_API
+GstContext * gst_context_copy   (const GstContext * context);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /**
  * gst_context_is_writable:
@@ -111,27 +96,18 @@ gst_context_copy (const GstContext * context)
  * MT safe
  */
 #define         gst_context_make_writable(context)  GST_CONTEXT_CAST (gst_mini_object_make_writable (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (context)))
-/**
- * gst_context_replace:
- * @old_context: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstContext
- *     to be replaced.
- * @new_context: (allow-none) (transfer none): pointer to a #GstContext that will
- *     replace the context pointed to by @old_context.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstContext to point to a different #GstContext. The
- * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
- * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
- * context is unreffed, the new one is reffed).
- *
- * Either @new_context or the #GstContext pointed to by @old_context may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_context was different from @old_context
- */
+
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 static inline gboolean
 gst_context_replace (GstContext **old_context, GstContext *new_context)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_context, (GstMiniObject *) new_context);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+gboolean              gst_context_replace                  (GstContext ** old_context,
+                                                            GstContext * new_context);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 GST_API
 GstContext *          gst_context_new                      (const gchar * context_type,
diff --git a/gst/gstevent.c b/gst/gstevent.c
index 1f947440c9..036c4f4065 100644
--- a/gst/gstevent.c
+++ b/gst/gstevent.c
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@
  * ]|
  */
 
-
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 #include <string.h>             /* memcpy */
 
@@ -2387,3 +2387,125 @@ gst_event_parse_instant_rate_sync_time (GstEvent * event,
       running_time, GST_QUARK (UPSTREAM_RUNNING_TIME), GST_TYPE_CLOCK_TIME,
       upstream_running_time, NULL);
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_event_replace: (skip)
+ * @old_event: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
+ *     pointer to a #GstEvent to be replaced.
+ * @new_event: (allow-none) (transfer none): pointer to a #GstEvent that will
+ *     replace the event pointed to by @old_event.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstEvent to point to a different #GstEvent. The
+ * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
+ * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
+ * event is unreffed, the new one is reffed).
+ *
+ * Either @new_event or the #GstEvent pointed to by @old_event may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_event was different from @old_event
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_event_replace (GstEvent ** old_event, GstEvent * new_event)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_event,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_event);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_event_steal: (skip)
+ * @old_event: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
+ *     pointer to a #GstEvent to be stolen.
+ *
+ * Atomically replace the #GstEvent pointed to by @old_event with %NULL and
+ * return the original event.
+ *
+ * Returns: the #GstEvent that was in @old_event
+ */
+GstEvent *
+gst_event_steal (GstEvent ** old_event)
+{
+  return GST_EVENT_CAST (gst_mini_object_steal ((GstMiniObject **) old_event));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_event_take: (skip)
+ * @old_event: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
+ *     pointer to a #GstEvent to be stolen.
+ * @new_event: (allow-none) (transfer full): pointer to a #GstEvent that will
+ *     replace the event pointed to by @old_event.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstEvent to point to a different #GstEvent. This
+ * function is similar to gst_event_replace() except that it takes ownership of
+ * @new_event.
+ *
+ * Either @new_event or the #GstEvent pointed to by @old_event may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_event was different from @old_event
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_event_take (GstEvent ** old_event, GstEvent * new_event)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_event,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_event);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_event_ref: (skip)
+ * @event: The event to refcount
+ *
+ * Increase the refcount of this event.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): @event (for convenience when doing assignments)
+ */
+GstEvent *
+gst_event_ref (GstEvent * event)
+{
+  return (GstEvent *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (event));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_event_unref: (skip)
+ * @event: (transfer full): the event to refcount
+ *
+ * Decrease the refcount of an event, freeing it if the refcount reaches 0.
+ */
+void
+gst_event_unref (GstEvent * event)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (event));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_clear_event: (skip)
+ * @event_ptr: a pointer to a #GstEvent reference
+ *
+ * Clears a reference to a #GstEvent.
+ *
+ * @event_ptr must not be %NULL.
+ *
+ * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
+ * reference count of the event is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+void
+gst_clear_event (GstEvent ** event_ptr)
+{
+  gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) event_ptr);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_event_copy: (skip)
+ * @event: The event to copy
+ *
+ * Copy the event using the event specific copy function.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): the new event
+ */
+GstEvent *
+gst_event_copy (const GstEvent * event)
+{
+  return
+      GST_EVENT_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST
+          (event)));
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstevent.h b/gst/gstevent.h
index 603d6845b0..e036a34ad4 100644
--- a/gst/gstevent.h
+++ b/gst/gstevent.h
@@ -321,67 +321,37 @@ GST_API GType _gst_event_type;
  *     same as @ev
  */
 #define         gst_event_make_writable(ev)   GST_EVENT_CAST (gst_mini_object_make_writable (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (ev)))
-/**
- * gst_event_replace: (skip)
- * @old_event: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
- *     pointer to a #GstEvent to be replaced.
- * @new_event: (allow-none) (transfer none): pointer to a #GstEvent that will
- *     replace the event pointed to by @old_event.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstEvent to point to a different #GstEvent. The
- * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
- * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
- * event is unreffed, the new one is reffed).
- *
- * Either @new_event or the #GstEvent pointed to by @old_event may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_event was different from @old_event
- */
-static inline gboolean gst_event_replace(GstEvent** old_event, GstEvent* new_event);
+
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 static inline gboolean
 gst_event_replace(GstEvent** old_event, GstEvent* new_event)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_event, (GstMiniObject *) new_event);
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_event_steal: (skip)
- * @old_event: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
- *     pointer to a #GstEvent to be stolen.
- *
- * Atomically replace the #GstEvent pointed to by @old_event with %NULL and
- * return the original event.
- *
- * Returns: the #GstEvent that was in @old_event
- */
-static inline GstEvent* gst_event_steal(GstEvent** old_event);
 static inline GstEvent *
 gst_event_steal (GstEvent **old_event)
 {
   return GST_EVENT_CAST (gst_mini_object_steal ((GstMiniObject **) old_event));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_event_take: (skip)
- * @old_event: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
- *     pointer to a #GstEvent to be stolen.
- * @new_event: (allow-none) (transfer full): pointer to a #GstEvent that will
- *     replace the event pointed to by @old_event.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstEvent to point to a different #GstEvent. This
- * function is similar to gst_event_replace() except that it takes ownership of
- * @new_event.
- *
- * Either @new_event or the #GstEvent pointed to by @old_event may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_event was different from @old_event
- */
-static inline gboolean gst_event_take(GstEvent** old_event, GstEvent* new_event);
 static inline gboolean
 gst_event_take (GstEvent **old_event, GstEvent *new_event)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_event, (GstMiniObject *) new_event);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+gboolean    gst_event_replace (GstEvent ** old_event,
+                               GstEvent * new_event);
+
+GST_API
+GstEvent *  gst_event_steal   (GstEvent ** old_event);
+
+GST_API
+gboolean    gst_event_take    (GstEvent ** old_event,
+                               GstEvent *new_event);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /**
  * GstQOSType:
@@ -447,49 +417,20 @@ GST_API
 GstEventTypeFlags
                 gst_event_type_get_flags        (GstEventType type);
 
