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Video Technology
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2026
October 29, 2026
How to convert MOV to MP4 with the Shotstack Ingest API in Python
Convert MOV to MP4 with the Shotstack Ingest API in Python. We tested iPhone HEVC, H.264, WebM and MKV files and show what each MP4 contains.
October 28, 2026
Video bitrate guide: what to render for 1080p, 4K and the web
What video bitrate is, how it sets file size, the 1080p and 4K targets YouTube and Vimeo publish, and the measured bitrate of every Shotstack quality preset.
October 26, 2026
FFmpeg codecs explained: H.264, H.265, VP9 and AV1 for MP4, WebM, MOV
A developer reference mapping H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1 and ProRes to their FFmpeg encoders, CLI flags and MP4, WebM and MOV container rules, with commands.
October 26, 2026
Video sizes and aspect ratios by platform (updated)
Video sizes and aspect ratios for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Pinterest from their own docs, with the Shotstack output for each.
April 29, 2026
FFmpeg vs Video API: A Developer's Decision Guide
Video API vs FFmpeg: a technical guide on when to use each, with real code examples, production architecture comparisons, and a clear decision framework.
April 15, 2026
How to Build an AI Video Agent
Learn how to build an AI video agent in Python using Claude and the Shotstack API. Full working code: tool schema, agent loop, render function, and example interactions.
April 14, 2026
How an Agentic Video Editing Pipeline Works
Learn how an agentic video editing pipeline works: the four layers, how they connect, why rendering is the hardest part, and where the architecture is heading.
April 13, 2026
How to Build an OpenClaw Skill for Video Generation (Step-by-Step)
Learn how to build an OpenClaw skill for video generation using the Shotstack API. Includes the full SKILL.md, render script, and Telegram setup.
March 16, 2026
12 Best Video Automation Software in 2026
The best video automation software for 2026 — API tools, no-code platforms, and AI generators compared by use case, pricing, and scalability.
March 12, 2026
FFmpeg CRF: Constant Rate Factor Explained
Understand FFmpeg CRF encoding: how the quality scale works, which CRF values to use for different content, and practical commands for H.264, H.265, and VP9.
February 26, 2026
8 Best Personalized Video Software & Tools (2026 Buyer's Guide)
Compare the 8 best personalized video software platforms in 2026 — from enterprise tools like Idomoo and SundaySky to scalable APIs like Shotstack.
February 19, 2026
Localized Video: Strategy, Tools, and Automation
Manual editing is slow and costly. Discover how to scale your global reach and automate localized video creation using API tools like Shotstack.
2025
December 16, 2025
Data driven personalization: Moving beyond “Hi [Name]” emails
Data driven personalization is evolving. Learn how to use video APIs to generate unique, hyper-relevant video narratives for every user at scale.
November 20, 2025
8 best AI tools for YouTube automation in 2026
Discover the 8 best AI tools for YouTube automation in 2026. Learn how to scale your channel using ChatGPT, ElevenLabs, and Shotstack's automated editing API.
October 17, 2025
7 best AI video generator APIs
Discover the best AI video generator APIs in 2025. Our deep-dive comparison covers features, pricing, and use cases.
September 12, 2025
What is a video API?
A complete guide to understanding video APIs. Learn what they are, how they work, the main types, and how to choose the right one for your application.
February 18, 2025
Use FFmpeg to crop videos
Crop videos using FFmpeg and compare it with Shotstack, a cloud-based video editing API that simplifies video processing and delivery at scale.
February 6, 2025
Top 10 video editing automation tools and platforms (2025)
Automated video editors and tools in 2025: compare the top tools and APIs, key features, pros/cons, and when to use an AI editor vs a programmable pipeline.
2024
July 10, 2024
Use FFmpeg to speed up and slow down videos
Use FFmpeg to speed up and slow down videos
July 3, 2024
Use FFmpeg to blur videos
How to use FFmpeg to add blur effect to videos
March 26, 2024
Use FFmpeg to extract frames from video
Learn how to extract frames from a video using FFmpeg. Extract the first frame, a specific frame or a sequence of frames and save them as images.
