Video Intro and Outro

This guide shows you how to add professional video-based intro and outro sequences to your videos. Video backgrounds automatically detect duration, making it easy to add branded sequences without manual timing configuration.

What You’ll Learn

Video Intro/Outro

Add video-based branded intro and outro sequences

Auto Duration Detection

Automatically use video’s actual duration without manual configuration

Duration Override

Optionally override duration to trim or loop videos

Audio Control

Control audio playback with mute and loop settings

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

A Pictory API key (get one here)
Node.js or Python installed on your machine
Intro and outro video URLs (MP4 format recommended)
Videos are high quality (1920x1080 or higher recommended)

npm install axios

How Video Intro/Outro Works

When you add video intro/outro sequences:

Intro Scene Definition - Create first scene with video background pointing to intro URL
Duration Detection - System automatically detects video duration from file
Duration Override (Optional) - Add minimumDuration to trim or loop to specific length
Main Content Addition - Include your main content scenes after intro
Outro Scene Definition - Create last scene with video background pointing to outro URL
Audio Settings Application - Mute and loop settings are applied to intro/outro videos
Video Rendering - Final video rendered with intro, content, and outro

For intro and outro videos, omit minimumDuration to use the video’s actual duration. This ensures your branded sequences play completely without trimming.

Complete Example

import axios from "axios";

const API_BASE_URL = "https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis";
const API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY";

const STORY_TEXT = "AI is poised to significantly impact educators and course creators.";
const INTRO_VIDEO_URL = "https://pictory-static.pictorycontent.com/PictoryLogoINTRO.mp4";
const OUTRO_VIDEO_URL = "https://pictory-static.pictorycontent.com/PictoryLogoOUTRO.mp4";

async function createTextToVideoWithIntroOutro() {
  try {
    console.log("Creating video with intro and outro...");

    const response = await axios.post(
      `${API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render`,
      {
        videoName: "text_to_video_intro_outro",

        scenes: [
          // Intro scene - with optional minimumDuration
          {
            background: {
              type: "video",
              visualUrl: INTRO_VIDEO_URL,
            },
            minimumDuration: 2, // Optional: override video duration
          },

          // Main content
          {
            story: STORY_TEXT,
            createSceneOnNewLine: true,
            createSceneOnEndOfSentence: true,
          },

          // Outro scene - without minimumDuration (auto-detect)
          {
            background: {
              type: "video",
              visualUrl: OUTRO_VIDEO_URL,
            },
            // minimumDuration omitted - uses actual video duration
          },
        ],
      },
      {
        headers: {
          "Content-Type": "application/json",
          Authorization: API_KEY,
        },
      }
    );

    const jobId = response.data.data.jobId;
    console.log("✓ Video with intro and outro render job created!");
    console.log("Job ID:", jobId);

    // Monitor progress
    console.log("\nMonitoring video creation...");
    let jobCompleted = false;
    let jobResult = null;

    while (!jobCompleted) {
      const statusResponse = await axios.get(
        `${API_BASE_URL}/v1/jobs/${jobId}`,
        {
          headers: { Authorization: API_KEY }
        }
      );

      const status = statusResponse.data.data.status;
      console.log("Status:", status);

      if (status === "completed") {
        jobCompleted = true;
        jobResult = statusResponse.data;
        console.log("\n✓ Video with intro and outro is ready!");
        console.log("Video URL:", jobResult.data.videoURL);
      } else if (status === "failed") {
        throw new Error("Video creation failed: " + JSON.stringify(statusResponse.data));
      }

      await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 5000));
    }

    return jobResult;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error("Error:", error.response?.data || error.message);
    throw error;
  }
}

createTextToVideoWithIntroOutro();

Understanding the Parameters

Video Background Parameters

Parameter	Type	Default	Description
`background.type`	string	-	Must be `"video"` for video backgrounds
`background.visualUrl`	string	-	URL to the video file (MP4 recommended)
`background.settings.mute`	boolean	`true`	When `true`, mutes video audio. When `false`, includes video’s original audio.
`background.settings.loop`	boolean	`true`	When `true`, loops video if shorter than scene. When `false`, video plays once and freezes on last frame.
`minimumDuration`	number	-	Optional. Scene duration in seconds. If omitted for videos, uses actual video duration.

