> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pictory.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # AI-Generated Scene Background Images > Generate unique AI images as scene backgrounds using models like Flux, Seedream, Nano Banana, and Nano Banana Pro This guide shows you how to use AI-generated images as scene backgrounds in your videos. Instead of stock visuals, generate custom images from text prompts using a variety of AI image models — each with different quality levels and AI credit costs. ## What You'll Learn Generate unique images with AI instead of stock visuals Choose from Flux, Seedream, Nano Banana, and Nano Banana Pro Apply styles like photorealistic, artistic, cartoon, and more Understand per-image credit costs for each model ## Before You Begin Make sure you have: * A [Pictory API key](https://app.pictory.ai/api-access) * Node.js or Python installed on your machine * Sufficient AI credits in your account * Basic understanding of AI image generation concepts ```bash npm theme={null} npm install axios ``` ```bash pip theme={null} pip install requests ``` ## How It Works When you set `background.type` to `"image"` and provide an `aiVisual` configuration, Pictory generates a unique AI image for the scene background: 1. **Prompt Processing** — Your text prompt (or auto-generated prompt from story text) is analyzed 2. **Style Application** — The selected `mediaStyle` is applied to shape the visual output 3. **AI Generation** — The chosen image model creates a unique image 4. **Scene Integration** — The generated image is used as the scene background AI image generation takes additional processing time compared to stock visuals. The time varies by model — faster models like Flux generate in seconds, while higher-quality models take longer. ## Configuration Reference ### Background Object When using AI-generated images, set the `background` object on a scene as follows: | Parameter | Type | Required | Description | | ---------- | ------ | -------- | --------------------------------------------- | | `type` | string | Yes | Must be `"image"` for AI-generated images | | `aiVisual` | object | Yes | AI image generation configuration (see below) | **Mutually Exclusive:** The `background` object can only have **one** of `visualUrl`, `color`, or `aiVisual`. You cannot combine them in the same scene. ### `aiVisual` Parameters | Parameter | Type | Required | Description | | ------------ | ------ | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `prompt` | string | No | Text description of the image to generate (max 500 characters). If omitted, a prompt is auto-generated from the scene's story text. | | `model` | string | Yes | The AI image model to use. See [Available Image Models](#available-image-models). | | `mediaStyle` | string | No | Visual style to apply. See [Available Media Styles](#available-media-styles). | The `videoDuration` parameter is **not allowed** when `type` is `"image"`. It is only used for [AI-generated video clips](/guides/ai-generated-visuals/background-videos). ## Available Image Models Each model has different strengths and AI credit costs. Choose based on your quality requirements and budget. | Model ID | Display Name | AI Credits (per image) | Best For | Supported Aspect Ratios | | ---------------- | --------------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------------- | ----------------------- | | `flux-schnell` | Flux | 0.6 | Reliable for basic layouts | `1:1`, `16:9`, `9:16` | | `seedream3.0` | Seedream | 2 | Reliable for text and numbers | `1:1`, `16:9`, `9:16` | | `nanobanana` | Nano Banana | 4 | Excels at details | `1:1`, `16:9`, `9:16` | | `nanobanana-pro` | Nano Banana Pro | 14 | Superior cinematic quality | `1:1`, `16:9`, `9:16` | **Model Selection Strategy:** * Use `flux-schnell` (0.6 credits) for quick iterations, testing, and drafts * Use `seedream3.0` (2 credits) when your image includes text or numbers * Use `nanobanana` (4 credits) when you need fine detail and precision * Use `nanobanana-pro` (14 credits) for premium, cinematic-quality final output ## Available Media Styles The `mediaStyle` parameter shapes the look and feel of the generated image. It is optional — if omitted, the model uses its default rendering style. | Style | Visual Characteristics | Best Used For | | ---------------- | --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | `photorealistic` | Realistic photographs, natural lighting | Corporate videos, professional presentations, realistic scenarios | | `artistic` | Artistic renderings, painterly effects | Creative content, brand storytelling, abstract concepts | | `cartoon` | Cartoon-style imagery, bold colors | Children's content, educational videos, fun marketing | | `minimalist` | Simple, clean designs, reduced details | Modern branding, tech content, professional minimalism | | `vintage` | Retro aesthetic, aged appearance | Nostalgia marketing, historical content, unique branding | | `futuristic` | Modern, sci-fi look, high-tech feel | Technology content, innovation topics, forward-thinking brands | ## Examples ### Example 1: Single Story Without Prompt One scene with a story paragraph. The system splits the story into multiple scenes using `createSceneOnEndOfSentence` and