arcads-claude-code

name	arcads-claude-code
description	Create AI marketing videos and images using Arcads API — Seedance, Sora, Veo, Kling, Nano Banana, ChatGPT Image, and multi-step ad pipelines
triggers	["generate an AI video ad","create a UGC video with Seedance","make a Nano Banana product image","build a Pixar-style animated ad","create static Meta image ads","animate this still with Veo","generate YouTube thumbnails","make a claymation ad campaign"]

arcads-claude-code

Skill by ara.so — Claude Code Skills collection.

What it does

arcads-claude-code is a comprehensive skill pack for generating AI marketing videos and images through the Arcads API. It supports the full Arcads creative stack:

• Video models: Seedance 2.0, Sora 2, Veo 3.1, Kling 3.0, Grok Video, OmniHuman, Audio-driven
• Image models: Nano Banana 2/Pro/Edit, ChatGPT Image 2
• Static ad library: 37 validated Meta image-ad templates
• Multi-step pipelines: Pixar-style animated ads, claymation ads, YouTube thumbnails, caption workflows

Built for AI agents in Claude Code and Cursor to handle API calls, polling, prompt engineering, file organization, and cost confirmation.

Installation

1. Clone and setup

git clone https://github.com/krusemediallc/arcads-claude-code.git
cd arcads-claude-code
./scripts/setup.sh

The setup script will:

• Prompt for your Arcads API key (get it at app.arcads.ai/settings/api)
• Save it to .env (never committed)
• Verify API connection
• Create MASTER_CONTEXT.md workspace file

2. Install dependencies (optional, based on workflows)

Basic video/image generation requires only Python 3.10+. Multi-step pipelines need:

# macOS
brew install ffmpeg jq node

# Python packages for specific workflows
pip install openai-whisper  # Caption transcription
pip install -r shared/skills/meta-ad-builder/scripts/requirements.txt  # Meta publishing

Linux:

apt install ffmpeg jq nodejs python3 python3-pip

3. Environment variables

.env file structure:

ARCADS_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Never hardcode keys — always use os.environ['ARCADS_API_KEY'].

Core API patterns

Authentication

All requests require Authorization: Bearer $ARCADS_API_KEY header.

import os
import requests

BASE_URL = "https://api.arcads.ai"
headers = {
    "Authorization": f"Bearer {os.environ['ARCADS_API_KEY']}",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}

Polling workflow

Most video/image generation is asynchronous:

1. POST to generate endpoint → receive jobId
2. Poll GET /v1/job/{jobId} until status: "completed"
3. Extract outputUrl or imageUrl

import time

def poll_job(job_id, timeout=600):
    """Poll Arcads job until completion."""
    start = time.time()
    while time.time() - start < timeout:
        resp = requests.get(
            f"{BASE_URL}/v1/job/{job_id}",
            headers=headers
        )
        data = resp.json()
        
        if data['status'] == 'completed':
            return data
        elif data['status'] == 'failed':
            raise Exception(f"Job failed: {data.get('error')}")
        
        time.sleep(5)
    
    raise TimeoutError(f"Job {job_id} timeout after {timeout}s")

Video generation

Seedance 2.0 (flagship model)

Key features: 4–15s clips, native audio, image-to-video, video-to-video, reference images, multiple shot styles.

Text-to-video with dialogue

def generate_seedance_ugc(prompt, duration=12):
    """Generate UGC-style Seedance video."""
    payload = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "duration": duration,
        "model": "seedance-2.0",
        "aspectRatio": "9:16",
        "dialogue": "I stopped buying [competitor] after I found this"
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/seedance/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    job_id = resp.json()['jobId']
    result = poll_job(job_id)
    return result['outputUrl']

# Usage
video_url = generate_seedance_ugc(
    "Woman in kitchen, natural lighting, holding product bottle, iPhone selfie aesthetic"
)

Image-to-video (product reveal)

import base64

def seedance_image_to_video(image_path, prompt, duration=8):
    """Animate static image with Seedance."""
    with open(image_path, 'rb') as f:
        image_b64 = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
    
    payload = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "duration": duration,
        "startFrame": image_b64,
        "aspectRatio": "1:1"
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/seedance/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

Prompt formulas (see skills/arcads-external-api/prompting/prompt-library/):

• seedance-2-ugc.md — 9-layer UGC selfie formula
• seedance-2-premium-reveal.md — Dark void product reveal
• seedance-2-product-hero.md — Elemental effects (water, mist)
• seedance-2-studio-lookbook.md — Editorial multi-shot
• seedance-2-feature-walkthrough.md — Fast-paced demo

