Why 9:16 is the default
YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Reels all reward a frame that fills the phone. A horizontal highlight has to be cropped or letterboxed, and both lose the subject. The studio defaults to 9:16 so the face, the ball and the finish stay in the same frame.
If you need a horizontal version for a different destination, render it separately at 16:9. Cropping a vertical render afterwards will cut the action out of shot.
The first second decides the rest
Open on the person, not on the pitch. The prompt should put the subject in frame immediately and give the camera a reason to stay close. A wide, empty stadium shot is a beautiful image and a bad short.
- Start with the subject already moving, not standing still.
- Keep the camera tight — a medium shot or closer.
- Put the payoff inside the first four seconds.
- Avoid text in the prompt; add captions in the editor where you can control them.
A short that still looks like football
The football read comes from three details: the ball, the goal and the crowd. If any one of them is missing, the clip can look like a generic running shot. Name the pass, the finish and the floodlights in the prompt.
You do not need a real stadium or a licensed kit. Generic colours and a floodlit atmosphere are enough for the format, and they keep the render out of trademark trouble.
Cost per short
A 480p · 12-second render is 5 credits; 720p is 10; 1080p is 30. Shorts are usually shorter than 12 seconds, so the cost scales down. A failed render is refunded automatically.
One-time credit packs never expire. If you are posting daily, buy a pack and render a batch in one sitting rather than subscribing to a plan you may not use.
Prompt recipe
A vertical football short: the player receives a pass, flicks it past a defender, sprints into the box and finishes low into the corner, then turns to the camera. 9:16 framing, tight on the subject, floodlit stadium, quick and energetic motion.This is the exact English prompt the model receives. Edit it in the studio above; the credit cost depends on resolution and length, not on the prompt.
Questions, answered
Can I upload a horizontal photo?
Yes. The model will compose a vertical shot around the subject, but a photo with room above and below the face gives it more to work with. A tight horizontal crop can still work.
How long should a football short be?
Four to eight seconds is the sweet spot. It is long enough for a pass, a finish and a reaction, and short enough that the viewer reaches the payoff before scrolling.
Does it add captions?
No. The model should not render text; AI-generated lettering is usually garbled. Add captions in your editor after downloading the MP4.
Can I post it on TikTok and Reels too?
The same 9:16 MP4 works on all three platforms. Check each platform’s AI-disclosure rules before you publish.
What if I need a longer short?
Render 12 seconds at 720p, then trim or loop it in your editor. The studio does not currently stitch multiple shots into one file.
