Background Removal API | VEED Help Center

The Background Removal API removes the background from a video and keeps only the subject. There are three models to choose from — pick based on your footage and how fast you need the result.

The three models

Model	Endpoint	Best for	Max source	Price per 30 frames
Standard	`/v1/video-background-removal`	Any backdrop, best quality	4K	$0.0225 (edges refined) $0.015 (not refined)
Fast	`/v1/video-background-removal-fast`	Quicker turnaround	1080p	$0.012 (edges refined) $0.008 (not refined)
Green screen	`/v1/video-background-removal-green-screen`	Footage shot on a green screen		$0.025

Open Background Removal docs and playground at api.veed.io/models/video-background-removal

How billing works

Billing is in blocks of 30 frames, rounded up.

A 10-second video at 30 fps is 300 frames, or 10 blocks. On Standard with refined edges, that's $0.225.

Inputs: Standard and Fast

Input	Required	Default	Notes
`video_url`	Yes	—	Public URL of the source video
`output_codec`	No	`vp9`	`vp9` or `h264` — see output formats below
`refine_foreground_edges`	No	`true`	Cleaner edges. Costs more.
`subject_is_person`	No	`true`	Set to `false` if the subject isn't a person

Inputs: Green screen

Input	Required	Default	Notes
`video_url`	Yes	—	Public URL of a video shot on a green screen
`output_codec`	No	`vp9`	`vp9` or `h264`
`spill_suppression_strength`	No	`0.8`	From 0 to 1. Raise it if green spots remain. Lower it if the subject's colors look off.

Output formats

vp9 (default) — one WebM file with a transparent background.
h264 — two files: the color video, and a black-and-white alpha matte. Better color quality. Use this if your editing tool doesn't support transparent WebM.

FAQs

Q: Can I replace the background with another image or video?
- Not in the API. It returns the cutout, which you then place over your new background in your own editor or pipeline.
Q: Does it work on objects, not just people?
- Yes. Set subject_is_person to false.
Q: Does it work on images?
- No, video only.

Tips for the best results

Shot on a green screen? Use the Green screen model. It's faster and cleaner than the others for that footage.
Keep refine_foreground_edges on for hair, fur and fine detail. Turn it off to save cost on simple shots.
Use a clear contrast between the subject and the background.
Avoid heavy motion blur and very low light.
If your editor doesn't handle WebM transparency, use h264 and apply the alpha matte.