extract_video_frames pulls one or more still frames from a video and returns them as image URLs — useful for grabbing a specific moment as a standalone photo, or for chaining a frame into generate_image_from_image / generate_video_from_image as a reference or first frame for a new generation.
For the specific job of grabbing a single representative frame to use as a video's thumbnail, see generate-video-thumbnail — same tool, narrower use.
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Extract one or more still frames from a video as image URLs. Useful for grabbing a thumbnail, or chaining a frame into generate_image_from_image / generate_video_from_image as a reference/first frame.
What to tell the agent
Versely's agent maps this plain-English request directly onto extract_video_frames. You don't need to know the parameter names — just describe what you want.
“Extract 5 evenly spaced still frames from this video.”
How it works
1. Point to the video
Any video_url works as the source.
2. Set the range and count
start_time/end_time bound the section to pull from; frame_count or fps controls how many stills you get.
3. Choose the output format
output_format sets the returned image file type.
4. Use the stills
Each frame comes back as a reusable image URL — save them as photos, or feed one into an image or video generation as a reference.
What it costs
Billed per extraction job. Ask the agent for estimate_cost, especially if you're pulling many frames from a long video.
The formula behind that number: What does a batch of 100 AI product images cost? — charges one fixed price per call, so the image's size and shape are free.
Limits & things to know
- Frame quality is capped by the source video's resolution — extracting a still from a low-res clip won't produce a high-res photo (pair with upscale-image-resolution if you need it larger).
- For a single frame specifically meant as a video thumbnail, see generate-video-thumbnail for the narrower workflow.
Who uses this
- Pulling a specific moment as a standalone photo
- Grabbing a reference frame for a follow-up image or video generation
- Building a contact sheet of moments from a longer clip
Frequently asked questions
How many frames can I pull at once?+
Use frame_count or fps to control how many stills come back, bounded by the start_time/end_time range you set.
Can I use an extracted frame to start a new generation?+
Yes — the returned image URLs can be chained directly into generate_image_from_image or generate_video_from_image as a reference or first frame.
Will the still be high resolution?+
It's capped by the source video's resolution — extracting from a low-res clip gives a low-res still. Pair with upscale-image-resolution if you need it larger.
Related Versely tools
Related editing jobs
Turn a Video Into Still Photos inside Versely
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