Why Unscreen Is Shutting Down
Unscreen, originally developed by Kaleido AI and acquired by Canva in 2021, revolutionized video editing by introducing automatic background removal without manual masking or green screens. However, according to the official Unscreen FAQ, all services will permanently cease on December 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CET.
"Unscreen will officially shut down on December 1, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Central European Time (CET)."
— Unscreen Official FAQ
What This Means:
- All services will stop: Upload functionality, API endpoints, and account access will be completely disabled
- Data will be deleted: All user data will be deleted or anonymized in accordance with their privacy policy
- Subscriptions have ended: New Unscreen Pro subscriptions stopped being available on September 29, 2025
- Existing subscriptions continue: Current subscribers can use Unscreen until their individual expiration dates
- Videos auto-delete: Unscreen automatically deletes all videos 30 days after processing, regardless of shutdown date
- Plugins will be removed: Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro plugins will be removed from app stores
Critical Action Required: Download all your processed videos before December 1, 2025. Since Unscreen deletes videos automatically after 30 days, don't wait until the last minute.
What Made Unscreen Popular
Before exploring alternatives, it's worth understanding what made Unscreen the go-to choice for thousands of content creators:
- No green screen required: AI automatically detected subjects and removed backgrounds
- Simple workflow: Upload video, process, download - three-step simplicity
- Transparent output: Pro Bundle format with alpha channel for compositing
- API access: Developers could integrate background removal into their applications
- Real-time preview: See results before purchasing credits
- Quality edge detection: Particularly effective for people, animals, and clearly-defined subjects
Top 5 Unscreen Alternatives for Video Background Removal
1. VEED - Best All-in-One Alternative
VEED emerges as the most comprehensive Unscreen alternative, offering not just background removal but an entire suite of video editing tools in one platform.
Key Features:
- AI-powered video background remover with automatic subject detection
- No green screen needed - works with any footage
- One-click background removal with smart edge detection
- Replace backgrounds with custom images, videos, solid colors, or transparent output
- Integrated video editor with subtitles, transitions, effects, and audio tools
- Team collaboration features for agencies and businesses
- Export up to 4K resolution on pro plans
- Batch processing for multiple videos
Why Choose VEED for Migration:
VEED offers a direct migration path from Unscreen with superior features. Unlike standalone background removal tools, VEED provides an end-to-end video creation platform. After removing your background, you can add text, music, transitions, and effects without switching between multiple applications.
The platform's AI technology rivals Unscreen's accuracy while offering faster processing speeds. Content creators report clean edge detection even with challenging subjects like hair, motion blur, and complex backgrounds.
Workflow Comparison:
- Unscreen: Upload → Process → Download → Import to editor
- VEED: Upload → Remove background → Edit → Export (all in one platform)
Pricing: Free tier available; Pro plans from $24/month with unlimited exports, higher resolution, and watermark removal.
Best For: Content creators, marketers, social media managers, and businesses who want professional video editing beyond just background removal.
Try VEED's Video Background Remover.
2. Canva Video Editor - Integrated Design Platform
Canva has integrated Unscreen's background removal technology directly into its video editor, making it a natural successor for existing Unscreen users.
Key Features:
- Same technology as Unscreen - integrated into Canva's ecosystem
- Massive template library for quick video creation
- Seamless integration with Canva's design tools
- Stock footage, music, and graphics library included
- Brand kit for consistent branding across assets
- AI-powered features including text-to-video, auto animations, voice enhancement
- Smart format switching for different social platforms
Migration Advantage: Canva uses the same underlying technology as Unscreen, ensuring familiarity and consistency in results.
Workflow Integration: Canva excels for teams already using it for design work. Remove video backgrounds, add text overlays from your brand kit, and export social-ready content without switching platforms.
Pricing: Canva Pro from $14.99/month includes video editing with background removal.
Best For: Teams already using Canva for design who want unified branding across assets; users wanting integrated design tools alongside video background removal.
3. CapCut - Best Free Mobile Alternative
CapCut by ByteDance offers surprisingly robust background removal capabilities, especially on mobile devices.
