Shorts generation - Typecast Documentation

Short-form video work usually needs fast iteration: a hook, a few alternate reads, and a final audio file that can be dropped into an editor. The CLI is useful because an agent can turn script drafts into named audio assets without switching tools.

Recommended flow

Ask the agent for a short script

Keep each line short enough for captions and editing.

Write a 25-second Shorts script with:
- one opening hook
- three short beats
- one call to action

Generate a scratch take

cast "This is the fastest way to test a Typecast voice from your terminal." \
  --emotion smart \
  --out shorts-scratch.wav

Generate alternate hooks

cast "Stop scrolling. Your app can speak in one command." \
  --emotion preset --emotion-preset happy --emotion-intensity 1.3 \
  --out hook-a.wav

cast "Here is a terminal trick for instant AI voiceovers." \
  --emotion smart \
  --out hook-b.wav

Save final audio

cast "$(cat shorts-script.txt)" \
  --voice-id tc_xxx \
  --emotion smart \
  --format mp3 \
  --out shorts-final.mp3

Generate captions from the same take

cast "$(cat shorts-script.txt)" \
  --voice-id tc_xxx \
  --emotion smart \
  --out shorts-final.wav \
  --timestamps-out shorts-final.srt

Agent prompt pattern

Create a short-form video voiceover.
Write the script first, then generate:
1. hook-a.wav
2. hook-b.wav
3. final.mp3
4. final.srt

Use the CLI. Keep filenames descriptive, generate captions from the same final script, and do not overwrite approved takes.

Practical tips

Goal	CLI option
Faster delivery	`--tempo 1.08` to `--tempo 1.18`
More energetic read	`--emotion preset --emotion-preset happy --emotion-intensity 1.2`
More natural context	`--emotion smart --prev-text ... --next-text ...`
Editor-friendly output	`--out final.mp3 --format mp3`
Subtitle import	`--timestamps-out final.srt`
Web preview captions	`--timestamps-out final.vtt --timestamps-format vtt`
Custom campaign voice	`cast voices clone sample.wav --name "Campaign Voice"`
Reproducible drafts	`--seed 42`

What to automate

Shorts task	Recommended CLI feature
Opening hook A/B tests	Separate `hook-a.wav`, `hook-b.wav` files
Captions for editing	`--timestamps-out final.srt`
Browser preview captions	`--timestamps-out final.vtt --timestamps-format vtt`
Branded or creator voice	`cast voices clone` then use `--voice-id uc_xxx`
Fast review in a room	Run `cast "short sentence"` without `--out` for immediate playback

Generate hooks as separate files. It makes it easier for the agent or editor to compare openings without regenerating the full narration.

​Recommended flow

​Agent prompt pattern

​Practical tips

​What to automate

Recommended flow

Agent prompt pattern

Practical tips

What to automate