Which plans render videos? Only VIP and Lifetime. Rendering the finished video happens on your computer with the desktop app or CLI, and both are VIP and Lifetime features. Basic and Pro both generate scripts, voiceovers and images (they differ in monthly credits), but neither renders a finished video. See plans.
How batch rendering works
- Create in the dashboard: the script, voice and images for each video, using your channel template.
- Mark videos for processing: as many as you want, across channels.
- Prepare: the desktop app or CLI downloads each video's assets to your computer. You can add your own B-roll or files before rendering.
- Render: FFmpeg assembles every chapter and exports MP4 files at 1080p or 1440p.
- Or go automatic: auto mode checks for newly marked videos every 5 minutes and processes them, so you can leave a machine rendering overnight.
Desktop app or CLI?
| TubeChef Desktop | TubeChefCLI | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Visual app (Render, Library, Channels, Scheduled Runs…) | Terminal: interactive menu or commands |
| Setup | Installer; bundles FFmpeg, Whisper and the rendering engine | Zip plus requirements (FFmpeg, Python, Whisper; CUDA on Windows) |
| Best for | Most creators | Automation and scripts (--json-output) |
| Updates | Automatic | Download new versions from your dashboard (Account → Desktop/CLI) |
| Platforms | macOS Apple Silicon, Windows x64 | macOS Apple Silicon, Windows x64 |
| Plans | VIP and Lifetime | VIP and Lifetime |
Why render locally
- No render queue: rendering starts on your computer when you do.
- Your files stay with you: prepared assets and finished MP4s are saved on your disk.
- Scale with hardware: a faster GPU or a second machine means more videos per day. Each API key works on one computer.
The trade-off: you need suitable hardware, and there's no cloud rendering. On Windows that means an NVIDIA RTX-class GPU (older cards such as the GTX 1060 aren't supported). On Mac, any Apple Silicon model works. Intel Macs and Linux aren't supported.
Hardware
| Minimum | |
|---|---|
| macOS | Any Apple Silicon Mac |
| Windows | NVIDIA RTX GPU (required), Intel Core i5 9th gen or AMD equivalent, 8 GB RAM |
More GPU memory and a fast SSD help with long videos. We don't publish videos-per-day figures, because they depend on video length, style and hardware.
FAQ
Can I render in the cloud?
No. TubeChef renders on your own computer with the desktop app or CLI.
Which plans include rendering?
VIP and Lifetime. Basic and Pro generate scripts, voiceovers and images but don't render the finished video. See pricing.
How many videos can I render at once?
Mark as many as you want and the app works through them in order. Throughput depends on your hardware and video length.
What format do I get?
MP4 (H.264), at 1080p or 1440p. 4K is listed as coming soon.
Where do I start with the CLI?
Follow the CLI setup guide, then use the CLI reference for every command and flag.