Guide · Updated
How to make animated lower thirds
Create clean animated lower thirds with a name, title, photo or logo for interviews, podcasts, news and YouTube, and export them transparent for any editor.
A lower third is the graphic in the lower part of the frame that says who is speaking. It is the most-used graphic in interviews, podcasts, news and documentaries, and one of the easiest to get right.
1. Pick a style
- Simple: Lower third – simple, Lower third – underline or Lower third – boxed.
- With a photo: Lower third – photo pill.
- Documentary: Documentary lower third.
- Creator handle: Social handle tag or Name card.
- Podcast guest: Podcast guest with an episode label and a voice meter.
2. Write it short
Name on the first line, role or context on the second: "Dr. Sam Rivera · Sleep scientist". Leave out anything viewers do not need in the moment.
3. Match your brand
Set the accent color to your brand color and keep the same lower-third style for every speaker in a video. Consistency looks more professional than variety.
4. Export and place it
Lower thirds start on a transparent background. Export a MOV for Premiere Pro, Final Cut or DaVinci Resolve, or WebM for CapCut, and place it over the first few seconds each person speaks.
Timing
- Show it within the first two seconds of someone speaking.
- Keep it on screen for four to six seconds.
- Bring it back if the person returns much later.
Placement
For 16:9 video, place it in the lower left, clear of the speaker's face. For 9:16 Shorts and Reels, raise it above the bottom fifth so app buttons and captions do not cover it.
See every style on the lower thirds topic page, or use the lower third maker in the free tools.
Questions people ask
Can I add a logo?
Several styles accept a photo or logo, and every text and color is editable.
Do lower thirds work in vertical video?
Yes. Choose 9:16 and raise the graphic so it clears the app interface.