On TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, holding attention has become a real challenge. Users scroll through videos in seconds, and only those that immediately catch their eye manage to generate thousands, even millions of views.
Among the most effective formats at the moment is the double format, also called split screen. Very popular among content creators, it is particularly used in clipping campaigns to improve retention and engagement.
What is the double format?
The principle is very simple: two videos are displayed simultaneously on the screen.
In most cases:
the upper part shows the creator speaking;
the lower part displays dynamic content, such as a gameplay sequence, a satisfying video, or an animation.
This format allows for more visual space and prevents the viewer from getting bored.
Why does this format work so well?
The brain is naturally drawn to movement.
By offering two sources of information simultaneously, the double format further stimulates the viewer's attention. Even when the creator is speaking directly to the camera, the content displayed at the bottom of the screen maintains constant visual interest.
Result: users stay longer on the video, which improves the retention rate. However, retention is one of the main criteria used by the algorithms of TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels to recommend a video to a larger number of people.
The content to use
To create a double format edit, you simply need two videos.
The first is usually the creator's main video: a podcast, an interview, a Twitch live stream, or a YouTube video.
The second is a more dynamic content intended to maintain attention. Clip creators often use:
gameplays;
simulation videos;
animations;
travel images;
cinematic shots;
or any other royalty-free content relevant to the topic.
The goal is to reinforce the message without distracting from what the creator is saying.
How to create this type of edit?
The double format is one of the simplest to produce.
You just need to import the two videos into an editing software like CapCut, then position:
the main video in the upper part;
the secondary content in the lower part.
In just a few minutes, it is already possible to achieve a very professional result.
📖 Are you looking for good video backgrounds to overlay for your Double Format edit? Check out our selection of the best sites to find royalty-free gameplays.
How to make the clip even more effective?
Even though the format already works very well on its own, a few elements can further enhance its impact.
The addition of subtitles makes it easier to read when users watch videos without sound.
Text allows for highlighting important ideas or creating a hook effect from the very first seconds.
Finally, a few filters or slight visual adjustments can give a more uniform and modern look.
Why is this format so widely used in clipping?
Clipping involves transforming a long video into several short contents intended for social media.
The double format is particularly suited to this goal as it allows for showcasing the best excerpts while increasing the video's ability to hold attention.
That is why it is now used by many creators, streamers, podcasters, and YouTubers.
An ideal format for beginners
Unlike some very technical edits, the double format remains accessible even to beginners.
It requires few special effects, minimal adjustments, and can be done quickly with the main editing software.
It is often one of the first formats that new clippers learn to master before moving on to more elaborate edits.
Conclusion
Easy to create, quick to produce, and particularly effective, the double format has become a staple of clipping.
By combining a main video with dynamic visual content, it improves retention, captures more attention, and increases the chances of a clip being recommended by social media algorithms.
Whether you are a content creator or a beginner clipper, mastering this format provides an excellent foundation for producing more engaging videos and increasing your visibility on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts..
👉 Join the CLIPLINK clipper network and apply for our paid campaigns →