auto-generates a visual prompt for each scene from its story text. ```javascript Node.js theme={null} import axios from "axios"; const API_BASE_URL = "https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis"; const API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY"; async function createImagesWithAutoPrompt() { const response = await axios.post( `${API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render`, { videoName: "ai-images-auto-prompt", language: "en", backgroundMusic: { enabled: true, autoMusic: true, volume: 0.5 }, voiceOver: { enabled: true, aiVoices: [{ speaker: "Jackson", speed: 100, amplificationLevel: 0 }] }, scenes: [ { story: "Every day, millions of content creators, educators, and marketers face the same challenge. They need professional-quality videos but do not have a production team. Hours are spent searching stock libraries for footage that almost fits. Days are lost waiting for design assets. AI-powered video creation changes everything. With a simple text prompt, you can generate custom visuals tailored to your exact narrative. No more settling for generic stock footage. Whether you are building an online course, launching a campaign, or growing your social media presence, AI visuals give you the power to create stunning content in minutes.", createSceneOnNewLine: true, createSceneOnEndOfSentence: true, background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "nanobanana", mediaStyle: "photorealistic" } } } ] }, { headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", Authorization: API_KEY } } ); const jobId = response.data.data.jobId; console.log("Job ID:", jobId); let jobCompleted = false; while (!jobCompleted) { const statusResponse = await axios.get( `${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; console.log("Video URL:", statusResponse.data.data.videoURL); } else if (status === "failed") { throw new Error("Failed: " + JSON.stringify(statusResponse.data)); } await new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 10000)); } } createImagesWithAutoPrompt(); ``` ```python Python theme={null} import requests import time API_BASE_URL = 'https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis' API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY' def create_images_with_auto_prompt(): response = requests.post( f'{API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render', json={ 'videoName': 'ai-images-auto-prompt', 'language': 'en', 'backgroundMusic': {'enabled': True, 'autoMusic': True, 'volume': 0.5}, 'voiceOver': { 'enabled': True, 'aiVoices': [{'speaker': 'Jackson', 'speed': 100, 'amplificationLevel': 0}] }, 'scenes': [ { 'story': 'Every day, millions of content creators, educators, and marketers face the same challenge. They need professional-quality videos but do not have a production team. Hours are spent searching stock libraries for footage that almost fits. Days are lost waiting for design assets. AI-powered video creation changes everything. With a simple text prompt, you can generate custom visuals tailored to your exact narrative. No more settling for generic stock footage. Whether you are building an online course, launching a campaign, or growing your social media presence, AI visuals give you the power to create stunning content in minutes.', 'createSceneOnNewLine': True, 'createSceneOnEndOfSentence': True, 'background': { 'type': 'image', 'aiVisual': { 'model': 'nanobanana', 'mediaStyle': 'photorealistic' } } } ] }, headers={'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': API_KEY}, ) response.raise_for_status() job_id = response.json()['data']['jobId'] print(f"Job ID: {job_id}") job_completed = False while not job_completed: status_response = requests.get( f'{API_BASE_URL}/v1/jobs/{job_id}', headers={'Authorization': API_KEY}, ) status_response.raise_for_status() status = status_response.json()['data']['status'] print(f"Status: {status}") if status == 'completed': job_completed = True print(f"Video URL: {status_response.json()['data']['videoURL']}") elif status == 'failed': raise Exception(f"Failed: {status_response.json()}") time.sleep(10) if __name__ == '__main__': create_images_with_auto_prompt() ``` ### Example 2: Single Story with Creative Direction Same as Example 1, but with a `prompt` that acts as **creative direction** for the entire video. Since the story is split into multiple scenes, the prompt guides the overall visual tone rather than describing a specific scene. A good creative direction prompt follows this structure: \[Action/Movement] + \[Scene/Environment] + \[Camera Technique] + \[Visual Style]. ```javascript Node.js theme={null} import axios from "axios"; const API_BASE_URL = "https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis"; const API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY"; async function createImagesWithCreativeDirection() { const response = await axios.post( `${API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render`, { videoName: "ai-images-creative-direction", language: "en", backgroundMusic: { enabled: true, autoMusic: true, volume: 0.5 }, voiceOver: { enabled: true, aiVoices: [{ speaker: "Jackson", speed: 100, amplificationLevel: 0 }] }, scenes: [ { story: "Every day, millions