Use cases · Updated
How to make a 10-second hook reel
Short answer
A 10-second reel works when one idea lands fast. At a normal speaking pace of about 150 words a minute, 10 seconds holds roughly 25 words. Write one hook sentence and one payoff, then let Bold or Glass in Claude Code add giant words or glass scenes, captions and sound.
Why make a reel only 10 seconds long?
Short reels are easy to finish, and a finished view is a stronger signal than a half-watched one. Ten seconds forces you to cut the throat-clearing and open with the point. They are also quick to make in a batch.
It is not a rule that 10 seconds is the best length, only that it is a good constraint for a single idea.
How many words fit in 10 seconds?
People speak at about 120 to 160 words a minute in everyday conversation. At 150 words a minute, that is 2.5 words a second, or roughly 25 words in 10 seconds. Leave a beat at the start and end and aim for 20 to 25.
- Hook (first 2 seconds): a claim, a number or a question, about 5 to 8 words.
- Payoff (next 6 seconds): the one thing the viewer learns, about 15 words.
- Close (last 2 seconds): a short line that tells them what to do or remember.
Bold or Glass: which one for your reel?
| Bold | Glass | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Giant blue words slam in behind your head, neon only on the blue | Violet glow, glass ribbon behind you, frosted cards, glass scenes |
| Feel | Loud, fast, attention-grabbing | Premium, calm, polished |
| Captions | Pop in word by word with a highlight | Frosted cards carry the key fact |
| Motion | Camera push, sway and shake on key words; never cuts away | Glass scenes cut in between your lines; sound and camera shakes placed |
Both are 9:16 only and about 10 seconds. See Bold and Glass for examples.
What does the process look like?
- Write a 20 to 25 word script and record it to camera in one take.
- Install Bold or Glass with the setup guide.
- Give Claude the clip. A Glass reel is built as speaker, abstract, speaker, abstract, speaker over 10 seconds.
- Review and ask for changes, then render and post.
What mistakes ruin a short reel?
- Starting with 'hey guys'. Open with the claim.
- Two ideas in one reel. Make two reels.
- Speaking too fast to hit the word count. Cut words instead.
- Captions with typos. Proofread them before posting.
Frequently asked questions
How long are Bold and Glass reels?
Both are designed for 10-second vertical reels. Layers and Explainer can handle other clip lengths; see their pages.
How many words should a 10-second reel have?
Around 20 to 25, based on a conversational speed of about 150 words a minute, with a short pause at each end.
Is 10 seconds the best length for Reels or Shorts?
No single length is best. Ten seconds suits a single idea. Platform rules for maximum length change, so check the platform's own help page.
Can I post a Bold or Glass reel on TikTok, Reels and Shorts?
The output is vertical 9:16 video, a format all three accept. Check each platform's current rules before posting.
Do I need to film a new clip for each reel?
Yes. A reel is one clip of you speaking to camera, about 10 seconds long.
Skills mentioned on this page
Bold
A 10-second reel where giant words slam in behind you and captions pop word by word.
Glass
A premium 10-second reel: a glass ribbon behind you, frosted cards and glass scenes cut in.
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