Unscreen.com
Unscreen Revolutionizes Video Editing with AI-Powered Background Removal
Video editing has undergone a revolution with the advent of AI-driven tools that automate tedious tasks like background removal. Unscreen stands out in this landscape by offering advanced features while maintaining an intuitive, user-friendly approach. This comprehensive guide explores how Unscreen streamlines video editing through its proprietary technology, compares its free and paid tiers, integrates with professional workflows, and provides technical details for both casual users and developers.
Unscreen Fundamentals
Unscreen's background removal process relies on AI technology that automates the task previously requiring hours of manual frame-by-frame editing or complex setup with green screens. The platform analyzes videos completely automatically, processing files in minutes compared to the time-consuming methods traditional video editors had to employ. This automation allows users to save significant time and resources, focusing instead on creative projects and productivity.
The tool supports a wide range of video formats including MP4, MOV, WebM, OGG, and GIF, with Full HD resolution capabilities. Users can upload video files directly through the website or via supported formats from other editing software. The platform handles file sizes up to 2GB for Pro users, though free users experience processing limitations of 5-second clips at 360p resolution.
Once uploaded, videos undergo background removal automatically without requiring users to select pixels, pick colors, or create masks. This automated approach significantly reduces the technical expertise needed compared to traditional methods like chroma keying. The process produces two main outputs: a colored video file and an alpha mask, both of which can be imported into professional video editing software for further customization.
Professional users have access to additional features through the Pro subscription, including audio support and unlimited video length processing. The tool maintains high quality throughout the editing process, preserving the original audio track and generating professional output formats suitable for integration into projects using Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro.
Free vs Pro Features
The free version of Unscreen processes videos up to 5 seconds long (or 10 seconds with free sign-up) at 360p resolution. Supported formats include MP4, MOV, WEBM, OGG, and GIF. The Pro version removes these limitations, supporting full-length videos with no maximum file size (except for the pro bundle format output limitations).
Free users get a 20-clip daily limit, while Pro subscribers have no daily limit. Both versions produce a colored video file and alpha mask output, requiring further processing in video editing software like Premiere Pro, After Effects, or Final Cut Pro. Pro subscribers receive full HD (1080p) resolution, audio support, and watermarked-free output, in contrast to the free version's 360p resolution and watermark.
The pricing structure operates on two models - subscription plans and pay-as-you-go. Monthly subscription plans start at €1.98 per minute, while pay-as-you-go pricing applies to shorter projects. Both models allow flexible upgrades or downgrades at any time, with subscriptions allocating video minutes valid only within the subscription period.
The Pro version's functionality extends beyond basic removal, offering alpha matte generation and color correction capabilities within the pro bundle output format. This advanced feature set transforms the platform into a versatile tool for professional video editing workflows, though all versions maintain compatibility with basic editing software for initial processing and integration.
API Integration
Unscreen provides two main methods for background removal through its API: video URL submission and file upload. For URL submissions, developers can use the following cURL command to submit a video for processing:
curl -X POST "https://api.unscreen.com/v1.0/videos" -H "X-Api-Key: <YOUR-API-KEY>" -F "video_url=https://media.giphy.com/media/yJFeycRK2DB4c/giphy.gif"
For file uploads, developers can use:
curl -X POST "https://api.unscreen.com/v1.0/videos" -H "X-Api-Key: <YOUR-API-KEY>" -F "video_file=@/path/to/file.mp4"
Users can optionally set up webhooks to receive notifications about processing status changes:
curl -X POST "https://api.unscreen.com/v1.0/videos/<VIDEO-ID>" -H "X-Api-Key: <YOUR-API-KEY>" -d "webhook_url=https://your-webhook-endpoint.com/unscreen"
Workflow and Output
After submitting a video, developers can check processing status:
curl "https://api.unscreen.com/v1.0/videos/<VIDEO-ID>" -H "X-Api-Key: <YOUR-API-KEY>"
When processing completes successfully, the API returns a result_url pointing to the processed video files. The default pro bundle output consists of an alpha.mp4 file containing the alpha matte and a color.mp4 file containing the background-removed color video. These files require additional processing to create the final output:
# Convert pro bundle to WEBM
ffmpeg -i color.mp4 -i alpha.mp4 -filter_complex [0][1]alphamerge,format=yuva420p -c:v libvpx -strict -2 -auto-alt-ref 0 output.webm
