---
title: "What is Zvid?"
canonical_url: https://docs.zvid.io/docs/intro/
source: docs/intro.md
content_revision: 6338386a1dd87e4a
---

# What is Zvid?

Zvid is a platform for **creating videos and images programmatically**. You
describe a video as structured JSON — clips, images, text, audio, subtitles,
scenes — submit it to the API, and Zvid renders it in the cloud and hands back
a CDN URL. The same JSON powers a full **visual editor**, so you can design
visually and render via API, or go JSON-first the whole way.

## How it works

1. **Describe** — build a JSON `payload`: elements, scenes, subtitles, timing.
2. **Submit** — `POST /api/render/api-key` with your API key. Zvid validates
   the payload, checks credits and plan limits, and queues the job.
3. **Render** — Zvid resolves your remote assets and renders the video (or
   image) in the cloud.
4. **Deliver** — poll `GET /api/jobs/{id}` (or receive a
   [webhook](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/automation/webhooks/)) and get the final CDN URL.

## What you can build

- **Rich compositions** — text, HTML with native CSS & JavaScript, images,
  GIFs, video clips, audio tracks, and word-timed subtitles with
  [word animation modes](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/structure/subtitle/).
- **Multi-part videos** — [scenes](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/structure/scenes/) with local timelines
  and cross-scene transitions.
- **Data-driven videos** — [templates with variables](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/templates/template-basics/),
  rendered in bulk with per-item data.
- **Still images** — the same payload can render a [PNG, JPG, or WebP](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/rendering-images/).
- **Automated pipelines** — [webhooks](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/automation/webhooks/) and
  [bulk rendering](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/automation/bulk-rendering/) for hands-off workflows.

## Choose how to work

|                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **The API**       | Server-to-server JSON rendering with API keys. Start with the [Quick Start](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/quick-start/).                                                                                                                |
| **The Editor**    | A browser-based visual editor at [editor.zvid.io](https://editor.zvid.io) — design on a canvas and timeline, then render directly or export the JSON. Start with the [Editor overview](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/overview/). |
| **AI assistants** | Connect an assistant through Zvid's MCP endpoint to discover capabilities, validate a project, and render with your approval. See [AI assistants](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/ai-assistants/).                                      |
| **Integrations**  | Use supported automation tools or SDKs around the same API. See [Integrations](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/integrations/).                                                                                                          |

The editor imports and exports Zvid project JSON. Run
[free hosted validation](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/validate-and-estimate/) before rendering an
export: account limits and hosted constraints apply regardless of how you
authored the project.

## Next steps

- Follow the [Quick Start](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/quick-start/) — first render in under five minutes.
- Read the [Authentication guide](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/authentication/).
- Explore the [JSON structure](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/structure/) or the [Editor](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/overview/).

Join the [Zvid community on Discord](https://discord.gg/MZyWKqHDj3) to ask
questions, exchange workflow ideas, and share what you make. For private account
or billing questions, contact us at [https://zvid.io/contact](https://zvid.io/contact).