YouTube Shorts Automation with AI-Powered Video Generation

Overview

This workflow automates the creation of engaging YouTube Shorts by leveraging AI tools to generate scripts, audio, images, and videos, then compiles them into a final video ready for upload. It uses OpenAI for script and image prompt generation, ElevenLabs for text-to-speech, Replicate for image and video generation, Cloudinary for audio storage, and Creatomate for final video rendering. The workflow segments the script into 6-second clips, creates corresponding visuals, and combines them with audio, adding smooth transitions for a polished result.

Why is this workflow useful?

Creating YouTube Shorts manually is time-consuming, requiring scriptwriting, voiceovers, and video editing. This workflow automates the entire process, enabling creators to produce high-quality, engaging Shorts in minutes. It’s ideal for content creators, marketers, or businesses looking to maintain a consistent social media presence with minimal effort.

Who is this workflow for?

• Content Creators: YouTubers or TikTok creators aiming to produce viral Shorts quickly.
• Digital Marketers: Businesses promoting products or services through short-form video content.
• Hobbyists: Individuals experimenting with AI-driven video production without advanced editing skills.

What will you need to use this workflow?

• n8n Account: Free or paid, hosted on n8n Cloud or self-hosted.
• OpenAI API Key: For generating scripts and image prompts (GPT-4o-mini model).
• ElevenLabs API Key: For text-to-speech conversion.
• Replicate API Key: For generating images and videos.
• Cloudinary Account: For storing audio files.
• Creatomate API Key: For rendering the final video.
• Basic JSON Knowledge: To understand and tweak the workflow output if needed.

How does this workflow work?

1. Trigger: The workflow starts manually via the "Test Workflow" button.
2. Script Generation: OpenAI (GPT-4o-mini) generates a script with an intro (40-70 chars), base (280-350 chars), and CTA (55 chars), plus a title and description with hashtags.
3. Text-to-Speech: ElevenLabs converts the script into an MP3 audio file with timestamps.
4. Audio Upload: The audio is uploaded to Cloudinary for storage.
5. Script Segmentation: A Python script segments the audio into 6-second clips, creating transcription chunks.
6. Image Prompt Generation: OpenAI generates a visual prompt for each segment in the style of CNSTLL, ensuring simple, animatable visuals.
7. Image Generation: Replicate creates a 9:16 image for each segment based on the prompt.
8. Video Generation: Replicate’s Minimax model generates 5-second video clips from the images.
9. Video Compilation: Creatomate combines the video clips with the audio, adding fade transitions and a final black shape for a smooth close.
10. Final Output: The rendered video is retrieved from Creatomate, ready for YouTube Shorts.

Setup instructions

1. Import the Workflow: Copy the provided JSON into n8n and import it as a new workflow.
2. Add Credentials:
   • Configure OpenAI API credentials for the "Ideator" and "Image Prompter" nodes.
   • Set up ElevenLabs API key in the "Script Generator" node.
   • Add Replicate API key for the "Request Image," "Request Video," and "Get Video" nodes.
   • Configure Cloudinary credentials for the "Upload to Cloudinary" node.
   • Set Creatomate API key for the "Editor" and "Get Final Video" nodes.
3. Test the Workflow:
   • Click "Test Workflow" to run it manually.
   • Replace <user-query> in the "Ideator" node with your video topic (e.g., "Fitness tips for beginners").
4. Verify Outputs: Check each node’s output, ensuring audio, images, and videos are generated correctly.
5. Customize (Optional):
   • Adjust segment duration in the "HTTP Request" node’s Python code (default: 6 seconds).
   • Modify fade duration or video resolution in the "Create Editor JSON" node.
6. Save and Activate: Save the workflow and activate it for regular use.

Tips for getting the most out of this workflow

• Optimize Prompts: Use specific, concise queries in the "Ideator" node for better script quality (e.g., "Minimalist home decor ideas").
• Check API Limits: Ensure your API accounts (OpenAI, ElevenLabs, Replicate, Creatomate) have sufficient credits.
• Experiment with Styles: Tweak the CNSTLL style in the "Image Prompter" node for unique visuals, but keep prompts simple to avoid AI generation errors.
• Monitor Rendering Time: Video rendering in Creatomate may take up to 70 seconds; adjust the "Rendering" node’s wait time if needed.
• Add Hashtags: Enhance the generated description with trending hashtags like #YouTubeShorts, #AI, or niche-specific tags.

Troubleshooting

• Error in Script Generation: Verify your OpenAI API key and ensure the query is clear.
• Audio Issues: Check ElevenLabs API key and confirm the script length fits within API limits.
• Image/Video Failures: Ensure Replicate API key is valid and prompts are simple (avoid complex scenes or humans).
• Rendering Errors: Confirm Creatomate API key and check JSON structure in the "Create Editor JSON" node.
• Contact Support: Reach out to n8n Community Forum or respective API providers for persistent issues.

Built with

• n8n Nodes: Manual Trigger, OpenAI, HTTP Request, Set, Split Out, Aggregate, Merge, Wait.
• External Services: OpenAI (GPT-4o-mini), ElevenLabs (Multilingual v2), Replicate (Flux-Cinestill, Minimax Video-01), Cloudinary, Creatomate.
• Custom Code: Python for audio segmentation and JSON rendering.

Example output

For a query like "Morning routine hacks":

• Script:
  • Intro: "Struggling to start your day right?"
  • Base: "Try these 3 morning hacks: 5-min meditation to clear your mind, a quick stretch routine to boost energy, and a cold shower to stay alert. Set your day up for success!"
  • CTA: "Save this and try it tomorrow!"
• Title: "3 Morning Hacks You NEED to Try!"
• Description: "Kickstart your day with these easy hacks! 🧘‍♀️🚿 #MorningRoutine #Productivity #YouTubeShorts"
• Video: A 15-second Short with three 5-second clips (meditation scene, stretching POV, cold shower close-up), synced with audio and fade transitions.