Shortening a video can change its meaning. Preserve the conditions and proof behind the claim while adapting pacing and framing to the destination.
Map what must survive
From the master, mark the claim, evidence, qualification, and next action. For each target duration, decide what must remain visible or audible. If a cut removes a qualification, narrow the claim. If proof no longer fits, use another claim or link to the complete demonstration.
Treat ratios and placements as separate edits. Reframe captions and interface labels instead of simply cropping the speaker or evidence. Check safe zones, subtitle timing, text size, and mute playback. A translated cut needs its own pacing and line breaks, not a literal subtitle over unchanged frames.
Example: 30-second demo and six-second reminder
The longer version may show setup, action, and result. The short reminder may state a supported benefit and point to details; it should not imply the workflow was demonstrated. Label each export by language, ratio, duration, claim, and revision.
A reviewer seeing only the cutdown should understand its claim. Check accuracy, disclosure, rights, legibility, and destination match. Store the master-to-cut map for future edits. Compare results within the same placement and objective; a higher view rate on a short clip does not prove comprehension or business impact.
AI assistance disclosure
AI tools assisted with drafting. Durations are illustrative.