When you want to automate this

A daily short, without opening an editor.

1
See it
OutputMP4
Size1080 × 1920 (9:16)
Length22s
Frame rate25 fps
Tracks / clips5 / 10
Assets used1 audio, 2 html5, 7 image
Soundtrackno
Merge fields18
2
Make it yours

Send a merge array with your values for these fields:

FieldDefault value
{{ AGENCY }}Halden & Vey
{{ STATUS }}Just listed
{{ ADDRESS }}14 Kestrel Avenue
{{ SUBURB }}Mosman NSW 2088
{{ SALE_METHOD }}Auction
{{ SALE_DATE }}Saturday 14 November, 11am
{{ PRICE }}Guide $4.8m – $5.2m
{{ BEDS }}5
{{ BATHS }}4
{{ CARS }}3
{{ LAND }}1,012 m²
{{ FEATURE_1 }}North-facing pool and terrace
{{ FEATURE_2 }}Level lawn beside the pool
{{ FEATURE_3 }}Walk to Balmoral Beach
{{ INSPECT }}Saturday 11:00–11:30am
{{ AGENT_NAME }}Daniel Tan
{{ AGENT_TITLE }}Principal
{{ AGENT_PHONE }}0491 570 156
Edit and save to your account
3
Run it once

Save the JSON above as template.json, then render in the free sandbox:

# Save the JSON above as template.json, then:
curl -X POST https://api.shotstack.io/edit/stage/render \
  -H "x-api-key: $SHOTSTACK_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d @template.json

# Poll until status is "done", then download response.url
curl https://api.shotstack.io/edit/stage/render/RENDER_ID -H "x-api-key: $SHOTSTACK_API_KEY"
import { readFileSync } from 'node:fs';

const headers = { 'x-api-key': process.env.SHOTSTACK_API_KEY, 'Content-Type': 'application/json' };
const edit = JSON.parse(readFileSync('template.json', 'utf8'));

const { response } = await fetch('https://api.shotstack.io/edit/stage/render', {
  method: 'POST', headers, body: JSON.stringify(edit)
}).then((r) => r.json());

let render;
do {
  await new Promise((r) => setTimeout(r, 3000));
  render = (await fetch(`https://api.shotstack.io/edit/stage/render/${response.id}`, { headers }).then((r) => r.json())).response;
} while (!['done', 'failed'].includes(render.status));

console.log(render.status, render.url);
import json, os, time, requests

headers = {"x-api-key": os.environ["SHOTSTACK_API_KEY"]}
with open("template.json") as f:
    edit = json.load(f)

render_id = requests.post("https://api.shotstack.io/edit/stage/render", json=edit, headers=headers).json()["response"]["id"]

while True:
    render = requests.get(f"https://api.shotstack.io/edit/stage/render/{render_id}", headers=headers).json()["response"]
    if render["status"] in ("done", "failed"):
        break
    time.sleep(3)

print(render["status"], render.get("url"))
npm install -g @shotstack/cli
export SHOTSTACK_API_KEY=your_sandbox_key

shotstack validate template.json          # offline schema check, free
shotstack render template.json --env stage --watch

Sandbox renders are free and watermarked. Production: the v1 endpoint and key. SDKs

4
Automate it

Schedule it against a topic list or feed and post a fresh short every day.

Paste into Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor — your AI assistant builds the workflow around your data.

Node.js, one render per CSV row, wired to this template's 18 merge fields. Setup steps in the header.

Guides: Bulk-create from a CSV · Webhooks · Templates endpoint · Render your first video

AI assistants: Markdown () · · · CLI skill: SKILL.md () · MCP server

Common questions

How do I change the text and media without editing the JSON?

Use the 18 merge fields listed above. Send a merge array with your own values for each field and the API swaps them in at render time, so one template can produce thousands of unique videos.

Is this template made for TikTok, Reels and Shorts?

Yes. It renders vertical 1080×1920 (9:16), the format those platforms expect. Change output.size or output.aspectRatio in the JSON if you also need a square or landscape cut.

Can I use my own photos?

Yes. The template uses 7 images; replace each image asset's src with a public URL of your own file (JPG, PNG or WebP). Keep the timing and effects, or adjust them per clip.

What size and length is the output?

This template renders a 1080×1920 (9:16) MP4 that is 22 seconds long, built from 10 clips on 5 tracks.