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This guide walks you through generating an AI video from a text prompt using the Pictory AI Studio API. You will learn how to submit a prompt, select a model, configure the aspect ratio and duration, and retrieve the generated video by polling the job status.

What You Will Build

Text to Video

Generate videos from descriptive text prompts

Model Selection

Choose from multiple AI video models

Duration Control

Set the video length based on your needs

Aspect Ratio

Generate landscape, portrait, or square videos

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:
  • A Pictory API key
  • Node.js or Python installed on your machine
  • The required packages installed

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Up Your Request

Prepare your API credentials and define the video prompt along with the desired model, aspect ratio, and duration.

Step 2: Submit the Video Generation Request

Send the request to the AI Studio video generation endpoint. On success, the API returns a jobId that you will use to poll for the result.

Step 3: Poll for the Result

Check the job status at regular intervals until the video is ready. The recommended polling interval is 10 to 30 seconds. Video generation typically takes longer than image generation.

Understanding the Parameters

Tips for Effective Video Prompts

  • Describe motion and action. Unlike image prompts, video prompts benefit from describing movement. For example, “A bird taking flight from a tree branch” is more effective than “A bird on a tree.”
  • Specify the camera angle. Terms such as “wide shot”, “close-up”, “tracking shot”, or “aerial view” help the model determine the framing and camera movement.
  • Keep the scene focused. A single clear action with one or two subjects produces better results than a prompt describing multiple simultaneous events.
  • Consider the duration. Shorter durations (4 to 5 seconds) work well for simple motions, while longer durations (8 to 10 seconds) allow for more complex scenes.

Next Steps