-
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_event_ref: (skip)
- * @event: The event to refcount
- *
- * Increase the refcount of this event.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): @event (for convenience when doing assignments)
- */
-static inline GstEvent* gst_event_ref(GstEvent* event);
 static inline GstEvent *
 gst_event_ref (GstEvent * event)
 {
   return (GstEvent *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (event));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_event_unref: (skip)
- * @event: (transfer full): the event to refcount
- *
- * Decrease the refcount of an event, freeing it if the refcount reaches 0.
- */
-static inline void gst_event_unref(GstEvent* event);
 static inline void
 gst_event_unref (GstEvent * event)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (event));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_clear_event: (skip)
- * @event_ptr: a pointer to a #GstEvent reference
- *
- * Clears a reference to a #GstEvent.
- *
- * @event_ptr must not be %NULL.
- *
- * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
- * reference count of the event is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline void
 gst_clear_event (GstEvent ** event_ptr)
 {
@@ -497,20 +438,24 @@ gst_clear_event (GstEvent ** event_ptr)
 }
 
 /* copy event */
-/**
- * gst_event_copy: (skip)
- * @event: The event to copy
- *
- * Copy the event using the event specific copy function.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): the new event
- */
-static inline GstEvent* gst_event_copy(const GstEvent* event);
 static inline GstEvent *
 gst_event_copy (const GstEvent * event)
 {
   return GST_EVENT_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (event)));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstEvent *      gst_event_ref                   (GstEvent * event);
+
+GST_API
+void            gst_event_unref                 (GstEvent * event);
+
+GST_API
+void            gst_clear_event                 (GstEvent ** event_ptr);
+
+GST_API
+GstEvent *      gst_event_copy                  (const GstEvent * event);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 GST_API
 GType           gst_event_get_type              (void);
diff --git a/gst/gstmemory.c b/gst/gstmemory.c
index 48464727fe..7005ad6cab 100644
--- a/gst/gstmemory.c
+++ b/gst/gstmemory.c
@@ -67,6 +67,7 @@
 #include "config.h"
 #endif
 
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 #include "gstmemory.h"
 
@@ -464,3 +465,29 @@ _priv_gst_memory_initialize (void)
 {
   _gst_memory_type = gst_memory_get_type ();
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_memory_ref: (skip)
+ * @memory: The memory to refcount
+ *
+ * Increase the refcount of this memory.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): @memory (for convenience when doing assignments)
+ */
+GstMemory *
+gst_memory_ref (GstMemory * memory)
+{
+  return (GstMemory *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (memory));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_memory_unref: (skip)
+ * @memory: (transfer full): the memory to refcount
+ *
+ * Decrease the refcount of a memory, freeing it if the refcount reaches 0.
+ */
+void
+gst_memory_unref (GstMemory * memory)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (memory));
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstmemory.h b/gst/gstmemory.h
index 63f9c8773b..cf84de28ad 100644
--- a/gst/gstmemory.h
+++ b/gst/gstmemory.h
@@ -323,34 +323,26 @@ void           gst_memory_init         (GstMemory *mem, GstMemoryFlags flags,
 GST_API
 gboolean       gst_memory_is_type      (GstMemory *mem, const gchar *mem_type);
 