Duration Behavior by Scenario

Scenario	minimumDuration	Behavior
Custom video URL	Not provided	Uses actual video duration (auto-detected) ✅ Recommended for intro/outro
Custom video URL	Provided (e.g., 3)	Video is trimmed or looped to match 3 seconds
Stock library video	Provided	Video is trimmed or looped to match duration
Image background	Required	Must specify duration (images have no inherent duration)

Important: For intro and outro videos, omit minimumDuration to use the video’s full duration. This ensures your branded sequences play completely without trimming.

Intro Duration Explained

Without minimumDuration (Recommended)

{
  background: {
    type: "video",
    visualUrl: INTRO_VIDEO_URL
  }
  // minimumDuration omitted - uses actual video duration
}

When to use:

Want full branded intro sequence to play
Video duration is already optimal length
Don’t want to trim or loop the video
Most common use case for intro/outro

Result: Video plays for its full duration automatically.

With minimumDuration Override

{
  background: {
    type: "video",
    visualUrl: INTRO_VIDEO_URL
  },
  minimumDuration: 3   // Override to 3 seconds
}

When to use:

Need to trim long intro to specific duration
Want consistent timing across multiple videos
Need to loop short video to fill time

Result: Video is trimmed or looped to match 3 seconds. Example: 5-second intro with minimumDuration: 3 plays only first 3 seconds.

Outro Duration Explained

Without minimumDuration (Recommended)

{
  background: {
    type: "video",
    visualUrl: OUTRO_VIDEO_URL
  }
  // minimumDuration omitted - uses actual video duration
}

When to use:

Want full branded outro sequence to play
Outro contains important info (CTAs, contact info)
Video duration is already optimal length
Most common use case for outro

Result: Video plays for its full duration automatically.

With minimumDuration Override

{
  background: {
    type: "video",
    visualUrl: OUTRO_VIDEO_URL
  },
  minimumDuration: 8   // Override to 8 seconds
}

When to use:

Need to trim long outro to specific duration
Want consistent timing across multiple videos
Social media platforms have time constraints

Result: Video is trimmed or looped to match 8 seconds.

Best Practice: Keep intro videos short (2-5 seconds) to maintain viewer attention. Outro videos can be longer (5-10 seconds) to include calls-to-action and contact information.

Duration Best Practices

Recommended Intro Durations

Duration	Use Case	Platform	Example
2-3 seconds	Quick logo reveal	Social media	Brand logo animation
3-5 seconds	Branded intro with tagline	Corporate videos	Company name + slogan
5-8 seconds	Full branded sequence	Educational content	Logo + tagline + music
8+ seconds	⚠️ Too long	Not recommended	May lose viewer attention

Recommended Outro Durations

Duration	Use Case	Platform	Example
5-8 seconds	Simple CTA	Social media	”Subscribe” message with logo
8-12 seconds	Detailed CTA	Corporate/Educational	Subscribe + social links + website
12-15 seconds	Extended CTA	Long-form content	Full contact info + multiple CTAs
15+ seconds	⚠️ Too long	Not recommended	Viewers may leave before completion

Video Background with Audio Settings

Control audio playback in your intro and outro videos:

{
  background: {
    type: "video",
    visualUrl: OUTRO_VIDEO_URL,
    settings: {
      mute: true,        // Mute outro video audio (allows voiceover to be heard)
      loop: false        // Don't loop the video (play once and freeze on last frame)
    }
  }
}

When to use mute:

mute: true - When you have voiceover narration or want silent branded sequences
mute: false - When intro/outro has important music or sound effects

When to use loop:

loop: false - For branded sequences that should play once (recommended for intro/outro)
loop: true - For background ambient videos in main content scenes

Common Use Cases

Corporate Video with Branded Intro/Outro

{
  scenes: [
    // Corporate intro with company branding
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/corporate-intro.mp4",
        settings: {
          mute: false,      // Include intro music
          loop: false       // Play once only
        }
      }
      // minimumDuration omitted - uses actual video duration
    },

    // Main content scenes
    {
      story: "Our quarterly results show significant growth..."
    },

    // Corporate outro with contact information
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/corporate-outro.mp4",
        settings: {
          mute: false,      // Include outro music
          loop: false       // Play once only
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}

Result: Professional corporate video with branded intro/outro and company music.

Educational Video with Quick Branding

{
  scenes: [
    // Short 2-second logo reveal
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/edu-logo-intro.mp4"
      },
      minimumDuration: 2    // Trim to exactly 2 seconds for quick intro
    },

    // Educational content with voiceover
    {
      story: "Today we'll learn about photosynthesis...",
      voiceOver: {
        speaker: "Matthew"
      }
    },

    // Outro with call-to-action
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/edu-cta-outro.mp4"
      }
      // Uses full 8-second outro duration
    }
  ]
}

Result: Quick branded intro, educational content with voice, full CTA outro.

