Adding intro and outro to videos with API

Creating impactful video content is about more than just the main footage. The small details, like intros and outros, can transform a video into a professional, cohesive, and memorable experience. These elements grab attention, reinforce branding, and enhance viewer retention, making them essential for videos across industries whether it's a quick social media clip or an in-depth instructional guide.

Traditionally, adding intros and outros required complex video editing software and time-consuming manual work. However, modern APIs like FastPix simplify the process by automating the integration of these branding elements.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the importance of intros and outros, explore the benefits of using video APIs for seamless integration, and walk you through how to implement these elements using the FastPix API.

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Benefits of using a API for intro and outro

Maximize efficiency with automation

APIs streamline the intro and outro integration process, allowing developers to automate repetitive tasks. This results in significant time savings and enables faster video processing, freeing up resources for other critical work.

Effortless scaling for large volumes

Handling tons of videos becomes a breeze with API integration. Whether you need to process one or one thousand videos, APIs can easily scale to meet the demands, ensuring smooth and consistent video output every time.

Ensuring consistent branding through code

APIs help enforce branding standards automatically. Developers can programmatically apply logos, color schemes, fonts, and other design elements, ensuring each video maintains a professional and cohesive look without manual intervention.

Seamless integration into complex workflows

Integrating API functionality into your existing systems and video pipelines is simple. APIs fit right into your content management platforms, enhancing your video workflows with intro/outro merging, while supporting additional features like trimming and format conversion.

Tailored customization for dynamic content

APIs offer flexibility, enabling dynamic intro and outro content based on conditions like video type, audience, or campaign. Developers can customize video processing to ensure the right branding message reaches the right viewer at the right time.

Minimized risk with automated precision

By removing manual video editing, APIs reduce the risk of errors and inconsistencies. This is especially valuable for teams processing large quantities of videos, ensuring professional-quality results every time, with minimal chance for mistakes.

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Step-by-Step guide: Adding intros and outros to your videos in FastPix

This guide provides a complete walkthrough, from logging into FastPix to adding intros and outros to your video and sharing the final product.

Step 1: Log into FastPix

• Sign Up or Log In
  • ‍If you’re newto FastPix, create an account at FastPix Login.
  • Existing userscan log in with their credentials.‍
    

• Access the dashboard:
  • After logging in, navigate to the FastPix Dashboard.
    
    
• Generate an access token:
  • Go to Org settings in your dashboard.
  • Generate a new Access Token and Secret Key to authenticate API requests.

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Step 2: Prepare your media files

Gather the following media:

• Base Video: The primary video you want to enhance.
• Intro Video (optional): The video that will play at the start.
• Outro Video (optional): The video that will play at the end.
  
  

Ensure compatibility:

• Resolutions of the intro and outro must be equal to or greater than the base video.
• Frame rates of all videos must match.

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Step 3: Upload the base video

Use the FastPix Upload API to upload your base video.

API request example:

curl -X POST 'https://v1.fastpix.io/on-demand' \
  --user {Access Token ID}:{Secret Key} \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{
    "inputs": [
      {
        "type": "video",
        "url": "https://static.fastpix.io/sample-base-video.mp4"
      }
    ],
    "accessPolicy": "public",
    "maxResolution": "1080p"
  }'

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• Replace the url with the URL of your base video or provide the local file path.
  
  
• Get the Media ID:
  • The response will include a Media ID, which you will use for adding intros and outros.

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Step 4: Add intro and outro

Create a JSON request to specify the intro, outro, and base video URLs.

Example Request:

For adding both intro and outro:

Json

{   
  "inputs": [   
    {   
      "type": "video",   
      "url": "fp_mediaId://<Base_Media_ID>",   
      "introUrl": "https://static.fastpix.io/intro-video.mp4",   
      "outroUrl": "https://static.fastpix.io/outro-video.mp4"   
    }   
  ],   
  "accessPolicy": "public",   
  "maxResolution": "1080p"   
}

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Replace the following:

<Base_Media_ID> with the Media ID from Step 3.

introUrl and outroUrl with the URLs of your intro and outro videos.

Submit the request via API to generate the enhanced video.