Key Features:
- Free background remover with no watermark
- Mobile-first design optimized for TikTok and Instagram Reels
- Auto-tracking keeps subjects isolated through movement
- Desktop and mobile versions available
- Extensive effect library and trending templates
- One-tap editing for quick social content
Limitations: More features are moving to CapCut Pro subscription; desktop version has fewer capabilities than mobile; no API access.
Processing Quality: While free, CapCut's AI performs well for social media content. Edge quality is good for typical social media use cases, though professional projects may need more refinement.
Pricing: Free tier is generous; CapCut Pro is $9.99/month for additional features.
Best For: Mobile content creators, TikTokers, and social media influencers working primarily on smartphones; budget-conscious creators needing free tools.
4. Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) - Enterprise-Grade Solution
Adobe Express brings Adobe's AI technology to background removal with enterprise reliability and Creative Cloud integration.
Key Features:
- Adobe Sensei AI for precision background removal
- Integration with Creative Cloud apps and assets
- Quick actions for rapid editing workflows
- Template-based workflows for consistent output
- Enterprise security and compliance features
- Brand controls for team consistency
- Stock content from Adobe Stock library
Workflow Benefits: For teams using Adobe's ecosystem, Express allows you to remove backgrounds and then seamlessly move to Premiere Pro or After Effects for advanced editing.
Pricing: Starts at $9.99/month; included with Creative Cloud All Apps subscription ($59.99/month).
Best For: Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers, agencies, and enterprises requiring enterprise-grade tools with existing Adobe workflows.
5. Runway ML - Advanced AI for Professionals
Runway offers cutting-edge generative AI tools including sophisticated background removal and replacement.
Key Features:
- State-of-the-art AI models with superior edge detection
- Green screen removal and replacement
- Advanced masking and rotoscoping capabilities
- Real-time collaboration for teams
- API access for developers building AI-powered applications
- Generative AI tools beyond just background removal
Advanced Capabilities: Runway goes beyond simple background removal with AI-powered features like motion tracking, object removal, and even AI-generated backgrounds.
Pricing: Credit-based system starting at $15/month for 625 credits; Professional and Enterprise plans available.
Best For: Professional video editors, VFX artists, developers building AI-powered video applications, and teams needing cutting-edge AI capabilities.
Specialized Background Removal Tools
VideoBGRemover - Pay-Per-Use Option
VideoBGRemover positions itself as a direct Unscreen replacement with a near-identical workflow and no subscription requirement.
Key Advantages:
- Same three-step process as Unscreen
- No subscription required - pay only for what you use
- Competitive pricing ($0.50-$2.00/minute vs Unscreen's pay-as-you-go at $4.99/minute)
- Up to 120-minute video support (vs Unscreen's 2GB file limit)
- API available with migration guides for developers
- Credits never expire - buy once, use anytime
Best For: Users wanting minimal workflow disruption with a pure background removal focus; occasional users who don't need a subscription.
Unscreen.io - Unaffiliated Alternative
Despite the similar name, Unscreen.io is not affiliated with the original Unscreen or Canva. It's an independent company offering similar services.
Key Features:
- Professional video background removal
- No green screen needed
- HD and 4K export options
- API access for developers
- Custom background replacement
Important Note: Be aware this is a different company trading on name similarity. Verify pricing and terms independently.
Remove.bg & Slazzer - Image-First, Now Video
These established image background removal services have expanded into video processing.
Strengths: Excellent for businesses already using these services for product photography.
Limitations: Video features are newer and may lack the sophistication of video-first tools like Unscreen or VEED.
Best For: E-commerce businesses already using these services for image processing who need occasional video support.
API Solutions for Developers
If you've integrated Unscreen's API into your application, you need to migrate before December 1, 2025, when all API endpoints will be permanently deactivated. Developers should budget 4-8 weeks for complete migration including testing.
