# Dynamic duration and early growth goals for TrueTraceShorts

Use this for AutoShorts/TrueTraceShorts proof shorts after the user's May 2026 correction that video length must not be fixed.

## Duration is chosen by understanding

Do **not** force every video into a fixed 30s/35s slot. Choose the shortest length that still lets the viewer:

1. recognize the scam/mechanism;
2. understand the red flag;
3. know exactly what to do next;
4. finish quickly without losing the useful explanation.

Recommended bands:

- **Simple red flag:** 25–35s.
- **Standard red flag:** 35–45s.
- **Explanation / recovery:** 45–60s.
- **TikTok monetization test / deeper lesson:** 61–90s.
- **Later longform guide:** 5–8min.

Default for new Proof Shorts: **35–45 seconds**.

## Early growth objective

Direct ad monetization is not the primary initial objective. Optimize early videos for:

- shares;
- saves;
- followers;
- trust;
- family/share usefulness;
- clear next action.

Treat a slightly longer standard proof short as correct when it materially improves understanding or safe-action clarity. Treat extra seconds as waste when they only add decoration, generic CTA, or repeated explanation.

## Practical production pattern

When creating the next video:

1. Classify the topic before scripting: `simple_red_flag`, `standard_red_flag`, `explanation_recovery`, `deeper_lesson`, or `longform_guide`.
2. Pick the duration band from that classification.
3. Draft the voiceover for clarity first, not for a hard timestamp.
4. Probe rendered audio duration.
5. If a standard proof short lands below 35s and understanding feels thin, add one concrete mechanism/safe-action sentence rather than filler.
6. If it exceeds the band, cut repeated warnings, generic urgency, or decorative CTA first.
7. Report the selected band and final duration in the review package.

## Review package note

For this user, include language like:

```text
Length selected by understanding: Standard Red Flag, target 35–45s, final 39.180s.
```

This makes clear that the length is deliberate, not accidental.