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_memory_ref: (skip)
- * @memory: The memory to refcount
- *
- * Increase the refcount of this memory.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): @memory (for convenience when doing assignments)
- */
-static inline GstMemory* gst_memory_ref(GstMemory* memory);
 static inline GstMemory *
 gst_memory_ref (GstMemory * memory)
 {
   return (GstMemory *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (memory));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_memory_unref: (skip)
- * @memory: (transfer full): the memory to refcount
- *
- * Decrease the refcount of a memory, freeing it if the refcount reaches 0.
- */
-static inline void gst_memory_unref(GstMemory* memory);
 static inline void
 gst_memory_unref (GstMemory * memory)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (memory));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstMemory *    gst_memory_ref   (GstMemory * memory);
+
+GST_API
+void           gst_memory_unref (GstMemory * memory);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /* getting/setting memory properties */
 
diff --git a/gst/gstmessage.c b/gst/gstmessage.c
index d7fdc08e20..26cf379a99 100644
--- a/gst/gstmessage.c
+++ b/gst/gstmessage.c
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
  * container using gst_element_post_message().
  */
 
-
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 #include <string.h>             /* memcpy */
 #include "gsterror.h"
@@ -3324,3 +3324,112 @@ gst_message_parse_instant_rate_request (GstMessage * message,
   gst_structure_id_get (structure, GST_QUARK (RATE), G_TYPE_DOUBLE,
       rate_multiplier, NULL);
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_message_ref: (skip)
+ * @msg: the message to ref
+ *
+ * Convenience macro to increase the reference count of the message.
+ *
+ * Returns: @msg (for convenience when doing assignments)
+ */
+GstMessage *
+gst_message_ref (GstMessage * msg)
+{
+  return (GstMessage *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (msg));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_message_unref: (skip)
+ * @msg: the message to unref
+ *
+ * Convenience macro to decrease the reference count of the message, possibly
+ * freeing it.
+ */
+void
+gst_message_unref (GstMessage * msg)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (msg));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_clear_message: (skip)
+ * @msg_ptr: a pointer to a #GstMessage reference
+ *
+ * Clears a reference to a #GstMessage.
+ *
+ * @msg_ptr must not be %NULL.
+ *
+ * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
+ * reference count of the message is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+void
+gst_clear_message (GstMessage ** msg_ptr)
+{
+  gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) msg_ptr);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_message_copy: (skip)
+ * @msg: the message to copy
+ *
+ * Creates a copy of the message. Returns a copy of the message.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @msg.
+ *
+ * MT safe
+ */
+GstMessage *
+gst_message_copy (const GstMessage * msg)
+{
+  return
+      GST_MESSAGE_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST
+          (msg)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_message_replace: (skip)
+ * @old_message: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
+ *     pointer to a #GstMessage to be replaced.
+ * @new_message: (allow-none) (transfer none): pointer to a #GstMessage that will
+ *     replace the message pointed to by @old_message.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstMessage to point to a different #GstMessage. The
+ * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
+ * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
+ * message is unreffed, the new one is reffed).
+ *
+ * Either @new_message or the #GstMessage pointed to by @old_message may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_message was different from @old_message
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_message_replace (GstMessage ** old_message, GstMessage * new_message)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_message,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_message);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_message_take:
+ * @old_message: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstMessage
+ *     to be replaced.
+ * @new_message: (transfer full) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstMessage that
+ *     will replace the message pointed to by @old_message.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstMessage to point to a different #GstMessage. This
+ * function is similar to gst_message_replace() except that it takes ownership
+ * of @new_message.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_message was different from @old_message
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_message_take (GstMessage ** old_message, GstMessage * new_message)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_message,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_message);
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstmessage.h b/gst/gstmessage.h
index 3b321b919e..ea3f49fea6 100644
--- a/gst/gstmessage.h
+++ b/gst/gstmessage.h
@@ -360,49 +360,20 @@ const gchar*    gst_message_type_get_name       (GstMessageType type);
 GST_API
 GQuark          gst_message_type_to_quark       (GstMessageType type);
 
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_message_ref: (skip)
- * @msg: the message to ref
- *
- * Convenience macro to increase the reference count of the message.
- *
- * Returns: @msg (for convenience when doing assignments)
- */
-static inline GstMessage * gst_message_ref (GstMessage * msg);
 static inline GstMessage *
 gst_message_ref (GstMessage * msg)
 {
   return (GstMessage *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (msg));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_message_unref: (skip)
- * @msg: the message to unref
- *
- * Convenience macro to decrease the reference count of the message, possibly
- * freeing it.
- */
-static inline void gst_message_unref (GstMessage * msg);
 static inline void
 gst_message_unref (GstMessage * msg)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (msg));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_clear_message: (skip)
- * @msg_ptr: a pointer to a #GstMessage reference
- *
- * Clears a reference to a #GstMessage.
- *
- * @msg_ptr must not be %NULL.
- *
- * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
- * reference count of the message is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline void
 gst_clear_message (GstMessage ** msg_ptr)
 {
@@ -410,22 +381,25 @@ gst_clear_message (GstMessage ** msg_ptr)
 }
 