Current API alternatives include Runway ML (offering immediate access with advanced AI models, webhook support, and enterprise SLAs starting at $15/month), VideoBGRemover (simple pay-per-use API at $0.50-$2.00/minute with straightforward migration documentation), and Remove.bg (credit-based API for existing customers expanding from image to video processing).
Each API uses different authentication methods, endpoint structures, and pricing models, so start your migration immediately. Create an abstraction layer in your code to make future provider switches easier, implement proper error handling and rate limiting, and test thoroughly with production-like volumes before completing your cutover by mid-November 2025 to ensure a buffer before the shutdown deadline.
Key Features to Compare When Choosing an Alternative
Migration Checklist: Transitioning from Unscreen
Immediate Actions (Before December 1st):
- Download all processed videos from your Unscreen account immediately
- Remember the 30-day deletion rule - Unscreen automatically deletes videos 30 days after processing, so older videos may already be gone
- Export your video history for reference on settings and outputs used
- Document your workflow - note typical input formats, output requirements, and quality settings
- Save your API documentation if you're a developer using Unscreen's API
- Cancel or let expire subscriptions - new purchases ended September 29, 2025; existing subscriptions run until their expiration date
Testing Your Alternative (Next 2 Weeks):
- Select 2-3 alternatives based on your primary use case
- Test with real project footage - don't just use sample videos
- Compare edge quality on your typical subjects (people, products, etc.)
- Check output formats match your editing workflow needs
- Verify processing times meet your production deadlines
- Test integration with your existing tools and workflows
- Calculate actual costs based on your monthly video volume
- For API users: Begin development migration immediately (allow 4-8 weeks)
Decision Framework:
For solo creators and small teams: Start with VEED for comprehensive features or CapCut for mobile-first workflows.
For design-heavy teams: Canva offers a smooth transition with familiar Unscreen technology and design integration.
For enterprises and agencies: Adobe Express or Runway provide enterprise features, security, compliance, and scalability.
For developers with API integrations: Runway offers immediate API access; VideoBGRemover for simple pay-per-use API.
For budget-conscious users: CapCut provides powerful free tools; VideoBGRemover offers pay-per-use pricing without subscriptions.
For occasional users: Pay-per-use models like VideoBGRemover may be more economical than subscriptions.
Technical Considerations for Professional Workflows
Edge Quality and Motion Handling
The quality of background removal varies significantly between tools, especially with:
- Fine details: Hair, fur, and transparent objects (glass, smoke)
- Motion blur: Fast-moving subjects or camera movement
- Lighting variations: Shadows, highlights, and color spills from backgrounds
- Complex backgrounds: Busy or similarly-colored backgrounds
- Depth of field: Out-of-focus backgrounds vs sharp subjects
Pro Tip: Unscreen performed best with clearly-defined primary subjects. When testing alternatives, use your most challenging footage to ensure quality meets your standards.
Export Formats and Transparency Support
Ensure your chosen alternative supports your required output formats:
Standard Formats:
- MP4: Standard video with baked-in background (most common)
- MOV with alpha channel: For video editing software compositing (like Unscreen's Pro Bundle)
- WebM VP9 Alpha: Web-optimized with transparency support
- PNG sequences: Frame-by-frame export for maximum control in After Effects or Premiere
Unscreen Pro Bundle Equivalent:
If you used Unscreen's Pro Bundle (separate color and alpha matte files), look for tools offering similar outputs:
- VEED: Multiple export format options
- Adobe Express: Seamless integration with Premiere/After Effects
- Runway: Professional export formats for compositing
Resolution and Quality Preservation
Unscreen supported:
- Free: 360p (5-10 seconds)
- Pro: Full HD 1080p (unlimited length)
- Pro Bundle: Best quality with color correction
Alternative comparisons:
- 4K support: VEED, CapCut, Runway
- 1080p support: All alternatives
- Quality preservation: Check if tools maintain original bitrate and framerate
Important: Unscreen preserved original framerates but charged extra for 60+ fps. Check if your alternative has similar pricing structures.
