Storyboard Shot Types, Framing, and Continuity for Vertical Video

Key takeaway & what you'll build

A few words make a scene specific: the shot type (close-up, medium, wide, over-the-shoulder, or top-down), the framing for vertical 9:16, and the movement. Keep the person, setting, lighting, and style consistent so the scenes feel like one video, and write it all into each scene's on-screen action.

You'll build: Your storyboard in Video Studio

Directing on paper

You don't need film school, just a few words that make your scenes specific.

Shot types

Close-up: Emotion, detail, a product, a number on screen
Medium shot: Talking to camera, from the waist up
Wide shot: Setting, context, "where are we?"
Over-the-shoulder: Showing a screen or document from the viewer's view
Top-down / flat lay: Desks, notes, products, hands at work

Framing and movement

Vertical 9:16 for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Keep the subject centered and important text away from the edges.
Static for talking to camera; slow push-in for emphasis; handheld for a casual feel.

Continuity

Scenes should feel like one video:

Same person, clothes, and setting across talking scenes
Consistent lighting, such as warm desk lamp or bright daylight
A consistent style for any illustrated frames

Write it into each scene

Update each scene's on-screen action with the shot type and framing:

❌ "Person talks about pricing."
✅ "Medium shot, 9:16. Me at my desk, warm lamp light, looking into camera, spreadsheet visible behind me."

Try it

Add a shot type and framing to every scene's on-screen action.