What ratio should I use for Shorts?
Choose 9:16 for text-to-video or upload a vertical first frame for image-to-video.
Video templates / MiniMax H3
Design the hook for a vertical frame.
A strong Short communicates before the viewer reads a caption. Keep the subject large, place the key change near the center, and ask for one visual transformation that can land within a few seconds.
H3 motion reference
Framing and pacing study
Where this works
Use 9:16 text-to-video for original scenes or animate a vertical first frame. Leave clean areas for captions, and avoid placing important details at the extreme top and bottom where platform controls compete for space.
Ready-to-use prompt
Vertical studio shot of a tiny apartment transforming into a bright creator workspace in one seamless push forward, furniture unfolds with practical mechanical motion, person remains centered and reacts naturally, crisp daylight, immediate visual hook, clean space for captions
Three controls that matter.
01
Show the premise immediately
02
Keep the subject near center
03
Leave caption-safe negative space
Questions, answered.
How long should the generated clip be?
Five to eight seconds is a useful building block. Combine clips in an editor for a longer Short.