AI Shorts: A Practical Guide to Fast, Engaging Vertical Videos

Short-form video is the fastest way to validate ideas and grow an audience. This guide shows how to produce high-retention shorts using AI—without editing headaches.

Why AI Shorts

• Speed: Go from idea to publish in minutes
• Consistency: Templates keep style and pacing tight
• Testing: Iterate hooks and intros rapidly

The 3-Part Structure

1. Hook (0–3s): Outcome or surprising claim. Keep under 8 words.
2. Proof (3–18s): One clear benefit, demo, or step-by-step.
3. CTA (18–28s): Tell the viewer exactly what to do next.

Example hooks:

• "This fixed my retention in 24 hours"
• "Stop editing—do this instead"
• "3 settings to triple watch time"

Style & Captions

• Choose a preset then adjust: font, text/outline, highlight color
• Caption styles to try: Short, Highlight, Typewrite, Neon
• Keep text large and centered; avoid busy backgrounds

Assets & Audio

• Combine 2–4 clips or screens; keep cuts fast
• Background music at 10–20% volume
• Avoid copyrighted tracks

Export & Posting

• Resolution: 1080p is the default; 4K for premium
• Cross-post to YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Reels
• Test 3–5 hook variants with the same middle section

Metrics That Matter

• View duration (absolute seconds)
• First 3 seconds hold
• Rewatches and shares

Fast Workflow Checklist

• Write 3 hooks for one idea
• Pick a style preset; set brand/highlight colors
• Add 2–4 clips and captions
• Export 3 variants and post

Ship small, learn fast, and double down on what retains.

Try It Now

Ready to publish your first AI Short? Start here: Create an AI Short

Further Reading

• How UGC‑style ads convert and how to test variants: UGC Ads Blueprint
• New here? Start with our quick overview: Welcome to Animstats