Lower third
Also called lower thirds, name strap, chyron
What is a lower third?
A lower third is a text graphic placed in the lower part of the video frame, usually showing a speaker's name and title, a location, a topic or a short message. The name comes from its position: roughly in the bottom third of the screen. It adds context without covering the speaker's face or the main action.
Lower thirds started in television news and sports, where they are also called name straps or chyrons (after a company that made early character generators). In marketing videos they introduce interviewees, label products, show a web address or prompt viewers to follow or subscribe.
Most lower thirds are short motion graphics: they animate in, stay for a few seconds and animate out. In vertical video, platform buttons and captions crowd the bottom of the frame, so lower thirds often sit a little higher to stay inside the safe zone.
Why a lower third matters
Lower thirds build credibility. Seeing "Maya Chen, Head Baker" under a speaker tells the viewer why to listen. In a testimonial video, a name and business name make the quote feel real.
They are also a quiet branding tool. Consistent lower thirds in your colors and fonts make every video look like it comes from the same business.
How to design a lower third
- Keep it to two short lines: a name or headline, and a title or detail.
- Use your brand fonts and colors with strong contrast against the footage.
- Place it in the lower part of the frame but inside the safe zone for the platform.
- Animate it in and out quickly, and leave it on screen for about 3 to 5 seconds.
- Save it as a template and reuse it across all your videos.
Lower third FAQ
Why is it called a lower third?
Because it sits in the lower third of the screen, an area that rarely contains the speaker's face or the main subject.
Where should a lower third go in a vertical video?
Higher than in a landscape video. Platform buttons, captions and the description cover the bottom of the screen on Reels, TikTok and Shorts, so keep text clear of that area.
Related terms
Motion graphics are animated graphic design elements such as text, shapes, icons, charts and logos, used to explain ideas or style a video.
A safe zone is the area of a video or image where text and key content will not be hidden by platform buttons, captions or cropping.
A testimonial video features a real customer describing their experience with a business, used as social proof in marketing and sales.
Brand consistency is presenting a brand the same way everywhere: same logo, colors, fonts, voice and promise across every channel and post.
Kinetic typography is animated text that moves, scales or appears in time with speech or music to express meaning and keep attention.