✳ PLAYBOOK · EXPLAIN · SUBSTACK
Explainer short on Substack
Explain one concept clearly enough that the viewer can repeat it in their own words.
What to produce
- Threaded summary - (no aspect)
Recommended inputs
- Whiteboard
- Screen recording
- Talking head + graphics
Platform-specific guidance
- Hook
- Open with the confusing part. Promise clarity, not summary.
- Aspect
- 1:1
- Duration
- 90s
- Captions
- Plain text
- Reframe 16:9 to 9:16
- No
- Safe-zone overlay
- Not required
- Caption guidance
- Key term captions; bold-on-screen definitions help.
Workflow
- Define the concept in 1 sentence: If you can't, the concept isn't ready.
- Storyboard 3 beats: Confusion to insight to application. (Hook design)
- Record screen + narration: Screen recording with voiceover; no face needed. (Workflow)
- Caption key terms: Use term-on-screen, not full narration. (Burn-in)
- Export + thread summary: Vertical short + textual summary. (Content Pack)
Pitfalls to avoid
- Animation over substance
- Conclusions that are 'and that's why it matters' (no payoff)
Tools and presets
Frequently asked
How do I make a explainer short for Substack?
Define the concept in 1 sentence; Storyboard 3 beats; Record screen + narration; Caption key terms; Export + thread summary.
What aspect ratio should I use on Substack?
Use 1:1 (Substack's safe native ratio).
Do I need burned-in captions on Substack?
Plain text is enough; no burned-in captions needed.
Which export preset should I pick?
No sourced preset for this surface yet; use MP4 H.264 + AAC as the safe default.
Sources
HubSpot content types overview (verified 2026-09-18) - YouTube Help - Creator playbooks (verified 2026-09-18)