of content creators, educators, and marketers face the same challenge. They need professional-quality videos but do not have a production team. Hours are spent searching stock libraries for footage that almost fits. Days are lost waiting for design assets. AI-powered video creation changes everything. With a simple text prompt, you can generate custom visuals tailored to your exact narrative. No more settling for generic stock footage. Whether you are building an online course, launching a campaign, or growing your social media presence, AI visuals give you the power to create stunning content in minutes.", createSceneOnNewLine: true, createSceneOnEndOfSentence: true, background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "nanobanana", mediaStyle: "photorealistic", prompt: "Wide-angle establishing shots of diverse professionals in bright, airy coworking spaces with large windows and natural daylight" } } } ] }, { headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", Authorization: API_KEY } } ); const jobId = response.data.data.jobId; console.log("Job ID:", jobId); let jobCompleted = false; while (!jobCompleted) { const statusResponse = await axios.get( `${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; console.log("Video URL:", statusResponse.data.data.videoURL); } else if (status === "failed") { throw new Error("Failed: " + JSON.stringify(statusResponse.data)); } await new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 10000)); } } createImagesWithCreativeDirection(); ``` ```python Python theme={null} import requests import time API_BASE_URL = 'https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis' API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY' def create_images_with_creative_direction(): response = requests.post( f'{API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render', json={ 'videoName': 'ai-images-creative-direction', 'language': 'en', 'backgroundMusic': {'enabled': True, 'autoMusic': True, 'volume': 0.5}, 'voiceOver': { 'enabled': True, 'aiVoices': [{'speaker': 'Jackson', 'speed': 100, 'amplificationLevel': 0}] }, 'scenes': [ { 'story': 'Every day, millions of content creators, educators, and marketers face the same challenge. They need professional-quality videos but do not have a production team. Hours are spent searching stock libraries for footage that almost fits. Days are lost waiting for design assets. AI-powered video creation changes everything. With a simple text prompt, you can generate custom visuals tailored to your exact narrative. No more settling for generic stock footage. Whether you are building an online course, launching a campaign, or growing your social media presence, AI visuals give you the power to create stunning content in minutes.', 'createSceneOnNewLine': True, 'createSceneOnEndOfSentence': True, 'background': { 'type': 'image', 'aiVisual': { 'model': 'nanobanana', 'mediaStyle': 'photorealistic', 'prompt': 'Wide-angle establishing shots of diverse professionals in bright, airy coworking spaces with large windows and natural daylight' } } } ] }, headers={'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': API_KEY}, ) response.raise_for_status() job_id = response.json()['data']['jobId'] print(f"Job ID: {job_id}") job_completed = False while not job_completed: status_response = requests.get( f'{API_BASE_URL}/v1/jobs/{job_id}', headers={'Authorization': API_KEY}, ) status_response.raise_for_status() status = status_response.json()['data']['status'] print(f"Status: {status}") if status == 'completed': job_completed = True print(f"Video URL: {status_response.json()['data']['videoURL']}") elif status == 'failed': raise Exception(f"Failed: {status_response.json()}") time.sleep(10) if __name__ == '__main__': create_images_with_creative_direction() ``` ### Example 3: Multiple Scenes with Prompts Three separate scenes, each with a one-sentence story and a scene-specific prompt. The prompt directly describes the visual for that scene. ```javascript Node.js theme={null} import axios from "axios"; const API_BASE_URL = "https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis"; const API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY"; async function createImagesWithScenePrompts() { const response = await axios.post( `${API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render`, { videoName: "ai-images-scene-prompts", language: "en", backgroundMusic: { enabled: true, autoMusic: true, volume: 0.5 }, voiceOver: { enabled: true, aiVoices: [{ speaker: "Jackson", speed: 100, amplificationLevel: 0 }] }, scenes: [ { story: "Content creators struggle to find the perfect visuals for their videos.", background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "nanobanana", mediaStyle: "photorealistic", prompt: "A frustrated creator scrolling through endless stock footage on a laptop in a dimly lit room" } } }, { story: "AI-powered tools generate custom visuals from simple text prompts in minutes.", background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "nanobanana", mediaStyle: "photorealistic", prompt: "A bright modern workspace with AI-generated visuals appearing on a large monitor" } } }, { story: "Professional-quality videos are now accessible to educators