How to Make a Tier List Video (Talking-Head Guide)
To make a tier list video, pick a topic your audience has opinions on, choose five to eight items, and rank each one into S, A, B or C tiers with one short reason. Film yourself talking to the camera, then add a tier board on screen that fills in as you rank. Tier lists work well for coaches and podcasters because they turn your expert opinion into a fast, clear format.
This guide covers how to plan, script and film a talking-head tier list, plus how to add the board without spending hours in an editor.
What is a tier list video?
A tier list video ranks a set of items into levels. S is the best, then A, B and C. Some people add D or F for the worst. The viewer watches each item land on the board and hears why it went there.
The format is popular because it is easy to follow and easy to argue with. People who disagree often leave a comment to say why.
Why do tier lists work for coaches and podcasters?
Your audience follows you for your judgement. A tier list shows that judgement in under two minutes. It also gives a clear shape to a video that could otherwise feel like rambling.
Some ideas to start with:
- A fitness coach ranks common breakfast foods.
- A business coach ranks ways to get your first ten clients.
- A podcaster ranks microphones they have used.
- A career coach ranks job search methods.
- A sales coach ranks the most common objections by how hard they are to handle.
How do you make a tier list video step by step?
- Pick a topic people care about. Choose something your audience already uses or argues about. The more they have a view, the better.
- Choose five to eight items. Fewer feels thin. More makes the video too long for short-form.
- Decide your ranking for each item. Write one sentence on why it sits in that tier. Keep the reason simple and specific.
- Plan the order. Many creators start with a surprise, like a popular item in C tier, to hook viewers. End with your S tier pick.
- Write a hook line. Say the topic and promise a ranking in the first sentence. For example: I ranked every way to get coaching clients, and the most popular one is in C tier.
- Film in one sitting. Talk to the camera. Frame yourself in the middle of a vertical shot, with space above your head where the board can sit.
- Add the board in editing. Show an S, A, B, C grid and drop each item into its tier at the moment you say it.
- End with a question. Ask viewers where they would put one of the items. It gives them a reason to comment.
How long should a tier list video be?
For TikTok, Reels and Shorts, 45 to 90 seconds works for most tier lists. That gives about ten seconds per item with five to eight items. If you want to rank twenty things, make a longer YouTube video, then cut the best parts into shorts.
What should go on screen?
- The board. Four clear rows with S, A, B and C labels. Keep it at the top of the frame so your face stays visible.
- Picture tiles. A small image for each item, such as a logo, a product photo or a simple icon. Pictures are faster to read than words.
- Stat lines. A short line of text when you mention a price, a number or a fact. Only use numbers you can back up.
- Captions. Many people watch without sound. Captions keep them following your reasons.
Doing all this by hand in an editor takes time. Each tile needs to appear at the right second, and the captions need to match your words.
How do you make a tier list video with Clipsy?
We built a Tier List edit style for this format. You upload your talking-head video or paste a link. As you rank items, an S, A, B, C board appears over you, with picture tiles and stat lines. Before the edit renders, you check the caption words and fix any mistakes, so names and brand words come out right.
- Go to the tier list video maker and add your video.
- Clipsy transcribes it and places each item on the board as you rank it.
- Check the caption words and correct anything wrong.
- Render the edit and download your 9:16 video.
Minutes count the length of the video you upload. See pricing for plans. If you already have a podcast episode with a ranking moment in it, you can also pull that part out as a clip. Our guide to clipping a podcast shows how.
Tips for a better tier list video
- Be honest. Rank based on what you really think. Viewers can tell when a ranking is only for clicks.
- Keep each reason short. One or two sentences per item. Save the deep detail for a longer video.
- Use simple items. Viewers should know what each item is without an explanation.
- Look at the camera. A tier list is your opinion. Eye contact makes it feel personal.
- Make a series. If one tier list does well, make another on a related topic. Your audience will ask for more.
Common tier list mistakes
- Too many items. A 15-item list in a short feels rushed. Cut it down or split it in two.
- Weak start. Opening with hey guys today I am ranking loses people. Start on the topic and the surprise.
- Board covering your face. Keep the board in the top part of the frame.
- Wrong captions. Auto captions often get names wrong. Always check them.
Key takeaways
- A tier list ranks five to eight items into S, A, B and C tiers, each with a short reason.
- It suits coaches and podcasters because it shows your judgement in a clear format.
- Start with a hook, end with your S tier pick and a question for comments.
- Keep short-form tier lists around 45 to 90 seconds.
- Clipsy's Tier List edit adds the board, picture tiles and stat lines over your talking-head video.
Want more ways to use your episodes? Read how to repurpose podcast content, or see answers to common questions in our FAQ.
FAQ
How many items should a tier list video have?
Five to eight items works best for short-form. Fewer feels thin, and more makes the video too long.
How long should a tier list video be?
For TikTok, Reels and Shorts, 45 to 90 seconds works for most tier lists. That gives about ten seconds per item.
How do I add a tier board to my video?
You can build the board by hand in an editor and time each tile to your words. Clipsy's Tier List edit shows an S, A, B, C board over you as you rank, with picture tiles and stat lines.