 /* copy message */
-/**
- * gst_message_copy: (skip)
- * @msg: the message to copy
- *
- * Creates a copy of the message. Returns a copy of the message.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @msg.
- *
- * MT safe
- */
 static inline GstMessage * gst_message_copy (const GstMessage * msg);
 static inline GstMessage *
 gst_message_copy (const GstMessage * msg)
 {
   return GST_MESSAGE_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (msg)));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstMessage *  gst_message_ref   (GstMessage * msg);
+
+GST_API
+void          gst_message_unref (GstMessage * msg);
+
+GST_API
+void          gst_clear_message (GstMessage ** msg_ptr);
+
+GST_API
+GstMessage *  gst_message_copy  (const GstMessage * msg);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /**
  * gst_message_is_writable:
@@ -447,22 +421,8 @@ gst_message_copy (const GstMessage * msg)
  * MT safe
  */
 #define         gst_message_make_writable(msg)  GST_MESSAGE_CAST (gst_mini_object_make_writable (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (msg)))
-/**
- * gst_message_replace: (skip)
- * @old_message: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
- *     pointer to a #GstMessage to be replaced.
- * @new_message: (allow-none) (transfer none): pointer to a #GstMessage that will
- *     replace the message pointed to by @old_message.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstMessage to point to a different #GstMessage. The
- * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
- * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
- * message is unreffed, the new one is reffed).
- *
- * Either @new_message or the #GstMessage pointed to by @old_message may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_message was different from @old_message
- */
+
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 static inline gboolean gst_message_replace (GstMessage **old_message, GstMessage *new_message);
 static inline gboolean
 gst_message_replace (GstMessage **old_message, GstMessage *new_message)
@@ -470,28 +430,21 @@ gst_message_replace (GstMessage **old_message, GstMessage *new_message)
   return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_message, (GstMiniObject *) new_message);
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_message_take:
- * @old_message: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstMessage
- *     to be replaced.
- * @new_message: (transfer full) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstMessage that
- *     will replace the message pointed to by @old_message.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstMessage to point to a different #GstMessage. This
- * function is similar to gst_message_replace() except that it takes ownership
- * of @new_message.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_message was different from @old_message
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline gboolean
 gst_message_take (GstMessage **old_message, GstMessage *new_message)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_message,
       (GstMiniObject *) new_message);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+gboolean  gst_message_replace                   (GstMessage ** old_message,
+                                                 GstMessage * new_message);
 
+GST_API
+gboolean  gst_message_take                      (GstMessage ** old_message,
+                                                 GstMessage * new_message);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /* custom messages */
 
diff --git a/gst/gstpromise.c b/gst/gstpromise.c
index f0265d76f3..afcda18a60 100644
--- a/gst/gstpromise.c
+++ b/gst/gstpromise.c
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 # include "config.h"
 #endif
 
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 
 #include "gstpromise.h"
@@ -408,3 +409,34 @@ gst_promise_new_with_change_func (GstPromiseChangeFunc func, gpointer user_data,
 }
 
 GST_DEFINE_MINI_OBJECT_TYPE (GstPromise, gst_promise);
+
+/**
+ * gst_promise_ref:
+ * @promise: a #GstPromise.
+ *
+ * Increases the refcount of the given @promise by one.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): @promise
+ *
+ * Since: 1.14
+ */
+GstPromise *
+gst_promise_ref (GstPromise * promise)
+{
+  return (GstPromise *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (promise));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_promise_unref:
+ * @promise: (transfer full): a #GstPromise.
+ *
+ * Decreases the refcount of the promise. If the refcount reaches 0, the
+ * promise will be freed.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.14
+ */
+void
+gst_promise_unref (GstPromise * promise)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (promise));
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstpromise.h b/gst/gstpromise.h
index 1e9009b25f..b9ea6bae91 100644
--- a/gst/gstpromise.h
+++ b/gst/gstpromise.h
@@ -93,36 +93,25 @@ void                    gst_promise_expire                  (GstPromise * promis
 GST_API
 const GstStructure *    gst_promise_get_reply               (GstPromise * promise);
 
-/**
- * gst_promise_ref:
- * @promise: a #GstPromise.
- *
- * Increases the refcount of the given @promise by one.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): @promise
- *
- * Since: 1.14
- */
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 static inline GstPromise *
 gst_promise_ref (GstPromise * promise)
 {
   return (GstPromise *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (promise));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_promise_unref:
- * @promise: (transfer full): a #GstPromise.
- *
- * Decreases the refcount of the promise. If the refcount reaches 0, the
- * promise will be freed.
- *
- * Since: 1.14
- */
 static inline void
 gst_promise_unref (GstPromise * promise)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (promise));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstPromise *  gst_promise_ref (GstPromise * promise);
+
+GST_API
+void          gst_promise_unref (GstPromise * promise);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 G_DEFINE_AUTOPTR_CLEANUP_FUNC(GstPromise, gst_promise_unref)
 
diff --git a/gst/gstquery.c b/gst/gstquery.c
index 1a82747731..db3586ca14 100644
--- a/gst/gstquery.c
+++ b/gst/gstquery.c
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
  * ]|
  */
 
