What You’ll Learn
Audio to Video
Convert podcasts and audio files to videos
Auto Transcribe
Automatically transcribe audio content
Smart Visuals
Generate visuals synchronized to audio
Captions Included
Auto-generated subtitles from transcription
Before You Begin
Make sure you have:- A Pictory API key (get one here)
- Node.js or Python installed on your machine
- Audio file accessible via public URL
- Basic understanding of audio/podcast formats
How Podcast-to-Video Works
When you convert audio to video:- Audio Processing - Your audio file is accessed and analyzed
- Transcription - AI automatically transcribes the audio content
- Scene Generation - Content is split into logical scenes based on the transcript
- Visual Selection - Appropriate stock visuals are selected to match the audio content
- Caption Generation - Subtitles are created from the transcription
- Video Rendering - Final video is assembled with audio, visuals, and captions synchronized
The audio file must be accessible via a public URL. Upload to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, AWS S3) and use the public share link. Processing time is proportional to audio length.
Complete Example
Understanding the Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
videoName | string | Yes | A descriptive name for your video project |
url | string | Yes | Public URL to the audio file (podcast, interview, etc.) |
Supported Audio Formats
| Format | Extension | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 | .mp3 | Most common podcast format (recommended) |
| WAV | .wav | Uncompressed audio, high quality |
| M4A | .m4a | Apple audio format, good quality |
| AAC | .aac | Advanced audio codec |
| FLAC | .flac | Lossless audio compression |
| OGG | .ogg | Open-source audio format |
Common Use Cases
Podcast Episodes for YouTube
Interview Clips for Social Media
Audio Blog Posts
Webinar Audio Archives
Best Practices
Optimize Audio Quality
Optimize Audio Quality
Ensure high-quality audio for best transcription:
- Clear Speech: Use good microphones for recording
- Minimize Noise: Reduce background noise and echo
- Proper Levels: Avoid audio that’s too quiet or distorted
- Single Speaker: One speaker at a time works best for transcription
- Speaking Pace: Natural speaking pace (not too fast) improves accuracy
- File Quality: Use 128kbps or higher bitrate for MP3
Choose Appropriate Content Length
Choose Appropriate Content Length
Match content length to your platform and audience:
- Social Media: Extract 1-3 minute clips for maximum engagement
- YouTube: 5-15 minutes works well for episodic content
- Full Episodes: Consider breaking 30+ minute podcasts into segments
- Processing Time: Longer audio = longer processing (plan accordingly)
- Viewer Retention: Shorter clips often perform better on social platforms
Make Audio Files Accessible
Make Audio Files Accessible
Ensure your audio file can be accessed:
- Cloud Storage: Upload to Google Drive, Dropbox, or AWS S3
- Public Link: Generate a direct, public download link
- Test Access: Verify link works in incognito browser
- Stable URL: Ensure link won’t expire during processing
- Direct URL: Use direct file URL, not streaming or preview links
Plan for Transcription Accuracy
Plan for Transcription Accuracy
Improve AI transcription results:
- Clear Audio: Clean recordings transcribe more accurately
- Standard Accents: Clear, standard pronunciation works best
- Avoid Jargon: Technical terms may not transcribe perfectly
- Speaker Separation: Clear pauses between speakers help
- Background Music: Minimize or remove background music for better transcription
Extract Key Segments
Extract Key Segments
Create focused, engaging content:
- Highlight Reels: Extract best moments from full episodes
- Topic Segments: Create separate videos for different topics
- Intro Clips: Use episode intros as social media teasers
- Quotes: Extract powerful quotes or insights as short clips
- Series: Create a series of related short videos from one episode
Troubleshooting
Error: Unable to access audio file
Error: Unable to access audio file
Problem: The API cannot download or process your audio file.Solution:
- Verify the URL is publicly accessible (test in incognito browser)
- Ensure it’s a direct download link, not a streaming or preview link
- For Google Drive: Right-click → Share → “Anyone with the link” → Copy link
- For Dropbox: Share → Create link → change “dl=0” to “dl=1” at end of URL
- Check file hasn’t been deleted or moved
- Verify file format is supported (see table above)
Transcription is inaccurate
Transcription is inaccurate
Problem: Auto-generated captions don’t match the audio.Solution:
- Improve audio quality (reduce background noise, use better microphone)
- Ensure speakers speak clearly and at moderate pace
- Reduce background music volume if present
- Check audio isn’t distorted or too quiet
- Try re-recording with better equipment/conditions
- Consider professional audio editing before conversion
Visuals don't match audio content
Visuals don't match audio content
Problem: Selected stock visuals seem unrelated to podcast topic.Solution:
- The AI selects visuals based on transcribed content
- Ensure speakers mention key visual concepts in the audio
- More descriptive language helps AI select better visuals
- Consider extracting specific segments with clearer topics
- Review final video - sometimes visuals are thematic rather than literal
Processing takes very long
Processing takes very long
Problem: Job status shows “in-progress” for extended periods.Solution:
- Audio processing time depends on length and quality
- Expected times:
- 1-5 minutes audio: 5-10 minutes processing
- 10-30 minutes audio: 15-30 minutes processing
- 60+ minutes audio: 45-90 minutes processing
- Large file sizes take longer to download and process
- Check status every 5-10 seconds, not more frequently
- If stuck for 2x expected time, contact support with job ID
Video has no captions
Video has no captions
Problem: Expected auto-generated captions but they’re missing.Solution:
- Captions are automatically generated from transcription
- Verify audio contains clear, audible speech
- Check that audio isn’t purely music or sound effects
- Ensure audio file isn’t corrupted
- Try with a different audio file to test
- Contact support if issue persists
Next Steps
Enhance your podcast videos with these features:Background Music
Add music layers to your podcast videos
Custom Captions
Customize or translate auto-generated captions
Brand Settings
Apply consistent branding to all videos
Intro/Outro
Add branded intro and outro sequences
API Reference
For complete technical details, see:- Render Storyboard Video - Full API specification
- Get Job Status - Monitor job status and progress
