Most Shorts fail for one reason: the creator edits like it’s long-form. They pick “interesting moments” and call them clips. Viewers don’t care. Shorts are a different format.
Shorts are built around:
- a hook (tension)
- a quick story (one idea)
- a payoff (value)
- a clean ending (takeaway)
This guide turns “highlight editing” into “hook-first packaging.”
1) When this Route is right
Use this when:
- you have long videos but your Shorts feel random
- your clips start slow
- retention drops hard in the first 2–3 seconds
- you want a repeatable system, not luck
Works for:
- podcasts, webinars, tutorials
- talking head clips
- product demos
2) When NOT to use it
Skip if:
- your source content has no clear opinions or steps
- audio is hard to understand
- the content depends on complex visuals that don’t work vertically
Hook-first still needs a good source.
3) The hook formula (simple and reliable)
A hook is not a “cool sentence.” A hook is a problem the viewer recognizes.
Pick one of these proven hook types:
- Stop doing X: “If you’re doing X, stop.”
- Mistake: “This is the mistake everyone makes with X.”
- Secret/setting: “One setting changes everything.”
- Before/after: “We tried X, results doubled.”
- Contrarian: “Everyone says X, but the truth is Y.”
The best hooks are specific and slightly tense.
4) The one-idea rule (what makes a clip shareable)
A shareable Short has one idea:
- one tip
- one mistake
- one insight
- one mini-story
If your clip includes two ideas, it becomes confusing and forgettable.
A good test: Can you describe the clip in one sentence?
5) Practical workflow
Step 1 — Choose the clip by payoff, not by “energy”
Look for segments with:
- a clear conclusion
- a strong lesson
- a result (number, outcome, decision)
Energy is optional. Payoff is mandatory.
Step 2 — Rewrite the first line
Even if the clip is good, the opening might be weak. Rewrite the first line into a hook type from section 3.
Step 3 — Remove the setup
Cut:
- “So today we’re going to…”
- “Let me explain the background…”
- long intros
Shorts are impatient by design.
Step 4 — Add one “proof” element
One example or number makes it real:
- “We tested this on X.”
- “This reduced editing time by Y%.”
- “Here’s the exact step.”
Step 5 — End with one takeaway
A strong ending is:
- a clear instruction (“Do X next.”)
- a conclusion (“That’s why Y wins.”)
- a simple summary (“Hook → payoff → done.”)
Avoid endings that fade out mid-sentence.
6) What “done” looks like
You should be able to produce clips that:
- hook in 1–2 seconds
- deliver one idea
- end cleanly
- look consistent on mobile
If you can repeat that, your Shorts will improve dramatically.
7) Trust note
Use official tool websites only.
Always verify captions (names and numbers).
Don’t clip in a way that changes the speaker’s intent.