Sora 2

Text-to-video, up to 20s.

def generate_sora(prompt, duration=16, reference_image=None):
    """Generate Sora 2 video."""
    payload = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "duration": duration,
        "aspectRatio": "16:9"
    }
    
    if reference_image:
        with open(reference_image, 'rb') as f:
            payload['referenceImage'] = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/sora2/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

Sora 2 remix (restyle existing video):

def sora_remix(video_path, new_prompt):
    """Remix existing video with new style."""
    with open(video_path, 'rb') as f:
        video_b64 = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
    
    payload = {
        "videoAsBase64": video_b64,
        "prompt": new_prompt
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/sora2/remix/video",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

Veo 3.1 (start-frame animation)

Primary use case: Animate static UGC stills with natural motion + dialogue.

def veo_animate_still(image_path, prompt, dialogue, duration=8):
    """Animate static image with Veo 3.1."""
    with open(image_path, 'rb') as f:
        start_frame = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
    
    payload = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "startFrame": start_frame,
        "dialogue": dialogue,
        "duration": duration,
        "aspectRatio": "9:16"
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/veo/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

MANDATORY dialogue gate: Agent must confirm dialogue separately before generating.

Kling 3.0 (b-roll / scene)

def generate_kling_broll(scene_description, duration=5):
    """Generate b-roll clip with Kling 3.0."""
    payload = {
        "prompt": scene_description,
        "duration": duration,
        "type": "b-roll"
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/b-roll",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

def generate_kling_scene(environment, duration=8):
    """Generate scene with Kling 3.0."""
    payload = {
        "prompt": environment,
        "duration": duration
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/scene",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

Grok Video

def generate_grok(prompt, duration=10):
    """Generate Grok video."""
    payload = {
        "model": "grok-video",
        "prompt": prompt,
        "duration": duration
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v2/videos/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

OmniHuman / Audio-driven

def generate_omnihuman(avatar_description, script):
    """Generate talking avatar."""
    payload = {
        "avatar": avatar_description,
        "script": script
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/omnihuman",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

def generate_audio_driven(video_path, audio_path):
    """Lip-sync video to audio file."""
    with open(video_path, 'rb') as f:
        video_b64 = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
    with open(audio_path, 'rb') as f:
        audio_b64 = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
    
    payload = {
        "videoAsBase64": video_b64,
        "audioAsBase64": audio_b64
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/audio-driven",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

Image generation

Nano Banana (photoreal / lifestyle)

Models: nano-banana-2 (default), nano-banana (Pro — tighter identity lock), nano-banana-edit (inpainting).

Basic generation

def generate_nano_banana(prompt, model="nano-banana-2", aspect_ratio="1:1"):
    """Generate Nano Banana image."""
    payload = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "model": model,
        "aspectRatio": aspect_ratio
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/nano-banana/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

With reference images (character consistency)

def generate_with_references(prompt, reference_paths, model="nano-banana-2"):
    """Generate with multiple reference images for character lock."""
    references = []
    for path in reference_paths:
        with open(path, 'rb') as f:
            references.append(base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode())
    
    payload = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "model": model,
        "referenceImages": references,
        "aspectRatio": "9:16"
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/nano-banana/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

Create AI influencer (10-image character sheet)

def create_influencer_sheet(description, output_dir="references/influencers/"):
    """Generate 10-image character sheet."""
    import os
    os.makedirs(output_dir, exist_ok=True)
    
    # Step 1: Hero portrait
    hero_prompt = f"{description}, front-facing portrait, neutral expression, soft natural lighting"
    hero_result = generate_nano_banana(hero_prompt, aspect_ratio="1:1")
    hero_path = f"{output_dir}hero.png"
    download_image(hero_result['imageUrl'], hero_path)
    
    # Step 2: 9 additional angles
    angles = [
        "3/4 view left", "3/4 view right", "profile left", "profile right",
        "close-up face", "full body", "laughing expression", "serious expression",
        "over-the-shoulder"
    ]
    
    for i, angle in enumerate(angles, 1):
        prompt = f"{description}, {angle}, same person, consistent features"
        result = generate_with_references(prompt, [hero_path])
        download_image(result['imageUrl'], f"{output_dir}angle_{i:02d}.png")
    
    return output_dir

def download_image(url, path):
    """Helper to download image."""
    resp = requests.get(url)
    with open(path, 'wb') as f:
        f.write(resp.content)

UGC product selfie

def generate_ugc_selfie(influencer_ref, product_ref, setting):
    """Generate UGC selfie with influencer + product."""
    refs = [influencer_ref, product_ref]
    
