Shorts generation

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

1. 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
   

2. Generate a scratch take

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

3. 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
   

4. Save final audio

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

5. 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

What to automate