Creating videos at scale is one of the key benefits of Shotstack. In this tutorial we'll show you how to use merge fields to create videos from data.
What are merge fields?
Merge fields in Shotstack are like the mail-merge in an email campaign, allowing you to automate and personalise your video production. By replacing placeholders in your video templates with unique user data, you offer an engaging, tailored experience that boosts engagement.
Using merge fields
You can declare merge fields by uploading a placeholder image or video, and turning the clip into a merge field with a single click.
In the Merge Fields Dialog you can manage your Merge Fields, rename them and add new placeholder values.
Replace Text
You can replace text and prompts by wrapping your merge field in double curly braces. For example {{ TEXT_FIELD }} will be replaced with the value in your merge field.
Note: In addition to replace text you can also use replace AI generated asset prompts and speech.
Replacing other properties
You can replace other properties such as URLs by selecting these from the merge field dropdown next to the property you wish to replace.
Creating Video variations with Merge Fields
By referencing your template ID and replacing your merge field values you can quickly create many iterations of your video.