    # Add aesthetic references
    ugc_aesthetic_dir = "references/aesthetics/ugc-selfie/"
    for ref_file in os.listdir(ugc_aesthetic_dir):
        refs.append(f"{ugc_aesthetic_dir}{ref_file}")
    
    prompt = f"""
    iPhone selfie, {setting}, natural lighting, slightly grainy,
    person holding product visible in frame, authentic candid moment,
    skin texture visible, minor lens distortion, informal composition
    """
    
    return generate_with_references(prompt, refs, model="nano-banana")

ChatGPT Image 2 (typography / UI mimicry)

def generate_chatgpt_image(prompt, aspect_ratio="1:1"):
    """Generate ChatGPT Image 2."""
    payload = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "aspectRatio": aspect_ratio
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/chatgpt-image/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

Static Meta image ads (37-template library)

Decision tree

• Typography-heavy / UI mimicry → chatgpt-image-ad (Apple Notes, fake Slack, comparison tables, ChatGPT conversation)
• Photoreal / lifestyle / multi-reference → nano-banana-image-ad (founder letter with portrait, product flat-lay, editorial hero)
• Reverse-engineer existing ad → image-ad-clone

Generate from template library

def generate_apple_notes_ad(product_name, benefits_list):
    """Apple Notes template — 8-12 bullet points."""
    prompt = f"""
    iOS Apple Notes app screenshot style:
    - Title: "{product_name}" in San Francisco font
    - Yellow header background (#FFD60A)
    - Clean white note background
    - Numbered list (emoji + text):
      {chr(10).join(f"  {i+1}. {benefit}" for i, benefit in enumerate(benefits_list))}
    - Timestamp "Just now" bottom right
    - Authentic iOS UI chrome (back button, share icon)
    - Screenshot aspect ratio
    """
    
    return generate_chatgpt_image(prompt, aspect_ratio="9:16")

def generate_forbes_editorial_ad(product_ref, headline, subhead):
    """Forbes editorial hero template."""
    with open(product_ref, 'rb') as f:
        ref_b64 = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
    
    prompt = f"""
    Forbes magazine editorial layout:
    - Hero product image (centered, premium lighting)
    - Forbes logo top left
    - Headline: "{headline}" (Freight Big Pro, 48pt)
    - Subheadline: "{subhead}" (Untitled Sans, 18pt)
    - Clean white background, minimal typography, luxury aesthetic
    - Article byline and date bottom
    """
    
    payload = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "referenceImages": [ref_b64],
        "aspectRatio": "4:5"
    }
    
    resp = requests.post(
        f"{BASE_URL}/v1/nano-banana/generate",
        headers=headers,
        json=payload
    )
    return poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])

Clone existing ad into template

def clone_ad_as_template(source_image_path, backend="chatgpt-image"):
    """Reverse-engineer existing ad into library template."""
    # Phase 1: Visual analysis
    with open(source_image_path, 'rb') as f:
        image_b64 = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
    
    # Use vision API to extract structure
    analysis = analyze_ad_structure(image_b64)
    
    # Phase 2: Template construction
    template_name = input("Template name (kebab-case): ")
    template_dir = f"shared/skills/image-ad-prompting/templates/{template_name}/"
    os.makedirs(template_dir, exist_ok=True)
    
    # Write template files
    with open(f"{template_dir}prompt.md", 'w') as f:
        f.write(analysis['prompt_formula'])
    
    with open(f"{template_dir}metadata.json", 'w') as f:
        json.dump({
            "backend": backend,
            "aspectRatios": analysis['supported_ratios'],
            "category": analysis['category']
        }, f, indent=2)
    
    # Phase 3: Test generation
    test_result = generate_from_template(template_name, backend)
    
    return template_dir

Read shared/skills/image-ad-prompting/OVERVIEW.md first for full workflow and aspect-ratio compatibility matrix.

Multi-step pipelines

Pixar-style 3D animated ad

Requirements: ffmpeg, jq, npx hyperframes, whisper

# Orchestrate from bash
./shared/skills/pixar-style-ad/scripts/generate.sh

Python workflow:

def generate_pixar_ad(product_name, story_beats):
    """
    Generate Pixar-style animated ad.
    
