vertical-storytelling-structure

name	vertical-storytelling-structure
description	Use when structuring 60-second vertical video. Tight structure forces clarity.

Vertical Storytelling Structure

60s vertical structure: hook (3s), promise (5s), payoff (20-40s), call to action (5s). Every second must serve.

Standard 60s structure

0-3 sec: HOOK (compelling visual + verbal) 3-8 sec: PROMISE ('I'll show you...') 8-50 sec: PAYOFF (delivery of promise) 50-60 sec: CTA (follow, comment, link)

No lulls. No 'um's. No setup. Just value.

Pacing in 60s

Section pacing:

• Hook: very fast cuts (1-2 second shots)
• Promise: medium pace (3-4 second shots)
• Payoff: depends on content (educational = slower; entertaining = fast)
• CTA: clear, on-screen text + verbal

Common 60s mistakes

1. Slow start — too much setup before hook
2. Diluted payoff — too many small points instead of one big one
3. Weak CTA — generic 'follow for more' without specifics
4. No payoff — hook promises, payoff disappoints
5. Wrong pacing — too fast or too slow for content
6. No callback — payoff doesn't relate to hook

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Structure for CardPrepAI 60-second educational shorts.