{
  scenes: [
    // Eye-catching 3-second intro
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/social-hook-intro.mp4",
        settings: {
          mute: false,      // Include energetic music
          loop: false
        }
      },
      minimumDuration: 3    // Keep it short for social media
    },

    // Main content
    {
      story: "5 tips to boost your productivity..."
    },

    // Call-to-action outro
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/social-cta-outro.mp4"
      },
      minimumDuration: 5    // Short CTA for social media
    }
  ]
}

Result: Fast-paced social media video with short intro/outro for platform best practices.

Product Demo with Professional Bookends

{
  scenes: [
    // Professional intro with product branding
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/product-intro.mp4",
        settings: {
          mute: false,
          loop: false
        }
      }
    },

    // Product demonstration scenes
    {
      story: "Our new software streamlines your workflow..."
    },

    // Outro with purchase information and discount code
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/product-outro-with-discount.mp4",
        settings: {
          mute: false,
          loop: false
        }
      }
      // Uses full outro duration to show all purchase info
    }
  ]
}

Result: Product demo with professional branded intro and detailed purchase outro.

Best Practices

Keep Intros Short for Engagement

Maintain viewer attention with brief intros:

Social Media: 2-3 seconds maximum
Corporate Videos: 3-5 seconds
Educational Content: 3-4 seconds
Long Intros: Increase drop-off rates significantly
First Impression: Viewers decide quickly whether to continue
Test Variations: A/B test different intro lengths

Use High-Quality Video Files

Ensure professional appearance with quality files:

Resolution: 1920x1080 minimum for HD quality
Format: MP4 with H.264 codec for best compatibility
Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps for optimal quality/size balance
Frame Rate: 30fps or 60fps for smooth playback
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 for standard video players
Brand Reflection: Low-quality intro/outro reflects poorly on brand

Omit minimumDuration for Full Playback

Ensure complete branded sequences:

Branded Sequences: Omit for full animation playback
Outro with Info: Ensure all contact info is visible
CTA Videos: Let complete CTA message play
When to Include: Only for trimming long videos
Auto-Detection: Let system use actual video duration
Professional Finish: Full sequences look more polished

Consider Audio Carefully

Manage audio layers for clear sound:

With Voiceover: Set mute: true on intro/outro
Without Voiceover: Set mute: false to include music
Background Music: Keep volume lower than voiceover
Audio Conflicts: Don’t mix multiple audio sources
Professional Mix: Fewer audio layers = cleaner sound
Test Output: Preview to ensure audio balance

Test Video Compatibility Before Production

Verify videos work correctly:

URL Accessibility: Video URL must be publicly accessible
Browser Playback: Video plays in browser without download
Format Check: Video is in MP4 format
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 recommended for standard players
Audio Levels: Audio is appropriate volume
Test Render: Create test video before bulk production

Troubleshooting

Intro/outro video not appearing in final video

Problem: Video intro or outro doesn’t show in rendered video.Solution:

Verify video URL is publicly accessible (test in browser)
Ensure video format is supported (use MP4 with H.264)
Check video file isn’t corrupted or incomplete
Verify URL uses HTTPS (not HTTP)
Test with known working video URL to isolate issue
Review API response for validation errors

Intro/outro video is cut off or truncated

Problem: Video is trimmed and doesn’t play fully.Solution:

Remove minimumDuration parameter to use full video duration
If duration must be specified, ensure it matches or exceeds video length
Check video’s actual duration (right-click → Properties → Details)
Don’t guess duration - let system auto-detect
Test without minimumDuration first
Only add minimumDuration when intentionally trimming

Intro/outro video is looping unexpectedly

Problem: Video repeats instead of playing once.Solution:

Set settings.loop: false explicitly in background configuration
Default is loop: true, must override for one-time playback
Remove minimumDuration to use actual video duration
If minimumDuration > video length and loop: true, video will loop
Verify loop setting is within scene’s background configuration
Preview output to confirm loop behavior

Audio from intro/outro conflicts with voiceover

Problem: Intro/outro audio plays simultaneously with narration.Solution:

Set settings.mute: true to silence intro/outro audio
Use intro/outro videos without audio tracks
Adjust audio levels in source video files before upload
Don’t mix background video audio + voiceover
Plan audio strategy before configuring settings
Test audio balance with actual voiceover

