Video glossary
What a lower third is, and when to use one
A lower third is the small graphic that appears in the lower part of the frame to name a speaker, state a job title, or add context. News broadcasts use them constantly, but they belong in interviews, documentaries, and YouTube videos too. Done well, they inform without pulling attention from the speaker.
From the Mellius product team · Updated September 28, 2026
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The short answer
A lower third is an on-screen graphic in the lower frame area that identifies a speaker or adds brief context, such as a name, title, or location. It combines short text with a simple shape and stays visible just long enough to read twice. Good lower thirds are legible, on-brand, and never cover faces or key action.
Short, complete information
Limit the text to a name plus one line of context, because viewers read it in seconds while still listening to the speaker.
Readable at small sizes
Use a clean typeface, strong contrast, and safe margins so the graphic survives phones, embeds, and cropped players.
Placement that respects the frame
Keep the graphic clear of faces, captions, and platform interface overlays that cover the bottom of the picture.
When a lower third earns its place
Introduce someone the first time they speak and whenever a new audience might join, such as after a long segment or a chapter marker. Titles, locations, dates, and definitions also qualify when hearing the fact once is not enough to remember it. If the information matters for trust or comprehension, put it on screen.
Restraint matters just as much. Leaving every name up for the whole video trains viewers to ignore graphics, and stacking multiple titles clutters the frame. Show the graphic for a few seconds, animate it in and out gently, and let the speaker hold the frame afterward.
Design rules that keep titles readable
Contrast and size decide whether a lower third works. Light text needs a dark bar or shadow behind it, and the smallest letters should still read on a phone held at arm's length. Stick to one or two typefaces that match the project, and keep the style identical every time the graphic appears.
Position the graphic with margins on all sides and check it against captions, logos, and the progress bars that players draw over the picture. Test on a phone before finishing, since small screens and cropped aspect ratios punish graphics designed only on a desktop monitor.
A practical sequence
Put it into practice
- 01
Identify who or what needs naming
List each speaker, title, and location the audience must know, and note the exact moment each one first appears.
- 02
Apply a consistent title style
Build one reusable lower third with fixed fonts, colors, and timing, then reuse it so every name looks like part of the same show.
- 03
Verify readability on a small screen
Preview on a phone, confirm nothing important sits underneath, and trim anything viewers cannot read in a few seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a lower third stay on screen?
Three to six seconds is enough for most name titles, giving viewers time to read the text twice. Longer durations suit complex credentials or translations that need an extra beat. If the graphic is still up after its job is done, it becomes visual noise.
What is the difference between a lower third and a caption?
A lower third identifies or contextualizes, while a caption transcribes what is being said word for word. Lower thirds appear briefly and selectively, whereas captions run continuously for accessibility. A video can and often should use both at once.
Do lower thirds hurt vertical video?
They can, because faces fill more of a vertical frame and platform buttons crowd the bottom edge. Shrink the graphic, raise it slightly, and test inside the actual app before export. When space is truly tight, a brief full-width title card can replace the lower third.
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Primary sources
Product capabilities change. These official references support the comparisons above.
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