    Args:
        product_name: Product name
        story_beats: List of 8 story beat descriptions
    """
    output_dir = f"output/pixar-ads/{product_name.lower().replace(' ', '-')}/"
    os.makedirs(output_dir, exist_ok=True)
    
    # Step 1: Cast sheet (mascot design)
    mascot_prompt = f"""
    Pixar-style 3D character sheet: {product_name} mascot,
    anthropomorphized, large expressive eyes, rounded friendly shapes,
    soft studio lighting, white backdrop, turnaround views
    """
    cast_result = generate_chatgpt_image(mascot_prompt, "1:1")
    cast_path = f"{output_dir}cast_sheet.png"
    download_image(cast_result['imageUrl'], cast_path)
    
    # Step 2: Storyboard stills (8 beats, sequential reference)
    stills = []
    prev_frame = None
    
    for i, beat in enumerate(story_beats):
        refs = [cast_path]
        if prev_frame:
            refs.append(prev_frame)
        
        # Max 5 referenceImages
        refs = refs[:5]
        
        prompt = f"Pixar 3D render: {beat}, same character from cast sheet, consistent style"
        
        with open(cast_path, 'rb') as f:
            cast_b64 = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode()
        
        ref_data = [cast_b64]
        if prev_frame:
            with open(prev_frame, 'rb') as f:
                ref_data.append(base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode())
        
        payload = {
            "prompt": prompt,
            "referenceImages": ref_data,
            "aspectRatio": "16:9"
        }
        
        resp = requests.post(
            f"{BASE_URL}/v1/chatgpt-image/generate",
            headers=headers,
            json=payload
        )
        result = poll_job(resp.json()['jobId'])
        
        still_path = f"{output_dir}beat_{i+1:02d}.png"
        download_image(result['imageUrl'], still_path)
        stills.append(still_path)
        prev_frame = still_path
    
    # Step 3: Image-to-video per beat (Seedance 2.0)
    clips = []
    for i, still_path in enumerate(stills):
        video_result = seedance_image_to_video(
            still_path,
            prompt=f"Subtle animation, character movement, Pixar style",
            duration=3
        )
        clip_path = f"{output_dir}clip_{i+1:02d}.mp4"
        download_video(video_result['outputUrl'], clip_path)
        clips.append(clip_path)
    
    # Step 4: Stitch with ffmpeg
    final_path = f"{output_dir}final_stitched.mp4"
    stitch_videos(clips, final_path)
    
    # Step 5: Burn captions (optional)
    captioned_path = f"{output_dir}final_captioned.mp4"
    burn_captions(final_path, captioned_path)
    
    return captioned_path

def stitch_videos(clip_paths, output_path):
    """Stitch multiple clips with ffmpeg."""
    import subprocess
    
    concat_file = "/tmp/concat_list.txt"
    with open(concat_file, 'w') as f:
        for path in clip_paths:
            f.write(f"file '{os.path.abspath(path)}'\n")
    
    subprocess.run([
        "ffmpeg", "-f", "concat", "-safe", "0",
        "-i", concat_file, "-c", "copy", output_path
    ], check=True)

def burn_captions(video_path, output_path):
    """Transcribe and burn captions with HyperFrames."""
    import subprocess
    
    # Transcribe with Whisper
    import whisper
    model = whisper.load_model("medium.en")
    result = model.transcribe(video_path)
    
    # Write SRT
    srt_path = "/tmp/captions.srt"
    write_srt(result['segments'], srt_path)
    
    # Burn with HyperFrames
    subprocess.run([
        "npx", "hyperframes", "burn",
        "--input", video_path,
        "--srt", srt_path,
        "--output", output_path,
        "--style", "bold",
        "--color", "yellow"
    ], check=True)

def write_srt(segments, output_path):
    """Convert Whisper segments to SRT format."""
    with open(output_path, 'w') as f:
        for i, seg in enumerate(segments, 1):
            start = format_timestamp(seg['start'])
            end = format_timestamp(seg['end'])
            text = seg['text'].strip()
            f.write(f"{i}\n{start} --> {end}\n{text}\n\n")

def format_timestamp(seconds):
    """Format seconds to SRT timestamp."""
    hours = int(seconds // 3600)
    minutes = int((seconds % 3600) // 60)
    secs = int(seconds % 60)
    millis = int((seconds % 1) * 1000)
    return f"{hours:02d}:{minutes:02d}:{secs:02d},{millis:03d}"

Claymation / Aardman-style ad

Same backbone as Pixar with clay textures and narrator-driven script.

def generate_claymation_ad(product_name, narrator_script):
    """Generate claymation ad (60-115s)."""
    # 8-beat story arc from narrator script
    beats = split_into_beats(narrator_script, num_beats=8)
    
    # Cast sheet: plasticine characters
    cast_prompt = f"""
    Claymation character sheet: {product_name} mascot,
    sculpted plasticine texture, visible fingerprints,
    simple shapes, Aardman style, white backdrop
    """
    # ... similar workflow to Pixar
    
    # Stitch with optional stop-motion judder
    subprocess.run([
        "ffmpeg", "-i", "stitched.mp4",
        "-vf", "fps=12,fps=24",  # Stop-motion effect
        "final_claymation.mp4"
    ])

YouTube thumbnails (5 CTR formulas)

def generate_youtube_thumbnails(face_refs, product_ref, formula="peace-sign"):
    """
    Generate YouTube thumbnail batch.
    
