Shotstack
Cloud video editing API for programmatic video generation and automation at scale
About Shotstack
Shotstack is a cloud-based video editing API that lets developers create, edit, and render videos programmatically. Build video templates in a browser-based editor or define everything in code, then feed in data via CSV or API to generate thousands of personalized videos at scale. Shotstack handles timeline management, clips, overlays, audio, transitions, and includes generative AI for creating scenes, images, and audio from text prompts. With a white-label editor SDK, pay-as-you-go pricing, and renders up to 1080p (4K on enterprise), it powers video automation for marketing, e-commerce, real estate, and content creation workflows.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful API for true programmatic video generation at scale
- Free tier to test with 10 credits — no commitment required
- Flexible pricing: pay-as-you-go or subscription with rollover credits
- White-label editor SDK for embedding into your own products
- Generative AI for automated scene and asset creation
- Well-documented API with developer sandbox for testing
Cons
- Credit-based pricing can get expensive for high-volume usage
- 4K resolution only available on High Volume enterprise plan
- Requires developer skills — not a consumer-friendly video editor
- Free tier limited to 10 credits with 30-day expiry
- Pay-as-you-go rate ($0.30/min) is higher than subscription rate
Key Features
Video Editing API
Programmatic control of timeline, clips, overlays, audio, transitions, and effects via REST API
Template System
Create reusable video templates for generating endless personalized variations from a single design
Batch Rendering
Generate thousands of videos at once by feeding data via CSV or API into templates
Generative AI
Generate scenes, images, and audio assets for videos using text prompts powered by AI
White-Label Editor
Embed a customizable video editor SDK into your own application with your branding
Cloud Rendering
Industry-leading render speeds with up to 3-hour video length and 1080p/4K output
Data-Driven Videos
Merge dynamic data (names, prices, images) into video templates for personalized content
Developer Sandbox
Test and preview videos in a sandbox environment before deploying to production
Pricing
- 10 free credits (1 credit = 1 min video)
- Valid for 30 days
- All standard features included
- 1080p resolution
- Developer sandbox
- Buy 25 to 10,000 credits at once
- Credits valid for 1 year
- White-label video editor SDK
- 1080p resolution
- Email support
- 200 credits per month ($0.20/min)
- Scale up to 25,000 credits/month
- Roll over up to 3x monthly allowance
- White-label video editor SDK
- Upgrade or downgrade anytime
- 50,000+ minutes per year
- Guaranteed best price
- 4K resolution
- Dedicated support with 4-hour SLA
- Flexible contract terms