March 22, 2024
Generate audio waveform videos using FFmpeg
Learn how to use FFmpeg to generate audio waveform videos, how to style them and create different visual effects and patterns
February 5, 2024
How to use FFmpeg: Installation, commands & examples
How to use FFmpeg with real examples; installation plus copy-paste commands for convert, compress (CRF), trim, concat, audio, subtitles, GIF, speed and more.
February 2, 2024
The best stock image and video footage APIs (2024)
The best stock image and video footage APIs 2024 reviewed for quality, size, pricing, licensing, documentation and eas of use
January 2, 2024
How to compress video using FFmpeg
How to compress and reduce video file size using FFmpeg by adjusting codecs, resolution, bitrate and and frame rate.
2023
December 11, 2023
FFmpeg: MP4 to GIF guide
Learn how to convert a video or MP4 file to an animated GIF using FFmpeg including looping, file size, quality and colour optimisation using palettegen
December 6, 2023
Batch convert videos using FFmpeg
Setting FFmpeg to batch convert video files using a bash opr shell script for Windows and Linux
November 4, 2023
How to extract audio from video with FFmpeg
Learn how to extract audio from video using FFmpeg. The guide includes a sample video and real-world examples for setting quality, trimming and adjusting speed.
August 3, 2023
A beginner’s guide to basic video editing terms (part 1)
Learn the basics of video editing with our mini-series of beginner-friendly guides covering terms and concepts you need to create stunning videos.
August 3, 2023
A beginner’s guide to basic video editing terms (part 2)
This guide aims to provide you with a basic understanding of tools, techniques and technologies you can use to take videos to the next level.
May 18, 2023
What is a video editing API and why you need one
Learn what a video editing API is, how it works, and what are the benefits of using one.
May 4, 2023
Why CTOs should include Shotstack in their tech stack
5 compelling reasons why CTOs should include Shotstack in their tech stack. Streamline video editing, seamless integration, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and security.
May 1, 2023
Webhooks in video applications for real-time communication
Why webhooks are important in video applications and how to use them.
2022
October 5, 2022
What is video personalization and how does it work?
Video personalization is the process of tailoring videos with personalized messaging for each viewer. Learn to personalize videos using the Shotstack API.
September 1, 2022
What is video automation?
Video automation is a process of automating video production using specific automation workflows, tools, and technologies.
July 27, 2022
What are the different types of video API?
Learn about the types of video API, their differences, and how they work.
2021
October 30, 2021
Achieve email click-through rates of 27% using personalized video
How we improved email open and click-through rates using a personalized real estate video.
June 28, 2021
FFmpeg concat: How to merge videos
Learn how to use the FFmpeg concat command to stitch MP4s together to create a simple video edit. Includes demuxer, protocol and filter with ready-to-use steps.
June 28, 2021
Use Amazon Polly to create a video voice over
How to use AWS Amazon Polly text to speech service to create a voice over for your videos.
June 27, 2021
How to trim a video using FFmpeg
Use FFmpeg to trim the start, end or middle of a video to create shorter segments.
May 24, 2021
Convert an AWS transcription to an SRT file using Node.js
How to convert an AWS Transcription JSON file into an SRT subtitles file.
May 24, 2021
Amazon Transcribe: Tutorial and Example
An AWS Transcribe tutorial that shows you how to transcribe a video's audio to text using the AWS CLI or with Node.js. Examples included.
April 5, 2021
How to use FFmpeg to convert images to video
Convert multiple images into a video slideshow containing audio and transition effects using FFmpeg.
February 22, 2021
FFmpeg: Rotate video guide
Fix iOS and Android smartphone video rotation and orientation issues using simple FFmpeg commands.
January 28, 2021
An introduction to video captions and subtitles
Everything you need to know about captions and subtitles and why they are important for your users.