Transform long videos into viral-ready short clips for social media
Tools: Opus Clip (60 minutes free/month) or Descript (free tier)
Time required: 30 minutes
Step-by-step instructions
- Go to opus.clip and create a free account
- Upload a video file OR paste a YouTube/Vimeo link
- Click "Get Clips" and let the AI analyze your video (takes 2-5 minutes)
- Review the clips the AI selected—each has a "Virality Score" predicting engagement
- Edit any clips you want to adjust: change the start/end points, add captions style, or crop
- Download your clips in vertical (9:16) format ready for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts
Example prompt (to identify best moments before uploading)
I have a [30-minute webinar/podcast/video] about [topic]. Identify the 5 most compelling 30-60 second segments that would work as standalone short-form content. For each segment, explain:
1. The hook (why someone would stop scrolling)
2. The value delivered
3. A suggested caption
[Paste transcript or main talking points here]Business benefit: OpusClip won Best in Show at SXSW Pitch 2024 and reports that videos generated through their platform receive 35% higher views than alternatives on YouTube Shorts. Source: OpusClip
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Open Opus Clip/Descript, start a new project, and note target platforms (TikTok/Reels/Shorts).
2
Upload your long video or paste the YouTube/Vimeo link; confirm language and aspect ratio (9:16).
3
Let AI generate clips; filter by Virality Score or keywords to find high-energy moments.
4
Trim start/end points, adjust captions style, crop frames, and add emojis/overlays if on brand.
5
Export 3-5 clips with burned-in captions; also save clean versions for reuse.
6
Write platform-specific titles/hashtags, then schedule your top clip to publish today.
Pro Prompt — Copy & Use
Act as a viral video editor. Given a [duration] transcript for [topic/audience], pick the 5-7 most engaging 30-75 second segments for short-form clips.
For each clip, provide:
- Start/end timestamps (mm:ss -> mm:ss)
- Hook line (under 10 words) and why it will stop scrolling
- Key beat summary (2 bullets) and emotional arc
- Suggested on-screen text + caption (with one CTA)
- Aspect ratio recommendation (9:16 by default) and crop notes
- B-roll/overlay ideas and sound/design cues (captions style, zooms)
- Safe-for-all/brand alignment check; avoid sensitive claims
End with 3 packaging ideas (title + thumbnail text) and a posting order for a week.Recommended Tools
Pro Tip
Short-form video content increasing 135% yearly; 73% of consumers prefer short-form; Video generates 66% more leads than other content. Source: OpusClip
Your Challenge
Upload one of your longest videos (a webinar, interview, or tutorial) and let Opus Clip create 5 short clips. Post your favorite one today!
