Write 3 openings for each short video with AI, test them as trial reels, and score results after 3 days against your usual views and sign-ups.
Who it is for
Small businesses and creators posting Reels or Shorts who want to know which openings actually work.
Tools
Instagram trial reels, or your usual short video app
ChatGPT or Claude
A simple results sheet
Steps
Pick one video. Use the prompt below to write 3 different openings for the first 3 seconds.
Edit 3 versions that differ only in the opening.
Post them as trial reels where available. Instagram says trial reels are shown to non-followers first and do not appear on your grid unless you share them later.
Wait 3 days, then log views, sign-ups or messages for each.
Score each: views divided by your usual views for a post. Above 1 is better than usual.
After about 30 to 50 tests, write down the patterns that keep winning and use them by default.
The prompt
Write 3 different openings for the first 3 seconds of this short video. Keep everything after the opening the same.
What the video shows: [DESCRIPTION]
Who it is for: [AUDIENCE]
Make the 3 openings different types: a problem statement, a surprising result, and a direct question. Each under 12 words, on-screen text plus what is said. No claims I have not given you.
Tips
Change one thing at a time, or you will not know what worked.
Views are not customers; track sign-ups or messages too.
Three posts prove nothing; look for patterns over dozens.