> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://cut.pro/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Guide to clips that perform

> Best practices for turning a long video into clips that grab attention on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts

The core idea of CutPro is simple: take **one long video** (live, podcast, lecture) and generate **several vertical clips** of the best moments. This guide gathers practices that work consistently across the three main short-video platforms.

## Principles that apply on every platform

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card icon="zap" title="Hook in the first seconds">
    The first seconds decide whether someone stays. Start in the middle of the action, not with an introduction.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="gauge" title="Retention and completion">
    Videos that people watch all the way through are favored. Prefer clips with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="smartphone" title="Vertical 9:16">
    Use the full-screen vertical format. CutPro already generates clips in this format.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="captions" title="Always use captions">
    Most people watch without sound. Apply a template with automatic captions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Other practices that help:

* **Use the original audio** from your video, instead of generic soundtracks
* **Post consistently**, instead of many videos at once and then nothing
* **Don't publish the exact same file** on every network; choose different clips for each one

## Ideal length per platform

| Platform            | Suggested length | Focus                                                 |
| ------------------- | ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **TikTok**          | 30 to 90 seconds | Fast pace, authenticity                               |
| **Instagram Reels** | 30 to 60 seconds | Visual polish, content people want to share           |
| **YouTube Shorts**  | 60 to 90 seconds | Content that drives comments and leads to the channel |

These are starting points, not fixed rules. Test and adjust based on how your audience responds.

## Workflow with CutPro

<Steps>
  <Step title="Generate the clips">
    Upload a long video and let the AI find the best moments. Start with the highest-scoring clips.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finalize the visuals">
    Apply a template with captions and your branding. On paid plans, clips come out without a watermark.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Publish or schedule">
    Publish directly to your connected networks. On the Plus and Pro plans, you can automate posting with auto-post.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Track performance">
    Check the metrics section to see which clips performed best and use that to guide the next ones.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common mistakes that hurt reach

* **Weak hook**: the first seconds don't grab attention
* **No captions**: you lose viewers who watch without sound
* **Watermark**: present on the free plan; paid plans remove it
* **Clip too long without pace**: people leave before the end
* **Same video on every network**: choose different clips for each platform

<Card icon="rocket" href="/docs/en/making-first-clip/passo-a-passo" title="Create your first clip">
  See the complete step-by-step, from link to clip ready to post
</Card>