-
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 #include "gstinfo.h"
 #include "gstquery.h"
@@ -2727,3 +2727,112 @@ gst_query_parse_bitrate (GstQuery * query, guint * nominal_bitrate)
     *nominal_bitrate = g_value_get_uint (value);
   }
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_query_ref:
+ * @q: a #GstQuery to increase the refcount of.
+ *
+ * Increases the refcount of the given query by one.
+ *
+ * Returns: @q
+ */
+GstQuery *
+gst_query_ref (GstQuery * q)
+{
+  return GST_QUERY_CAST (gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (q)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_query_unref: (skip)
+ * @q: a #GstQuery to decrease the refcount of.
+ *
+ * Decreases the refcount of the query. If the refcount reaches 0, the query
+ * will be freed.
+ */
+void
+gst_query_unref (GstQuery * q)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (q));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_clear_query: (skip)
+ * @query_ptr: a pointer to a #GstQuery reference
+ *
+ * Clears a reference to a #GstQuery.
+ *
+ * @query_ptr must not be %NULL.
+ *
+ * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
+ * reference count of the query is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+void
+gst_clear_query (GstQuery ** query_ptr)
+{
+  gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) query_ptr);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_query_copy: (skip)
+ * @q: a #GstQuery to copy.
+ *
+ * Copies the given query using the copy function of the parent #GstStructure.
+ *
+ * Free-function: gst_query_unref
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @q.
+ */
+GstQuery *
+gst_query_copy (const GstQuery * q)
+{
+  return GST_QUERY_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (q)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_query_replace: (skip)
+ * @old_query: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer to a
+ *     #GstQuery to be replaced.
+ * @new_query: (allow-none) (transfer none): pointer to a #GstQuery that will
+ *     replace the query pointed to by @old_query.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstQuery to point to a different #GstQuery. The
+ * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
+ * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
+ * query is unreffed, the new one is reffed).
+ *
+ * Either @new_query or the #GstQuery pointed to by @old_query may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_query was different from @old_query
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_query_replace (GstQuery ** old_query, GstQuery * new_query)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_query,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_query);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_query_take:
+ * @old_query: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
+ *     pointer to a #GstQuery to be stolen.
+ * @new_query: (allow-none) (transfer full): pointer to a #GstQuery that will
+ *     replace the query pointed to by @old_query.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstQuery to point to a different #GstQuery. This
+ * function is similar to gst_query_replace() except that it takes ownership of
+ * @new_query.
+ *
+ * Either @new_query or the #GstQuery pointed to by @old_query may be %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_query was different from @old_query
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_query_take (GstQuery ** old_query, GstQuery * new_query)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_query,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_query);
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstquery.h b/gst/gstquery.h
index 9b7eb7f193..949e30aeed 100644
--- a/gst/gstquery.h
+++ b/gst/gstquery.h
@@ -228,48 +228,20 @@ GstQueryTypeFlags
 GST_API
 GType           gst_query_get_type             (void);
 
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_query_ref:
- * @q: a #GstQuery to increase the refcount of.
- *
- * Increases the refcount of the given query by one.
- *
- * Returns: @q
- */
 static inline GstQuery *
 gst_query_ref (GstQuery * q)
 {
   return GST_QUERY_CAST (gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (q)));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_query_unref: (skip)
- * @q: a #GstQuery to decrease the refcount of.
- *
- * Decreases the refcount of the query. If the refcount reaches 0, the query
- * will be freed.
- */
-static inline void gst_query_unref(GstQuery* q);
 static inline void
 gst_query_unref (GstQuery * q)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (q));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_clear_query: (skip)
- * @query_ptr: a pointer to a #GstQuery reference
- *
- * Clears a reference to a #GstQuery.
- *
- * @query_ptr must not be %NULL.
- *
- * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
- * reference count of the query is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline void
 gst_clear_query (GstQuery ** query_ptr)
 {
@@ -277,22 +249,24 @@ gst_clear_query (GstQuery ** query_ptr)
 }
 
 /* copy query */
-/**
- * gst_query_copy: (skip)
- * @q: a #GstQuery to copy.
- *
- * Copies the given query using the copy function of the parent #GstStructure.
- *
- * Free-function: gst_query_unref
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @q.
- */
-static inline GstQuery* gst_query_copy(const GstQuery* q);
 static inline GstQuery *
 gst_query_copy (const GstQuery * q)
 {
   return GST_QUERY_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (q)));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstQuery *  gst_query_ref   (GstQuery * q);
+
+GST_API
+void        gst_query_unref (GstQuery * q);
+
+GST_API
+void        gst_clear_query (GstQuery ** query_ptr);
+
+GST_API
+GstQuery *  gst_query_copy  (const GstQuery * q);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /**
  * gst_query_is_writable:
@@ -310,52 +284,29 @@ gst_query_copy (const GstQuery * q)
  * Returns: (transfer full): a new writable query (possibly same as @q)
  */
 #define         gst_query_make_writable(q)      GST_QUERY_CAST (gst_mini_object_make_writable (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (q)))
-/**
- * gst_query_replace: (skip)
- * @old_query: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer to a
- *     #GstQuery to be replaced.
- * @new_query: (allow-none) (transfer none): pointer to a #GstQuery that will
- *     replace the query pointed to by @old_query.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstQuery to point to a different #GstQuery. The
- * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread safety
- * in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately (the old
- * query is unreffed, the new one is reffed).
- *
- * Either @new_query or the #GstQuery pointed to by @old_query may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_query was different from @old_query
- */
-static inline gboolean gst_query_replace(GstQuery** old_query, GstQuery* new_query);
+
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 static inline gboolean
 gst_query_replace (GstQuery **old_query, GstQuery *new_query)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_query, (GstMiniObject *) new_query);
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_query_take:
- * @old_query: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a
- *     pointer to a #GstQuery to be stolen.
- * @new_query: (allow-none) (transfer full): pointer to a #GstQuery that will
- *     replace the query pointed to by @old_query.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstQuery to point to a different #GstQuery. This
- * function is similar to gst_query_replace() except that it takes ownership of
- * @new_query.
- *
- * Either @new_query or the #GstQuery pointed to by @old_query may be %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_query was different from @old_query
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline gboolean
 gst_query_take (GstQuery **old_query, GstQuery *new_query)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_query,
       (GstMiniObject *) new_query);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+gboolean        gst_query_replace               (GstQuery ** old_query,
+                                                 GstQuery * new_query);
+
+GST_API
+gboolean        gst_query_take                  (GstQuery ** old_query,
+                                                 GstQuery * new_query);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /* application specific query */
 