Video duration doesn't match expected length

Problem: Scene duration differs from what you expected.Solution:

Check actual video duration using media player
Re-encode video with standard settings (30fps, constant frame rate)
Use minimumDuration to explicitly set desired length
Verify video doesn’t have variable frame rate (VFR)
Convert to constant frame rate (CFR) for predictable duration
Test with explicitly set minimumDuration

Low video quality in final render

Problem: Intro/outro appears pixelated or low quality.Solution:

Use 1920x1080 minimum resolution for source videos
Export videos at high bitrate (5-10 Mbps)
Use MP4 format with H.264 codec
Avoid re-compressing videos multiple times
Ensure aspect ratio matches project settings (16:9)
Test with high-quality source video to isolate issue

Supported Video Formats

Best practices for intro/outro video formats:

Format	Extension	Recommended	Notes
MP4	`.mp4`	✅ Yes	Best compatibility and compression
WebM	`.webm`	⚠️ Limited	May have compatibility issues
MOV	`.mov`	⚠️ Limited	Larger file sizes, use H.264 codec
AVI	`.avi`	❌ No	Not recommended, poor compression

Recommended Format: MP4 with H.264 codec at 1920x1080 resolution for best compatibility and quality across all platforms.

Advanced Configuration

Combining Intro/Outro with Other Features

{
  scenes: [
    // Intro with transition
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: INTRO_VIDEO_URL
      },
      transition: {
        type: "fade",
        duration: 0.5
      }
    },

    // Main content with custom background and audio
    {
      story: "Your content here...",
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: "https://your-cdn.com/background.mp4",
        settings: {
          mute: true,       // Mute background to hear voiceover
          loop: true        // Loop background video
        }
      },
      voiceOver: {
        speaker: "Matthew"
      }
    },

    // Outro with music and no transition
    {
      background: {
        type: "video",
        visualUrl: OUTRO_VIDEO_URL,
        settings: {
          mute: false,      // Include outro music
          loop: false
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}

Result: Smooth intro transition, looping background with voiceover, and musical outro.

Next Steps

Enhance your video intro/outro with these complementary features:

Background Video Settings

Control mute and loop behavior for background videos

Scene Transitions

Add smooth transitions between intro, content, and outro scenes

Custom Voiceover

Add professional voiceover to your videos

Text-to-Video

Learn how to create main content scenes from text

API Reference

For complete technical details, see:

Render Storyboard Video - Full API specification including intro/outro configuration
Get Job Status - Monitor job status and get video URLs

Getting started

Text to Video

Article to Video

Presentation to Video

Audio to Video

Video to Shorts

Video Story CoPilot

Smart Layouts and Subtitles

Branding & Customization

Advanced Features

​What You’ll Learn

Video Intro/Outro

Auto Duration Detection

Duration Override

Audio Control

​Before You Begin

​How Video Intro/Outro Works

​Complete Example

​Understanding the Parameters

​Video Background Parameters

​Duration Behavior by Scenario

​Intro Duration Explained

​Without minimumDuration (Recommended)

​With minimumDuration Override

​Outro Duration Explained

​Without minimumDuration (Recommended)

​With minimumDuration Override

​Duration Best Practices

​Recommended Intro Durations

​Recommended Outro Durations

​Video Background with Audio Settings

​Common Use Cases

​Corporate Video with Branded Intro/Outro

​Educational Video with Quick Branding

​Social Media Video with Attention-Grabbing Intro

​Product Demo with Professional Bookends

​Best Practices

​Troubleshooting

​Supported Video Formats

​Advanced Configuration

​Combining Intro/Outro with Other Features

​Next Steps

Background Video Settings

Scene Transitions

Custom Voiceover

Text-to-Video

​API Reference

What You’ll Learn

Before You Begin

How Video Intro/Outro Works

Complete Example

Understanding the Parameters

Video Background Parameters

Duration Behavior by Scenario

Intro Duration Explained

Without minimumDuration (Recommended)

With minimumDuration Override

Outro Duration Explained

Without minimumDuration (Recommended)

With minimumDuration Override

Duration Best Practices

Recommended Intro Durations

Recommended Outro Durations

Video Background with Audio Settings

Common Use Cases

Corporate Video with Branded Intro/Outro

Educational Video with Quick Branding

Social Media Video with Attention-Grabbing Intro

Product Demo with Professional Bookends

Best Practices

Troubleshooting

Supported Video Formats

Advanced Configuration

Combining Intro/Outro with Other Features

Next Steps

API Reference