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Step 5: Handle the API response

Once the request is processed, FastPix will return:

• New Media ID: Refers to the enhanced video.
• Playback ID: Used to generate the streaming URL.

Example response:

Json

{
  "success": true,
  "data": {
    "id": "6a205f8b-ef52-4c4a-8fe8-33d4564454eb",
    "status": "created",
    "playbackIds": [
      {
        "id": "87d9774a-96f0-4254-8326-77aafb065731",
        "accessPolicy": "public"
      }
    ]
  }
}

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Step 6: Watch and share your video

Use the Playback ID from the response to create a streaming URL.

Example playback URL:

https://stream.fastpix.io/87d9774a-96f0-4254-8326-77aafb065731.m3u8

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Share this URL or embed it into your platform.

Step 7: Manage your videos

• Use the FastPix dashboard or API to:some text
  • View, edit, or delete media.
  • Generate new access tokens if required.
    
• Note: Each enhanced video with intros/outros is treated as a new media file and will incur additional storage and delivery costs.

Tips for effective intros and Outros

• Keep It short: 5–10 seconds for intros and outros is ideal.
• Brand consistency: Use your logo, colors, and fonts.
• Call-to-Action: Use the outro to encourage viewers to subscribe, like, or visit your site.

See our documentation for detailed explanation.

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Use Cases for adding intros/outros to videos

Here are a few impactful use cases where intros and outros make a difference:

Corporate Videos

Intros and outros are essential for businesses looking to establish professionalism and clarity in their video communications. Whether it's internal training, company updates, or promotional content, a well-crafted intro sets the stage, while the outro can wrap up key takeaways or direct viewers to follow-up actions.

Benefits:

• Enhances professionalism and reinforces brand identity across corporate communications.
• Ensures a consistent experience for employees, clients, and stakeholders, building trust and recognition.
• Streamlines internal training by standardizing the presentation of content.

Example:
Imagine a series of employee onboarding videos where each video starts with the company’s logo and a brief introduction to the session. The outro could reinforce next steps or provide contact details for additional support, ensuring all employees have a uniform and clear understanding of the content.

Marketing Campaigns

For marketers, intros and outros offer an opportunity to craft more persuasive, memorable videos that boost brand recognition and conversions. A captivating intro grabs attention, while a strong outro provides the perfect opportunity for a call to action, such as making a purchase or subscribing.

Benefits:

• Reinforces your core message and calls viewers to take action (e.g., purchasing a product, visiting a website).
• Customizable for different campaign objectives—whether launching a product, offering promotions, or building brand awareness.
• Increases engagement by guiding viewers towards the next step in the sales funnel.

Example:
During a product launch, an intro could highlight the unique features of the new offering, while the outro might include an exclusive discount code and a link to the product page, encouraging viewers to buy right away.

Educational Content

For educational institutions or e-learning platforms, intros and outros help structure content and enhance learner engagement. An engaging intro establishes the topic and objectives, while an outro can recap important points and guide learners toward the next steps in their course.

Benefits:

• Provides clear structure, helping students easily follow and absorb key points.
• Sets expectations at the start and reinforces learning at the end, boosting retention.
• Directs students to additional materials or the next module, keeping the learning journey seamless.

Example:
In an online course, the intro could introduce the instructor and outline the session’s key objectives. The outro might offer a summary of key takeaways and direct learners to the next video or offer downloadable resources for further study.

Event Promotions

Event organizers can use intros and outros to create impactful promotional videos that captivate potential attendees. An engaging intro provides the essential event details, while a well-crafted outro drives immediate action, whether it's registration, ticket purchase, or event participation.

Benefits:

• Builds excitement and awareness, ensuring potential attendees have all the information they need.
• Encourages timely action with clear calls to register or buy tickets before deadlines.
• Reinforces event branding and highlights key features, such as speakers, agenda, or venue.

Example:
For a conference, the intro could showcase event highlights, including key speakers, sessions, and the event theme. The outro could include the registration link, early bird pricing details, and a strong call to action urging viewers to secure their spot.

We’d love to hear from you!

Your feedback helps us continually improve. Let us know how adding intros and outros to your videos has enhanced your content, and share any ideas or suggestions you might have. Reach out to us anytime!