    Formulas: peace-sign, comparison, terminal, reaction, before-after
    """
    formulas = {
        "peace-sign": "Person doing peace sign, product visible, bold text overlay",
        "comparison": "Split screen: Real vs AI, contrasting colors, VS text",
        "terminal": "Code terminal aesthetic, matrix green, tech vibes",
        "reaction": "Shocked expression, mouth open, surprised eyes, product reveal",
        "before-after": "Vertical split: before (dull) | after (vibrant)"
    }
    
    prompt = f"""
    YouTube thumbnail, 16:9 aspect ratio:
    - {formulas[formula]}
    - High contrast, bold colors (red/yellow/green)
    - Large readable text (Arial Black, 72pt+)
    - Person's face takes 40% of frame (likeness lock from references)
    - Product visible in hand or foreground
    - Slight lens distortion (wide-angle effect)
    - Vibrant saturation boost
    """
    
    # Batch generate 6 variations
    refs = face_refs + [product_ref]
    results = []
    
    for i in range(6):
        result = generate_with_references(
            f"{prompt}\nVariation {i+1}: minor composition shift",
            refs,
            model="nano-banana"
        )
        results.append(result)
    
    return results

Configuration

MASTER_CONTEXT.md

Your personal workspace file for campaign state:

# Current Campaign: [Product Name]

## Active AI Influencers
- **Sofia** — 22, college student, freckles, golden-hour kitchen
  - References: `references/influencers/sofia/`
  - Used in: UGC batch 2024-01-15

## Product Assets
- Hero shot: `assets/products/bottle_hero.png`
- Lifestyle: `assets/products/in_use_kitchen.png`

## Active Prompts
- Seedance UGC: [link to prompt-library/seedance-2-ugc.md]
- Static ad: Apple Notes template

## Cost Tracking
- Seedance 2.0: $0.50/video (12s)
- Nano Banana 2: $0.10/image
- Sora 2: $1.20/video (16s)

## Notes
- Veo 3.1 requires explicit dialogue confirmation
- Nano Banana Pro locks identity better for influencer sheets

Prompt library structure

skills/arcads-external-api/prompting/prompt-library/
├── seedance-2-ugc.md              # 9-layer UGC formula
├── seedance-2-premium-reveal.md   # Dark void product
├── seedance-2-product-hero.md     # Elemental effects
├── seedance-2-studio-lookbook.md  # Editorial multi-shot
└── seedance-2-feature-walkthrough.md  # Demo cuts

Static ad template library

shared/skills/image-ad-prompting/templates/
├── apple-notes/
│   ├── prompt.md
│   └── metadata.json
├── forbes-editorial/
├── comparison-table/
├── fake-slack-thread/
├── chatgpt-conversation/
├── iphone-message/
└── ... (37 total)

Common patterns

Character consistency across multi-shot campaigns

def maintain_character_consistency(influencer_name, new_scene):
    """Use influencer reference library for consistent character."""
    ref_dir = f"references/influencers/{influencer_name}/"
    
    # Load all reference angles
    refs = [f"{ref_dir}{f}" for f in os.listdir(ref_dir) if f.endswith('.png')]
    
    # Use hero + 4 most relevant angles (max 5 refs)
    primary_refs = [f"{ref_dir}hero.png"] + refs[1:5]
    
    result = generate_with_references(
        f"Same person from references, {new_scene}, consistent features and style",
        primary_refs,
        model="nano-banana"  # Pro model for tighter identity lock
    )
    
    return result

Cost estimation before batch generation

def estimate_cost(job_type, count):
    """Estimate cost before batch generation."""
    pricing = {
        "seedance-2.0": {"12s": 0.50, "8s": 0.35, "15s": 0.65},
        "sora-2": {"16s": 1.20, "20s": 1.50},
        "veo-3.1": {"8s": 0.80},
        "nano-banana-2": 0.10,
        "nano-banana": 0.15,  # Pro
        "chatgpt-image-2": 0.08
    }
    
    unit_cost = pricing.get