Audio Handling
Unscreen Pro automatically preserved audio tracks. Verify your alternative:
- Maintains original audio quality
- Syncs audio perfectly with processed video
- Supports your audio codec (AAC, MP3, etc.)
Note: Unscreen's free tier didn't include audio. If you're upgrading from free Unscreen, audio preservation is a new feature to leverage.
Cost Comparison: Finding the Right Pricing Model
Subscription Models
Pay-Per-Use Models
API Pricing Considerations
Free Options Compared to Unscreen
Cost Optimization Strategy:
- Heavy users (daily): Subscriptions offer better value
- Regular users (weekly): Mid-tier subscriptions ($15-25/month)
- Occasional users (monthly): Pay-per-use or free tiers
- Project-based: Calculate per-project costs before committing
- API users: Consider volume commitments for better rates
Industry Use Cases: Which Alternative Fits Your Needs
Social Media Content Creators
Recommended: VEED or CapCut
Why: Create thumb-stopping content with quick background removal and built-in social media optimizations.
Workflow: Remove background → Add captions → Add music → Export for Instagram/TikTok/YouTube
VEED advantage: Auto-subtitles, resizing for multiple platforms
CapCut advantage: Trending effects, mobile-optimized
Typical use: Behind-the-scenes content, talking head videos, product showcases
E-commerce and Product Videos
Recommended: VEED or Adobe Express
Why: Showcase products with clean, professional backgrounds.
Workflow: Remove background → Add branded backdrop → Add text/pricing → Export
VEED advantage: Batch processing for multiple products
Adobe Express advantage: Brand kit integration, stock library
Typical use: Product demos, 360° views, lifestyle integration videos
Marketing and Advertising Agencies
Recommended: VEED or Canva
Why: Team collaboration, brand kits, and comprehensive editing make these ideal for agencies managing multiple clients.
Workflow: Remove background → Apply client brand assets → Team review → Export
VEED advantage: Advanced editing, team workspaces
Canva advantage: Design integration, extensive template library
Typical use: Client presentations, social ads, campaign assets
Educational Content and Online Courses
Recommended: VEED
Why: Remove classroom backgrounds for professional lecture videos. Add educational overlays without leaving the platform.
Workflow: Remove background → Add chapter markers → Add subtitles → Export
VEED advantage: Subtitle automation, chapter creation, clean interface
Typical use: Course lectures, tutorial videos, webinar recordings
Podcasters and Interview Content
Recommended: VEED or CapCut
Why: Remove distracting backgrounds from interview footage. Add animated subtitles to increase engagement.
Workflow: Remove background → Add branded backdrop → Generate subtitles → Export
VEED advantage: Accurate auto-transcription, audiogram creation
CapCut advantage: Quick social clips from long interviews
Typical use: Video podcasts, interview clips, social media teasers
SaaS Companies and Product Teams
Recommended: Runway API
Why: Integrate video background removal directly into your product or workflow.