# Convert pro bundle to Animated GIF
ffmpeg -i color.mp4 -i alpha.mp4 -filter_complex "[0][1]alphamerge[coloralpha];[coloralpha]split[coloralpha1][coloralpha2];[coloralpha1]palettegen=reserve_transparent=on:transparency_color=ffffff[palette];[coloralpha2][palette]paletteuse[output]" -map [output] output.gif
For projects requiring specific background colors or videos, developers can use the following ffmpeg commands:
# Replace with background color
ffmpeg -stream_loop -1 -f lavfi -i "color=color=#00ff00" -i color.mp4 -i alpha.mp4 -filter_complex "[1][2]alphamerge[coloralpha];[0][coloralpha]scale2ref='main_w*max(iw/main_w, ih/main_h)':'main_h*max(iw/main_w, ih/main_h)';[background][coloralpha]overlay=shortest=1:x=main_w/2-overlay_w/2:y=main_h-overlay_h[merged];[merged]setdar=dar=a[darset];[darset]pad=ceil(iw/2)*2:ceil(ih/2)*2[output]" -crf:v 17 -pix_fmt yuv420p -strict -2 -c:v libx264 -c:a copy -map [output] -map 1:a output.mp4
# Replace with background video
ffmpeg -stream_loop -1 -i background.mp4 -i color.mp4 -i alpha.mp4 -filter_complex "[1][2]alphamerge[coloralpha];[0][coloralpha]scale2ref='main_w*max(iw/main_w, ih/main_h)':'main_h*max(iw/main_w, ih/main_h)';[background][coloralpha]overlay=shortest=1:x=main_w/2-overlay_w/2:y=main_h-overlay_h[merged];[merged]setdar=dar=a[darset];[darset]pad=ceil(iw/2)*2:ceil(ih/2)*2[output]" -crf:v 17 -pix_fmt yuv420p -strict -2 -c:v libx264 -c:a copy -map [output] -map 1:a output.mp4
The API supports several output formats, including MP4 with either specified background color or background video, as well as animated GIFs up to 20 seconds long.
Technical Requirements
Unscreen requires videos to be encoded in AVC/H.264 format for compatibility. The platform accepts uploads through Safari on iPhone or Mac devices, which automatically converts videos to the compatible format during the upload process. All supported formats must adhere to specific resolution and file size limitations: free users can process videos up to 2GB in size with a maximum resolution of 360p, while Pro users have no file size limitations beyond this format specification.
The standard processing workflow generates two main output files: a colored video file and an alpha mask. These outputs typically retain the original aspect ratio and frame rate of the input video, making them suitable for direct integration into professional editing software. However, users seeking specific background applications must employ additional processing steps, such as the integration commands provided in the original section.
For projects requiring transparent backgrounds or custom backgrounds, developers and advanced users can work with the Pro Bundle output format. This advanced format produces a ZIP archive containing both an alpha.matte file and a color.video file, allowing for precise control over the final output appearance. The Pro version's enhanced capabilities include support for any video framerate up to 30 frames per second, with additional charges applying for higher framerates.
The system processes videos in a multi-step workflow: first uploading the video file, then initiating background removal through automated AI analysis, and finally delivering the processed files via direct download or webhook notification for server-side integration. This structured approach enables both individual users and development teams to efficiently manage their video processing needs while maintaining the highest possible video quality.
Pricing and Plans
Unscreen offers both subscription-based and pay-as-you-go pricing models, each designed to fit different editing needs. The subscription plans recommend the lowest per-minute pricing for consistent editing requirements, while the pay-as-you-go model provides flexibility for unpredictable needs.
Usage Limits and Payment Options
Subscriptions operate on a per-second basis, with monthly plans starting at €1.98 per minute. Both subscription plans and pay-as-you-go purchases accept major credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. Plans include the ability to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time, and subscription credits are valid only for the duration of the subscription month without accumulation.
Free vs Pro
The free tier processes videos up to 5 seconds long at 360p resolution, handling file sizes up to 2GB (10 seconds with free signup). It produces watermarked output with basic editing capabilities, including audio support. The Pro subscription removes these limitations, supporting full-length videos with no file size cap and generating high-quality, watermark-free output.
Technical Details
Video minutes deducted from subscriptions are specific to each plan tier and cannot be carried over between months. The service optimally handles videos featuring people, animals, or objects in focus against distinct backgrounds. Free uploads include preview frames to help users assess processing quality before committing to full video processing.
Advanced Features
For developers and advanced users, Unscreen offers an API for automated background removal through several methods. These include URL submission and direct file uploads, with support for webhooks to track processing status. The platform processes videos through a defined workflow: upload, automated AI analysis, and final file delivery via direct download or webhook notification.