Video formats
Every format has its own rules: what works in an interview doesn't work in a reel, and what works in a vlog is no good for an ad. Knowing the typical structure of each one gives you a starting point that you can break later.
Interview or testimonial
- Structure: hook (the strongest line), introduction of the subject, development by topic, emotional or reflective close.
- Picture: tight medium shot + close-up, and plenty of B-roll.
- Key: an interview is written in the edit. Order the answers by meaning, not by the order they were recorded in.
Vlog
- Structure: a promise at the start ("today I'm going to show you…"), a journey with small milestones, a wrap-up and sign-off.
- Picture: wide angle to camera, lots of movement, B-roll of the surroundings, jump cuts.
- Key: personality. And sound: a lavalier mic or an on-camera mic with a windscreen.
Mini documentary
- Structure: a character with a desire or a problem, obstacles, change. The three acts of a script, with real people.
- Picture: observation (a camera that follows without intervening), interviews and detail B-roll.
- Key: shoot much more than you need and find the story in the edit. Typical length: 3 to 15 minutes.
Reels, TikTok, Shorts
- Structure: a hook in the first second and a half, quick development, an ending that invites people to rewatch or comment.
- Picture: vertical 9:16, short shots, on-screen text, captions.
- Key: retention. You'll see it in depth in vertical video for social media.
Short ad
- The most common structure: problem → solution → benefit → brand and call to action. The emotional structure also works: story → twist → brand.
- Picture: every shot is planned; a storyboard is a must.
- Key: a single idea. A 20-second ad that tries to say five things says nothing.
Tutorial or explainer video
- Structure: the end result at the start, numbered steps, a recap.
- Picture: overhead shot or extreme close-up of the hands, screen captures, on-screen titles with the steps.
- Key: clarity. Every step should be visible and understandable without pausing.
Summary table
| Format | Typical length | Main shot | Must-have |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interview | 2–10 min | Tight MS + CU | B-roll |
| Vlog | 5–20 min | Wide angle to camera | Personality and good audio |
| Mini documentary | 3–15 min | Observation | A character with a goal |
| Reel | 15–60 s | Vertical, short shots | Hook and captions |
| Ad | 15–60 s | Designed shots | A single idea |
| Tutorial | 3–15 min | Overhead or detail | Clear steps |
In short
- Every format has a basic structure that you can break on purpose.
- In interviews and documentaries, the story is found in the edit.
- In reels and ads, one single idea and an immediate hook.
Your turn: one topic, two formats
Pick a topic (your neighborhood, your job, a hobby) and make two pieces.
- A two-minute interview with B-roll.
- A 30-second reel with the same footage.
- Compare what you had to change for each format.