Workflow: API integration → Automated processing → Webhook delivery → User download
Runway API advantage: Available now with advanced features, enterprise support, comprehensive documentation
Typical use: User-generated content platforms, video editing SaaS, automated marketing tools
Common Migration Issues and Solutions
Issue 1: Quality Doesn't Match Unscreen
Symptoms: Rough edges, artifacts, incomplete removal
Solutions:
- Try uploading higher resolution source footage
- Test multiple alternatives - quality varies by AI model
- Check if source video has good subject-background separation
- For complex scenes, use tools with manual refinement (Runway, Adobe)
Issue 2: Workflow Takes Longer
Symptoms: More steps required than Unscreen's simple process
Solutions:
- Use VEED or CapCut for similar 3-step workflows
- Create templates for repetitive tasks
- Use batch processing features when available
- Consider if additional features justify extra time
Issue 3: Output Format Not Compatible
Symptoms: Can't import results into your editor
Solutions:
- Check export format options (MOV vs MP4 vs WebM)
- Look for "alpha channel" or "transparency" export settings
- Use PNG sequences if video formats don't work
- Verify your editor supports the chosen format
Issue 4: Costs Higher Than Expected
Symptoms: Monthly bills exceed Unscreen expenses
Solutions:
- Calculate actual monthly video minutes processed
- Compare subscription vs pay-per-use for your volume
- Check if you can use free tiers for simpler projects
- Look for annual plans (usually 20-30% savings)
Issue 5: Missing Unscreen's Pro Bundle Workflow
Symptoms: Can't get separate color and alpha matte files
Solutions:
- VEED: Export with transparency, use in compositing software
- Adobe: Direct integration with Premiere/After Effects
- Runway: Advanced export options for professional workflows
- Consider if you actually need separate files vs direct transparency
Issue 6: API Integration Breaking
Symptoms: Code that worked with Unscreen fails with alternatives
Solutions:
- Review API alternative documentation carefully
- Update authentication mechanisms
- Adjust request/response parsing
- Implement adapter pattern for easy provider switching
- Test thoroughly before production deployment
Issue 7: Performance Slower Than Unscreen
Symptoms: Video processing takes longer than expected
Solutions:
- Check if you're using async processing with polling vs webhooks
- Optimize video size before uploading
- Use batch processing for multiple videos
- Consider upgrading to higher-tier plans with faster processing
The Future of AI Video Background Removal
The shutdown of Unscreen reflects consolidation in AI video tools. Standalone features are being absorbed into comprehensive platforms. This trend benefits creators by:
- Reducing tool switching: Complete projects in one platform
- Lowering costs: Bundled features often cost less than multiple subscriptions
- Improving workflows: Integrated tools communicate seamlessly
- Better AI models: Larger platforms invest more in AI development
What to Expect in 2025-2026:
- Real-time processing: Instant background removal as you record (already emerging in CapCut, Runway)
- 3D-aware segmentation: Better handling of depth, perspective, and spatial relationships
- Context-aware replacement: AI suggesting appropriate backgrounds based on subject and scene
- Motion-stabilized masking: Cleaner edges on moving subjects with less flickering
- Generative backgrounds: AI creating custom backgrounds that match lighting and perspective
- Multi-subject handling: Better isolation when multiple people or objects are in frame
- Learning from corrections: AI improving as you make manual adjustments
- API-first platforms: More services offering developer-friendly APIs for custom integrations
Your Unscreen Migration Strategy
The shutdown of Unscreen marks the end of a pioneering tool, but it opens opportunities to upgrade your entire video creation workflow. Rather than just replacing background removal, this is your chance to adopt more powerful platforms that can grow with your content needs.
Quick Decision Guide:
If you want the most comprehensive video editing platform:
→ Choose VEED (background removal + full editing suite)
If you want integrated design and video tools:
→ Choose Canva (same Unscreen technology + design ecosystem)
If you're primarily a mobile creator:
→ Choose CapCut (generous free tier, mobile-optimized)
If you're in the Adobe ecosystem:
→ Choose Adobe Express (seamless Creative Cloud integration)
If you need cutting-edge AI and immediate API access:
→ Choose Runway (advanced features, developer-friendly, API available now)
If you want pay-per-use with no subscription:
→ Choose VideoBGRemover (similar to Unscreen PAYG, but cheaper)
Take Action Now:
- This week: Download all videos from Unscreen (remember the 30-day auto-delete)
- This week: Test 2-3 alternatives with your real project footage
- Next week: Choose your alternative and create your first project
- Before Dec 1: Complete migration and cancel Unscreen if you have an active subscription
- API users: Start development migration immediately (allow 4-8 weeks minimum)
Final Thoughts
The future of video background removal is brighter than ever. Modern alternatives offer not just comparable quality to Unscreen, but superior features, faster processing, and integrated workflows. With AI models improving rapidly, the tools available today will likely surprise you with what's possible.
For developers, multiple API options exist to ensure business continuity, with varying levels of sophistication, pricing models, and support to match your specific technical requirements.
Don't view this shutdown as losing a tool - view it as upgrading to platforms purpose-built for 2025's content creation demands.
Ready to remove video backgrounds? Try VEED's Video Background Remover →
