✳ PLAYBOOK · THOUGHT_LEADERSHIP · YOUTUBE SHORTS
Talking head short on YouTube Shorts
Deliver one point of view / update / opinion directly to camera in a 30-60 second vertical clip.
What to produce
- Talking head clip - 9:16, 60s
- Written version of the same point - (no aspect)
Recommended inputs
- Phone selfie camera
- Eye-level tripod
- Lav mic
Platform-specific guidance
- Hook
- First 3 seconds decide Shorts retention - open on the strongest beat.
- Aspect
- 9:16
- Duration
- 60s
- Captions
- Burned-in recommended
- Reframe 16:9 to 9:16
- Yes
- Safe-zone overlay
- Apply before upload
- Caption guidance
- Burned-in captions; Shorts allow heavier caption styling.
Workflow
- Write the script: One sentence per line. Aim for 12-18 lines for 60s.
- Record 2-3 takes: Cut to the strongest take - do not edit awkwardness in post.
- Apply safe-zone + burn captions: Subject high; captions below. (Burn-in)
- Export per platform: 9:16 across the board. (Content Pack)
- Reframe for YouTube Shorts: 16:9 to 9:16 reframe; subject tracking. (Reframe)
- Apply platform safe-zone overlay: Use the YouTube Shorts safe-zone overlay so subjects stay visible. (Safe-zone)
Pitfalls to avoid
- Eye contact lost (looking at notes)
- Lav mic picking up room noise
- Subject placed too low in frame
Tools and presets
Frequently asked
How do I make a talking head short for YouTube Shorts?
Write the script; Record 2-3 takes; Apply safe-zone + burn captions; Export per platform.
What aspect ratio should I use on YouTube Shorts?
Use 9:16 (YouTube Shorts's safe native ratio).
Do I need burned-in captions on YouTube Shorts?
Yes - YouTube Shorts feeds are predominantly muted, so burned-in captions are essential.
Which export preset should I pick?
YouTube Shorts's SAFE_DEFAULT preset is documented at /tools/export/youtube-shorts/short.
Sources
LinkedIn B2B Institute (verified 2026-09-18) - Wistia Learn creator playbook (verified 2026-09-18)