and marketers everywhere.", background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "nanobanana", mediaStyle: "photorealistic", prompt: "Diverse professionals confidently presenting polished video content on various devices" } } } ] }, { headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", Authorization: API_KEY } } ); const jobId = response.data.data.jobId; console.log("Job ID:", jobId); let jobCompleted = false; 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; console.log("Video URL:", statusResponse.data.data.videoURL); } else if (status === "failed") { throw new Error("Failed: " + JSON.stringify(statusResponse.data)); } await new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 10000)); } } createImagesWithScenePrompts(); ``` ```python Python theme={null} import requests import time API_BASE_URL = 'https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis' API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY' def create_images_with_scene_prompts(): response = requests.post( f'{API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render', json={ 'videoName': 'ai-images-scene-prompts', 'language': 'en', 'backgroundMusic': {'enabled': True, 'autoMusic': True, 'volume': 0.5}, 'voiceOver': { 'enabled': True, 'aiVoices': [{'speaker': 'Jackson', 'speed': 100, 'amplificationLevel': 0}] }, 'scenes': [ { 'story': 'Content creators struggle to find the perfect visuals for their videos.', 'background': { 'type': 'image', 'aiVisual': { 'model': 'nanobanana', 'mediaStyle': 'photorealistic', 'prompt': 'A frustrated creator scrolling through endless stock footage on a laptop in a dimly lit room' } } }, { 'story': 'AI-powered tools generate custom visuals from simple text prompts in minutes.', 'background': { 'type': 'image', 'aiVisual': { 'model': 'nanobanana', 'mediaStyle': 'photorealistic', 'prompt': 'A bright modern workspace with AI-generated visuals appearing on a large monitor' } } }, { 'story': 'Professional-quality videos are now accessible to educators and marketers everywhere.', 'background': { 'type': 'image', 'aiVisual': { 'model': 'nanobanana', 'mediaStyle': 'photorealistic', 'prompt': 'Diverse professionals confidently presenting polished video content on various devices' } } } ] }, headers={'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': API_KEY}, ) response.raise_for_status() job_id = response.json()['data']['jobId'] print(f"Job ID: {job_id}") job_completed = False while not job_completed: status_response = requests.get( f'{API_BASE_URL}/v1/jobs/{job_id}', headers={'Authorization': API_KEY}, ) status_response.raise_for_status() status = status_response.json()['data']['status'] print(f"Status: {status}") if status == 'completed': job_completed = True print(f"Video URL: {status_response.json()['data']['videoURL']}") elif status == 'failed': raise Exception(f"Failed: {status_response.json()}") time.sleep(10) if __name__ == '__main__': create_images_with_scene_prompts() ``` ### Example 4: Multiple Scenes Without Prompts Three separate scenes, each with a one-sentence story. No prompts are provided, so the system auto-generates a visual prompt from each scene's story text. ```javascript Node.js theme={null} import axios from "axios"; const API_BASE_URL = "https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis"; const API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY"; async function createImagesAutoScenes() { const response = await axios.post( `${API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render`, { videoName: "ai-images-auto-scenes", language: "en", backgroundMusic: { enabled: true, autoMusic: true, volume: 0.5 }, voiceOver: { enabled: true, aiVoices: [{ speaker: "Jackson", speed: 100, amplificationLevel: 0 }] }, scenes: [ { story: "Content creators struggle to find the perfect visuals for their videos.", background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "nanobanana", mediaStyle: "photorealistic" } } }, { story: "AI-powered tools generate custom visuals from simple text prompts in minutes.", background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "nanobanana", mediaStyle: "photorealistic" } } }, { story: "Professional-quality videos are now accessible to educators and marketers everywhere.", background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "nanobanana", mediaStyle: "photorealistic" } } } ] }, { headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json", Authorization: API_KEY } } ); const jobId = response.data.data.jobId; console.log("Job ID:", jobId); let jobCompleted = false; while (!jobCompleted) { const statusResponse = await axios.get( `${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; console.log("Video URL:", statusResponse.data.data.videoURL); } else if (status === "failed") { throw new Error("Failed: " + JSON.stringify(statusResponse.data)); } await new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 10000)); } } createImagesAutoScenes(); ``` ```python Python theme={null} import requests import time API_BASE_URL = 'https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis' API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY' def create_images_auto_scenes(): response = requests.post( f'{API_BASE_URL}/v2/video/storyboard/render', json={ 