n8n CSV-to-Shorts Workflow: Claude + Shotstack Beat-Synced

Turn a CSV into 32-second TikTok/Shorts promos—beat-synced with Claude + Shotstack

This n8n CSV-to-Shorts workflow converts each row of your shorts.csv into a fully rendered 32-second vertical video for TikTok, Reels, or Shorts. Claude (Opus 5.5) generates the Shotstack edit (AI images/video shots, AI music, voiceover, subtitles, and animated text) and everything is cut to the beat—saved to your shorts folder. Self-hosted n8n only.

What this workflow does

• Reads your input CSV row-by-row: it downloads Shotstack’s guide for AI agents once, then processes shorts.csv one line at a time (each line is one business description).
• Generates the full Shotstack edit with Claude: Claude Opus 5.5 uses the guide and your plain-English brief to produce an edit including prompts for 8 “Nano Banana 2” images (with 3 animated using Gemini), ElevenLabs music at 120 BPM, plus voiceover, subtitles, and animated text timed to the beat.
• Preflight validation before spending money: a Code step checks the edit, fixes small issues automatically, and sends detailed problems back to Claude if needed (up to twice).
• Renders everything in Shotstack: one Shotstack render generates the images, video shots, and sound, then outputs the final 32-second short saved to the shorts folder.
• Handles render failures safely: if Shotstack rejects the edit or the render fails, Claude receives the exact error and corrects it (or the run stops for issues like an invalid API key or empty Shotstack balance).

Use cases

• Publish high-volume short-form ads from a growing lead list or business catalog.
• Automate SaaS marketing production: one row = one offer, generated into a beat-synced promo.
• Test and iterate creative systems: update the CSV and re-render batches using the same validated pipeline.

Technical details (n8n workflow + integrations)

• Workflow nodes: if, set, code, no op, wait, sticky note
• APIs/Services: Anthropic Claude (Claude Opus 5.5), Shotstack, Gemini, ElevenLabs
• Setup: install the Shotstack community node, then add your Anthropic API key to the Claude steps and your Shotstack API key to the “Make the video” and “Check the render” steps.