Short-Form Video Strategy
Short-form video dominates social media. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have created an ecosystem where sub-60-second videos can reach millions. AI tools make creating this content at scale possible.
The Short-Form Landscape
Platform Specifications
| Platform | Duration | Aspect Ratio | Sweet Spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 15s-10min | 9:16 | 15-60s |
| Instagram Reels | 15s-90s | 9:16 | 15-30s |
| YouTube Shorts | Up to 60s | 9:16 | 30-60s |
| Facebook Reels | 15s-90s | 9:16 | 15-30s |
Why Short-Form Works
Attention economy:
- Average attention span: 8 seconds
- Shorter content = higher completion rate
- Higher completion = better algorithm ranking
Discovery mechanism:
- For You Page (TikTok) surfaces content to new audiences
- Unlike feed-based platforms, followers matter less
- Content quality determines reach
Volume game:
- More posts = more chances to hit
- Algorithms favor consistent creators
- AI enables the volume needed
Content Types for Short-Form
Educational/Informational
Format: Quick tips, how-tos, facts
Structure:
Hook: "Stop doing [common mistake]"
Content: The better way in 3 steps
CTA: "Follow for more tips"
AI opportunity: Generate explainer content with avatars
Entertainment
Format: Funny, surprising, satisfying content
Structure:
Immediate grab: Something unexpected
Build: Tension or anticipation
Payoff: Satisfying conclusion
AI opportunity: Generate surreal or impossible visuals
Behind-the-Scenes
Format: Process, making-of, day-in-life
Structure:
Setup: "Here's how I [create/make/do]"
Process: Show the steps
Result: The outcome
AI opportunity: Enhance with B-roll, effects
Trends and Challenges
Format: Participate in trending formats
Structure:
Follow the trend format exactly
Add your unique spin
Use trending audio
AI opportunity: Generate custom visuals for trends
The AI-Powered Short-Form Workflow
1. Ideation at Scale
Use ChatGPT/Claude to generate ideas:
Prompt: "Generate 20 short-form video ideas for
[your niche] that follow current TikTok trends.
Each should have a hook, main point, and CTA."
2. Script Writing
AI-assisted scripting:
Prompt: "Write a 30-second script for a TikTok about
[topic]. Include:
- Attention-grabbing hook (first 3 seconds)
- 3 key points (keep each under 5 seconds)
- Call to action
Write in casual, conversational tone."
3. Visual Generation
Create supporting visuals:
- AI avatars for talking head content
- Generated B-roll for overlays
- AI images for thumbnails
4. Quick Editing
Use CapCut or similar:
- Auto-captions (essential for muted viewing)
- Trending effects and transitions
- Music from library
- Export at optimal settings
5. Post and Analyze
- Post consistently
- Track performance
- Double down on what works
- Iterate based on data
Hooks That Work
The first 1-3 seconds determine everything.
Hook Formulas
The Question: "Did you know that [surprising fact]?"
The Promise: "I'm about to show you [valuable thing]"
The Challenge: "Most people get this wrong..."
The Tease: "This changed everything for me..."
The Controversy: "Unpopular opinion: [hot take]"
The List: "3 things I wish I knew earlier..."
The Mistake: "Stop doing [common behavior]"
Hook Performance Tips
- Text on screen reinforces audio
- Movement in first frame
- Face in frame increases engagement
- Bright colors stand out in feed
- No slow intros—get to it immediately
Captions Strategy
Why Captions Matter
- 85% watch without sound initially
- Captions increase watch time
- Improves accessibility
- Helps with SEO/discoverability
Caption Styles for Short-Form
Word-by-word animation: Each word appears as spoken. Creates engagement through motion.
Full sentence with highlights: Sentence visible, key words change color/size.
Large, centered text: Bold statements take up significant screen space.
Caption Best Practices
- Maximum 3-4 words per line
- High contrast colors
- Large enough to read on mobile
- Synced precisely with speech
- Positioned to not cover faces
Music and Audio
Using Trending Sounds
- Check "trending" sections
- Use sounds with growing usage
- Original sounds can go viral too
AI-Generated Music
For original content:
- Suno/Udio for custom tracks
- Royalty-free, unique
- Match mood to content
Audio Mixing
- Music should complement, not overpower
- Voice clearly audible
- Strategic volume changes for emphasis
Posting Strategy
Frequency
Minimum viable:
- 1 post per day
Optimal:
- 3-4 posts per day
Maximum:
- Algorithm may deprioritize if too many too fast
Timing
Test and track, but general guidelines:
- Early morning: 6-9 AM
- Lunch: 11 AM-1 PM
- Evening: 7-9 PM
- (All times in your audience's timezone)
Batch Creation
AI enables batch creation:
- Script day: Write/generate 20+ scripts
- Record day: Create all talking head footage
- Edit day: Cut and polish all videos
- Schedule: Use scheduling tools to post
This is more efficient than daily creation.
Analytics and Iteration
Metrics That Matter
Watch time:
- How long viewers watch
- Aim for >60% completion
Engagement rate:
- Likes, comments, shares, saves
- Saves indicate high value
Follower conversion:
- Views to follows ratio
- Indicates content-audience fit
Using Data
If watch time is low:
- Hooks aren't working
- Test different opening styles
If engagement is low:
- Content doesn't resonate
- Try different topics/formats
If views are low:
- Algorithm isn't picking up
- Check posting times and hashtags
Platform-Specific Considerations
TikTok
- Most experimental
- Trends move fastest
- Raw/authentic performs well
- Use trending sounds
Instagram Reels
- Slightly more polished
- Fashion/lifestyle strong
- Cross-post from TikTok works
- Use Instagram's music library
YouTube Shorts
- Can drive to long-form content
- Evergreen content works better
- Educational performs well
- Link to main channel
Key Takeaway
Short-form video success comes from volume, consistency, and iteration. AI tools make the volume possible by accelerating scripting, visuals, and editing. Focus on hooks—they make or break performance. Use captions always. Batch create content, post consistently, and let data guide your strategy. In the next lesson, we'll explore specific tools for automating short-form video creation.