'videoName': 'ai-images-auto-scenes', 'language': 'en', 'backgroundMusic': {'enabled': True, 'autoMusic': True, 'volume': 0.5}, 'voiceOver': { 'enabled': True, 'aiVoices': [{'speaker': 'Jackson', 'speed': 100, 'amplificationLevel': 0}] }, 'scenes': [ { 'story': 'Content creators struggle to find the perfect visuals for their videos.', 'background': { 'type': 'image', 'aiVisual': { 'model': 'nanobanana', 'mediaStyle': 'photorealistic' } } }, { 'story': 'AI-powered tools generate custom visuals from simple text prompts in minutes.', 'background': { 'type': 'image', 'aiVisual': { 'model': 'nanobanana', 'mediaStyle': 'photorealistic' } } }, { 'story': 'Professional-quality videos are now accessible to educators and marketers everywhere.', 'background': { 'type': 'image', 'aiVisual': { 'model': 'nanobanana', 'mediaStyle': 'photorealistic' } } } ] }, headers={'Content-Type': 'application/json', 'Authorization': API_KEY}, ) response.raise_for_status() job_id = response.json()['data']['jobId'] print(f"Job ID: {job_id}") job_completed = False while not job_completed: status_response = requests.get( f'{API_BASE_URL}/v1/jobs/{job_id}', headers={'Authorization': API_KEY}, ) status_response.raise_for_status() status = status_response.json()['data']['status'] print(f"Status: {status}") if status == 'completed': job_completed = True print(f"Video URL: {status_response.json()['data']['videoURL']}") elif status == 'failed': raise Exception(f"Failed: {status_response.json()}") time.sleep(10) if __name__ == '__main__': create_images_auto_scenes() ``` *** ## Tracking AI Credits Used When your video includes AI-generated visuals, the job response includes an `aiCreditsUsed` field that reports the total AI credits consumed across all scenes. This field is present only when at least one scene used `aiVisual` configuration. ```json theme={null} { "job_id": "a1d36612-326d-4b81-aece-411f8aed4c70", "success": true, "data": { "status": "completed", "aiCreditsUsed": 24 } } ``` Use this value to track credit consumption and manage your AI credit budget. For detailed job response documentation, refer to the [Get Storyboard Preview Job](/api-reference/jobs/get-storyboard-preview-job-by-id) or [Get Video Render Job](/api-reference/jobs/get-video-render-job-by-id) API reference. *** ## Best Practices * **Be specific:** Include details about composition, lighting, and mood * **Use descriptive language:** "bright morning sunlight streaming through glass walls" vs "sunny room" * **Mention key elements:** "modern office with glass walls and city skyline view" * **Keep under 500 characters:** Concise prompts produce more focused results * **Avoid negatives:** Describe what you want, not what you do not want **Good:** "Professional business meeting in modern conference room with natural light and city view" **Poor:** "Not a dark room, people talking, no clutter" | Scenario | Recommended Model | Cost | | -------------------- | ----------------- | ----------- | | Testing & drafts | `flux-schnell` | 0.6 credits | | General content | `seedream3.0` | 2 credits | | Detail-rich scenes | `nanobanana` | 4 credits | | Premium final output | `nanobanana-pro` | 14 credits | Start with `flux-schnell` for iteration, then switch to a higher-quality model for production. * **Corporate/Professional:** `photorealistic` or `minimalist` * **Creative/Artistic:** `artistic` or `vintage` * **Tech/Innovation:** `futuristic` * **Educational/Fun:** `cartoon` * **Consistent branding:** Stick to one style across scenes If your image needs to display readable text or numbers, use `seedream3.0` — it is specifically optimized for rendering text and numbers clearly within generated images. ## Troubleshooting * Make your prompt more specific and detailed * Add descriptive adjectives: "bright", "modern", "spacious" * Specify composition: "aerial view", "close-up", "wide angle" * Include lighting details: "sunset lighting", "studio lighting" * Try a different model — each interprets prompts differently * Switch to a higher-quality model (`nanobanana` or `nanobanana-pro`) * Avoid overly complex prompts — keep them focused * Try a different `mediaStyle` that suits the content Ensure your configuration follows these rules: ```javascript theme={null} // Correct background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "flux-schnell", mediaStyle: "photorealistic" } } // Wrong — missing type background: { aiVisual: { model: "flux-schnell" } } // Wrong — mixing background types background: { type: "image", visualUrl: "https://...", aiVisual: { model: "flux-schnell" } } // Wrong — videoDuration not allowed for images background: { type: "image", aiVisual: { model: "flux-schnell", videoDuration: "5s" } } ``` Each image generation costs AI credits based on the model used. Check your credit balance and consider using a more economical model like `flux-schnell` (0.6 credits per image). ## Next Steps Use AI-generated video clips as scene backgrounds Add professional narration to your videos Apply consistent branding automatically Add music to complement your visuals ## API Reference Direct video rendering with AI visuals Create preview before rendering Monitor storyboard creation progress Search stock visuals as alternative to AI