diff --git a/gst/gstsample.c b/gst/gstsample.c
index 627ea07a66..57a328557d 100644
--- a/gst/gstsample.c
+++ b/gst/gstsample.c
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@
  * A #GstSample is a small object containing data, a type, timing and
  * extra arbitrary information.
  */
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 
 #include "gstsample.h"
@@ -432,3 +433,48 @@ had_parent:
   g_warning ("structure is already owned by another object");
   return FALSE;
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_sample_ref: (skip)
+ * @sample: a #GstSample
+ *
+ * Increases the refcount of the given sample by one.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): @sample
+ */
+GstSample *
+gst_sample_ref (GstSample * sample)
+{
+  return GST_SAMPLE_CAST (gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (sample)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_sample_unref: (skip)
+ * @sample: (transfer full): a #GstSample
+ *
+ * Decreases the refcount of the sample. If the refcount reaches 0, the
+ * sample will be freed.
+ */
+void
+gst_sample_unref (GstSample * sample)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (sample));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_sample_copy: (skip)
+ * @buf: a #GstSample.
+ *
+ * Create a copy of the given sample. This will also make a newly allocated
+ * copy of the data the source sample contains.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @buf.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.2
+ */
+GstSample *
+gst_sample_copy (const GstSample * buf)
+{
+  return
+      GST_SAMPLE_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (buf)));
+}
diff --git a/gst/gstsample.h b/gst/gstsample.h
index f2599657e0..e3023b097c 100644
--- a/gst/gstsample.h
+++ b/gst/gstsample.h
@@ -87,16 +87,8 @@ void                 gst_sample_set_segment   (GstSample * sample, const GstSegm
 GST_API
 gboolean             gst_sample_set_info      (GstSample *sample, GstStructure *info);
 
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_sample_ref: (skip)
- * @sample: a #GstSample
- *
- * Increases the refcount of the given sample by one.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): @sample
- */
-static inline GstSample* gst_sample_ref(GstSample* sample);
 static inline GstSample *
 gst_sample_ref (GstSample * sample)
 {
@@ -104,19 +96,18 @@ gst_sample_ref (GstSample * sample)
       sample)));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_sample_unref: (skip)
- * @sample: (transfer full): a #GstSample
- *
- * Decreases the refcount of the sample. If the refcount reaches 0, the
- * sample will be freed.
- */
-static inline void gst_sample_unref(GstSample* sample);
 static inline void
 gst_sample_unref (GstSample * sample)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (sample));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstSample * gst_sample_ref    (GstSample * sample);
+
+GST_API
+void        gst_sample_unref  (GstSample * sample);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /**
  * gst_sample_is_writable:
@@ -156,25 +147,17 @@ gst_sample_unref (GstSample * sample)
  */
 #define         gst_sample_make_writable(sample)   GST_SAMPLE_CAST (gst_mini_object_make_writable (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (sample)))
 
-
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* copy sample */
-/**
- * gst_sample_copy: (skip)
- * @buf: a #GstSample.
- *
- * Create a copy of the given sample. This will also make a newly allocated
- * copy of the data the source sample contains.
- *
- * Returns: (transfer full): a new copy of @buf.
- *
- * Since: 1.2
- */
-static inline GstSample* gst_sample_copy(const GstSample* buf);
 static inline GstSample *
 gst_sample_copy (const GstSample * buf)
 {
   return GST_SAMPLE_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (buf)));
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstSample *   gst_sample_copy(const GstSample * buf);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 /**
  * gst_value_set_sample:
diff --git a/gst/gsttaglist.c b/gst/gsttaglist.c
index 9a487a4c5e..fedfc37309 100644
--- a/gst/gsttaglist.c
+++ b/gst/gsttaglist.c
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@
 #  include "config.h"
 #endif
 
