What is Shotstack?
Shotstack is a cloud-based video editing platform offered as an API, a white-label video editor SDK and a bulk video editor. Videos are described as JSON templates or designed visually, then rendered in the cloud through the API, which the site says can produce thousands of videos in minutes. The platform also includes generative AI options for images, video clips, voice and music that are added to edits during the render.
In practice, teams use it to automate highlight reels from sports footage, generate real estate or car listing videos, personalise videos with merge fields, and embed a video editor inside their own application. Outputs can be distributed directly to hosting and social media platforms, and Make, Zapier and n8n integrations are included on every plan. A free sandbox environment is available without a credit card.
Key features
- Cloud video rendering through a JSON-based API
- Bulk video editor for generating videos from templates
- White-label video editor SDK embeddable in applications
- AI image, video, voice and music generation during render
- Merge fields for video personalisation
- Make, Zapier and n8n integrations
Who is it for
- Developers and startups building video features
- Agencies and marketers producing videos at volume
- Product managers embedding video editing in their apps
- Real estate, automotive and sports businesses
Pros and cons
- Renders thousands of videos in minutes according to the site
- Free sandbox environment with no credit card required
- Pay-as-you-go option available alongside monthly plans
- Plans are priced by minutes of video, with monthly credit and storage limits
- AI generation is charged per model on top of the plan
Shotstack pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Pay as you go | 10 USD / one-time | 50 minutes, last 12 months |
| Starter | 39 USD / month | 250 minutes a month, 5 GB storage, max 1080p, in-app support |
| Pro | 99 USD / month | 750 minutes a month, 15 GB storage, max 4K, 3 team seats, priority support |
| Scale | 199 USD / month | 2,000 minutes a month, 30 GB storage, max 4K, 5 team seats, priority support |
| Volume | 499 USD / month | 10,000 minutes a month, 75 GB storage, custom team seats, Slack channel and named contact |
Prices copied from Shotstack pricing, checked October 12, 2026. Currency as shown by the vendor; taxes may apply.
Is Shotstack free?
There is a free trial. 10 credits on sign-up, valid for 30 days, plus a free sandbox environment.
Shotstack alternatives
| Tool | Price from | Free plan | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hailuo AI | 9.99 USD/mo | ? | Video generators |
 OpusClip | 15 USD/mo | yes | Video generators |
 PixVerse | 8 USD/mo | ? | Video generators |
 CapCut | not listed | yes | Video generators |
 Higgsfield AI | 19 USD/mo | trial | Video generators |
 Sisif | 1 USD | no | Video generators |
All alternatives to Shotstack →
FAQ
What is Shotstack used for?
Cloud video editing API and white-label editor that renders videos at scale from JSON templates, for developers and product teams.
Is Shotstack free?
There is a free trial. 10 credits on sign-up, valid for 30 days, plus a free sandbox environment.
How much does Shotstack cost?
The cheapest paid plan is 10 USD (vendor pricing, October 12, 2026).
What are the best Shotstack alternatives?
Closest alternatives: Hailuo AI, OpusClip, PixVerse, CapCut, Higgsfield AI.
Data checked October 12, 2026 on the vendor website (shotstack.io).