Claude Code can edit videos using Remotion, a React-based video framework. You describe what you want, and Claude builds it frame by frame. Here is exactly how to set it up in six steps. No video editing software needed. Just words in, video out.
The plan · 6 steps
- 1Install Node.js
- 2Open Claude Code
- 3Create the Remotion Project
- 4Install Dependencies and Start the Editor
- 5Open a New Tab and Start Prompting
- 6Revisions and Export
Install Node.js
Remotion needs Node.js to run. The easiest way to install it is to just ask Claude to do it. Inside Claude Code, type:
Install Node.js on my computer
Claude will handle the entire installation for you. It will figure out your operating system and run the right commands. Just follow any prompts it gives you and approve the install.
Open Claude Code
Open the Claude desktop app. In the top left, you will see a dropdown that says "Chat." Click it and select Code. This switches you into Claude Code mode, which gives Claude access to your terminal and file system.
Heads up: Claude Code requires a paid Claude subscription (Pro, Team, or Enterprise). If you are on the free plan, you will need to upgrade before this will work.
Create the Remotion Project
Paste this command into Claude Code and hit enter:
npx create-video@latest
Claude will run this in your terminal. It is going to ask you a few questions. Here is what to pick:
- Project name: type whatever you want (like my-video)
- Template: select Blank
- TailwindCSS: select Yes
- Install Skills: select Yes
Tip: Skills are AI-specific rule files from the Remotion team. They teach Claude how to write better Remotion code for animations, transitions, subtitles, and more. Always say yes.
Install Dependencies and Start the Editor
Once the project is created, go into the project folder, install everything, and start the Remotion Studio (the visual editor). Run these commands one at a time:
cd my-video npm install npm run dev
Replace my-video with whatever you named your project in Step 3. After npm run dev runs, Remotion Studio will open in your browser. This is your video editor. Leave it open.
What is Remotion Studio? A browser-based preview tool that shows your video in real time. You can scrub through the timeline, play the video, and see every frame. It updates live as Claude makes changes to your code.
Open a New Tab and Start Prompting
Go back to Claude Code. Open a new tab (keep the first one running the studio in the background). Navigate to your project folder again:
cd my-video
Now just tell Claude what video you want. Be specific about what you want to see. If you want to edit an existing video, reference the file from your project folder.
Example Prompts
Create a 10-second intro video with my company name fading in with a blue background, then a tagline sliding in from the bottom.
Take the video at ./public/clip.mp4 and add animated subtitles with a yellow highlight on each word.
Make a 15-second product showcase that zooms into a screenshot, highlights three features with callout boxes, and ends with a call to action.
Revisions and Export
Do not like something? Just tell Claude what to change:
Make the text bigger and change the background to dark blue.
Speed up the first transition.
Add a bounce effect when the logo appears.
Claude updates the code and the preview refreshes. Keep going until it looks right.
Export Your Final Video
When you are happy with the result, export it as an MP4:
npx remotion render
This renders the final video file. You can also just ask Claude to "render the video" and it will run the command for you.
Tip: To use your own video or image files, drop them in the public/ folder inside your project. Then tell Claude to use them in the video by referencing the file path.
That Is It
Six steps. Node.js, Claude Code, create the project, install and start, prompt your video, and export. No video editing software needed. Just words in, video out.