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 #include "math-compat.h"
 #include "gst-i18n-lib.h"
@@ -2083,3 +2084,102 @@ GstTagList *(gst_tag_list_copy) (const GstTagList * taglist)
 {
   return GST_TAG_LIST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (taglist)));
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_tag_list_ref: (skip)
+ * @taglist: the #GstTagList to reference
+ *
+ * Add a reference to a #GstTagList mini object.
+ *
+ * From this point on, until the caller calls gst_tag_list_unref() or
+ * gst_tag_list_make_writable(), it is guaranteed that the taglist object will
+ * not change. To use a #GstTagList object, you must always have a refcount on
+ * it -- either the one made implicitly by e.g. gst_tag_list_new(), or via
+ * taking one explicitly with this function.
+ *
+ * Returns: the same #GstTagList mini object.
+ */
+GstTagList *
+gst_tag_list_ref (GstTagList * taglist)
+{
+  return (GstTagList *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (taglist));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_tag_list_unref: (skip)
+ * @taglist: a #GstTagList.
+ *
+ * Unref a #GstTagList, and and free all its memory when the refcount reaches 0.
+ */
+void
+gst_tag_list_unref (GstTagList * taglist)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (taglist));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_clear_tag_list: (skip)
+ * @taglist_ptr: a pointer to a #GstTagList reference
+ *
+ * Clears a reference to a #GstTagList.
+ *
+ * @taglist_ptr must not be %NULL.
+ *
+ * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
+ * reference count of the taglist is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+void
+gst_clear_tag_list (GstTagList ** taglist_ptr)
+{
+  gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) taglist_ptr);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_tag_list_replace:
+ * @old_taglist: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer to a
+ *     #GstTagList to be replaced.
+ * @new_taglist: (transfer none) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstTagList that
+ *     will replace the tag list pointed to by @old_taglist.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstTagList to point to a different #GstTagList. The
+ * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread
+ * safety in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately
+ * (the old tag list is unreffed, the new is reffed).
+ *
+ * Either @new_taglist or the #GstTagList pointed to by @old_taglist may be
+ * %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_taglist was different from @old_taglist
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_tag_list_replace (GstTagList ** old_taglist, GstTagList * new_taglist)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_replace ((GstMiniObject **) old_taglist,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_taglist);
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_tag_list_take:
+ * @old_taglist: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstTagList
+ *     to be replaced.
+ * @new_taglist: (transfer full) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstTagList that
+ *     will replace the taglist pointed to by @old_taglist.
+ *
+ * Modifies a pointer to a #GstTagList to point to a different #GstTagList.
+ * This function is similar to gst_tag_list_replace() except that it takes
+ * ownership of @new_taglist.
+ *
+ * Returns: %TRUE if @new_taglist was different from @old_taglist
+ *
+ * Since: 1.16
+ */
+gboolean
+gst_tag_list_take (GstTagList ** old_taglist, GstTagList * new_taglist)
+{
+  return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_taglist,
+      (GstMiniObject *) new_taglist);
+}
diff --git a/gst/gsttaglist.h b/gst/gsttaglist.h
index 1207ba6072..2df43c7254 100644
--- a/gst/gsttaglist.h
+++ b/gst/gsttaglist.h
@@ -399,84 +399,42 @@ gboolean     gst_tag_list_get_sample_index  (const GstTagList * list,
                                              guint              index,
                                              GstSample       ** sample);
 
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /* refcounting */
-/**
- * gst_tag_list_ref: (skip)
- * @taglist: the #GstTagList to reference
- *
- * Add a reference to a #GstTagList mini object.
- *
- * From this point on, until the caller calls gst_tag_list_unref() or
- * gst_tag_list_make_writable(), it is guaranteed that the taglist object will
- * not change. To use a #GstTagList object, you must always have a refcount on
- * it -- either the one made implicitly by e.g. gst_tag_list_new(), or via
- * taking one explicitly with this function.
- *
- * Returns: the same #GstTagList mini object.
- */
-static inline GstTagList* gst_tag_list_ref(GstTagList* taglist);
 static inline GstTagList *
 gst_tag_list_ref (GstTagList * taglist)
 {
   return (GstTagList *) gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (taglist));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_tag_list_unref: (skip)
- * @taglist: a #GstTagList.
- *
- * Unref a #GstTagList, and and free all its memory when the refcount reaches 0.
- */
-static inline void gst_tag_list_unref(GstTagList* taglist);
 static inline void
 gst_tag_list_unref (GstTagList * taglist)
 {
   gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (taglist));
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_clear_tag_list: (skip)
- * @taglist_ptr: a pointer to a #GstTagList reference
- *
- * Clears a reference to a #GstTagList.
- *
- * @taglist_ptr must not be %NULL.
- *
- * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
- * reference count of the taglist is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline void
 gst_clear_tag_list (GstTagList ** taglist_ptr)
 {
   gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) taglist_ptr);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstTagList *  gst_tag_list_ref   (GstTagList * taglist);
+
+GST_API
+void          gst_tag_list_unref (GstTagList * taglist);
+
+GST_API
+void          gst_clear_tag_list (GstTagList ** taglist_ptr);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 GST_API
 GstTagList* gst_tag_list_copy(const GstTagList* taglist);
 
 #define gst_tag_list_copy(taglist) GST_TAG_LIST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (taglist)))
 
-/**
- * gst_tag_list_replace:
- * @old_taglist: (inout) (transfer full) (nullable): pointer to a pointer to a
- *     #GstTagList to be replaced.
- * @new_taglist: (transfer none) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstTagList that
- *     will replace the tag list pointed to by @old_taglist.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstTagList to point to a different #GstTagList. The
- * modification is done atomically (so this is useful for ensuring thread
- * safety in some cases), and the reference counts are updated appropriately
- * (the old tag list is unreffed, the new is reffed).
- *
- * Either @new_taglist or the #GstTagList pointed to by @old_taglist may be
- * %NULL.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_taglist was different from @old_taglist
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 static inline gboolean
 gst_tag_list_replace (GstTagList **old_taglist, GstTagList *new_taglist)
 {
@@ -484,27 +442,21 @@ gst_tag_list_replace (GstTagList **old_taglist, GstTagList *new_taglist)
         (GstMiniObject *) new_taglist);
 }
 
