Quick Reference
Key Information at a Glance
Video Dimensions
| Platform | Format | Resolution |
|---|
| YouTube (standard) | 16:9 | 1920 × 1080 or 3840 × 2160 |
| YouTube Shorts | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 |
| TikTok | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 |
| Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 |
| Instagram Feed | 1:1 or 4:5 | 1080 × 1080 or 1080 × 1350 |
| LinkedIn | 16:9 or 1:1 | 1920 × 1080 or 1080 × 1080 |
| Twitter/X | 16:9 | 1920 × 1080 |
YouTube Thumbnail
- Size: 1280 × 720 pixels
- Format: JPG, PNG
- Max file size: 2MB
- Text: 3-5 words max
- Test at small size
Frame Rates
| Rate | Use |
|---|
| 24fps | Cinematic feel |
| 30fps | Standard video |
| 60fps | Smooth motion, sports, gaming |
Audio Levels
| Element | Target Level |
|---|
| Voice | -12dB to -6dB peak |
| Music (under voice) | -18dB to -24dB |
| Sound effects | -12dB to -6dB |
| Final mix | -6dB to -3dB peak |
Video Structure
Long-Form
- Hook (0-10 seconds)
- Intro/Context (10-30 seconds)
- Content (bulk of video)
- Call to Action
- End screen (final 20 seconds)
Short-Form
- Hook (0-1 second)
- Content (compressed, fast-paced)
- CTA or loop point
Three-Point Lighting
[Back Light]
↓
[Subject]
↑ ↑
[Key] [Fill]
(45°) (45°, dimmer)
B-Roll Shot Types
- Establishing (wide, context)
- Detail (close-up)
- Insert (specific object)
- Cutaway (related scene)
- Reaction (faces)
Caption Best Practices
- Max 2 lines
- 150-160 words per minute
- High contrast
- Large enough for mobile
- Always proofread
Hook Types
| Type | Example |
|---|
| Question | "Ever wonder why...?" |
| Statement | "This changed everything." |
| Statistic | "90% of people don't know..." |
| Story | "Last week, something happened..." |
| Direct | "You need to stop doing this." |
Editing Checklist
AI Video Tools Summary
| Tool | Best For |
|---|
| Descript | Text-based editing, podcasts |
| CapCut | Quick edits, shorts |
| Runway | AI video generation |
| Opus Clip | Long-to-short repurposing |
| HeyGen | AI avatar videos |
| ElevenLabs | AI voiceover |
Export Settings (YouTube)
- Container: MP4
- Codec: H.264
- Resolution: 1080p or 4K
- Frame rate: Match source
- Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps (1080p), 35-45 Mbps (4K)
- Audio: AAC, 320kbps
Keep this reference handy while creating.