-/**
- * gst_tag_list_take:
- * @old_taglist: (inout) (transfer full): pointer to a pointer to a #GstTagList
- *     to be replaced.
- * @new_taglist: (transfer full) (allow-none): pointer to a #GstTagList that
- *     will replace the taglist pointed to by @old_taglist.
- *
- * Modifies a pointer to a #GstTagList to point to a different #GstTagList.
- * This function is similar to gst_tag_list_replace() except that it takes
- * ownership of @new_taglist.
- *
- * Returns: %TRUE if @new_taglist was different from @old_taglist
- *
- * Since: 1.16
- */
 static inline gboolean
 gst_tag_list_take (GstTagList **old_taglist, GstTagList *new_taglist)
 {
   return gst_mini_object_take ((GstMiniObject **) old_taglist,
       (GstMiniObject *) new_taglist);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+gboolean  gst_tag_list_replace (GstTagList ** old_taglist,
+                                GstTagList * new_taglist);
+
+GST_API
+gboolean  gst_tag_list_take    (GstTagList ** old_taglist,
+                                GstTagList * new_taglist);
+#endif
 
 /**
  * gst_tag_list_is_writable:
diff --git a/gst/gsturi.c b/gst/gsturi.c
index 6f445604a6..aea1534f8a 100644
--- a/gst/gsturi.c
+++ b/gst/gsturi.c
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@
 #  include "config.h"
 #endif
 
+#define GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 #include "gst_private.h"
 #include "gst.h"
 #include "gsturi.h"
@@ -2874,3 +2875,75 @@ gst_uri_get_media_fragment_table (const GstUri * uri)
     return NULL;
   return _gst_uri_string_to_table (uri->fragment, "&", "=", TRUE, TRUE);
 }
+
+/**
+ * gst_uri_copy:
+ * @uri: This #GstUri object.
+ *
+ * Create a new #GstUri object with the same data as this #GstUri object.
+ * If @uri is %NULL then returns %NULL.
+ *
+ * Returns: (transfer full): A new #GstUri object which is a copy of this
+ *          #GstUri or %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.6
+ */
+GstUri *
+gst_uri_copy (const GstUri * uri)
+{
+  return GST_URI_CAST (gst_mini_object_copy (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CONST_CAST (uri)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_uri_ref:
+ * @uri: (transfer none): This #GstUri object.
+ *
+ * Add a reference to this #GstUri object. See gst_mini_object_ref() for further
+ * info.
+ *
+ * Returns: This object with the reference count incremented.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.6
+ */
+GstUri *
+gst_uri_ref (GstUri * uri)
+{
+  return GST_URI_CAST (gst_mini_object_ref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (uri)));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_uri_unref:
+ * @uri: (transfer full): This #GstUri object.
+ *
+ * Decrement the reference count to this #GstUri object.
+ *
+ * If the reference count drops to 0 then finalize this object.
+ *
+ * See gst_mini_object_unref() for further info.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.6
+ */
+void
+gst_uri_unref (GstUri * uri)
+{
+  gst_mini_object_unref (GST_MINI_OBJECT_CAST (uri));
+}
+
+/**
+ * gst_clear_uri: (skip)
+ * @uri_ptr: a pointer to a #GstUri reference
+ *
+ * Clears a reference to a #GstUri.
+ *
+ * @uri_ptr must not be %NULL.
+ *
+ * If the reference is %NULL then this function does nothing. Otherwise, the
+ * reference count of the uri is decreased and the pointer is set to %NULL.
+ *
+ * Since: 1.18
+ */
+void
+gst_clear_uri (GstUri ** uri_ptr)
+{
+  gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) uri_ptr);
+}
diff --git a/gst/gsturi.h b/gst/gsturi.h
index 6f8afed7ea..4a6f1b0133 100644
--- a/gst/gsturi.h
+++ b/gst/gsturi.h
@@ -351,6 +351,7 @@ gboolean gst_uri_set_fragment          (GstUri * uri, const gchar * fragment);
 GST_API
 GHashTable * gst_uri_get_media_fragment_table  (const GstUri * uri);
 
+#ifndef GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS
 /**
  * gst_uri_copy:
  * @uri: This #GstUri object.
@@ -416,6 +417,19 @@ gst_clear_uri (GstUri ** uri_ptr)
 {
   gst_clear_mini_object ((GstMiniObject **) uri_ptr);
 }
+#else /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
+GST_API
+GstUri * gst_uri_copy  (const GstUri * uri);
+
+GST_API
+GstUri * gst_uri_ref   (GstUri * uri);
+
+GST_API
+void     gst_uri_unref (GstUri * uri);
+
+GST_API
+void     gst_clear_uri (GstUri ** uri_ptr);
+#endif /* GST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS */
 
 G_DEFINE_AUTOPTR_CLEANUP_FUNC(GstUri, gst_uri_unref)
 
diff --git a/gst/meson.build b/gst/meson.build
index 15475e5f79..28c1d83e4b 100644
--- a/gst/meson.build
+++ b/gst/meson.build
@@ -266,6 +266,7 @@ if build_gir
     gst_gir_extra_args += ['--cflags-begin',
       '-I' + meson.current_source_dir() + '/..',
       '-I' + meson.current_build_dir() + '/..',
+      '-DGST_DISABLE_MINIOBJECT_INLINE_FUNCTIONS',
       '--cflags-end']
   endif