> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/quick-start/explainer-videos/set-duration.md).

# Choose Explainer Video Format

Explainer video requests use `format` to choose how the video is produced. If the generic `duration` parameter is sent, it is ignored.

| Format      | Best for                                               | Credits |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | ------- |
| `explainer` | Balanced default for most explainers                   | 50      |
| `short`     | Tighter, punchier summaries and social-friendly recaps | 50      |
| `cinematic` | Premium, more polished storytelling treatment          | 100     |

If you omit `format`, the API defaults to `explainer`.

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.autocontentapi.com/content/Create" \
  -H "accept: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "outputType": "video",
    "resources": [
      { "type": "youtube", "content": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ" }
    ],
    "text": "Summarize the key arguments in plain language.",
    "format": "short"
  }'
```

**Key fields**

* `format`: One of `explainer`, `short`, or `cinematic`.
* `resources`: Combine any supported source types; YouTube is shown here.
* `style`: Optional visual treatment layered on top of the chosen format.
* `text`: Use instructions to steer tone or focus.

## Try it in code

* [C#](/code-samples/explainer-videos/csharp/set-duration.md)
* [Node.js](/code-samples/explainer-videos/nodejs/set-duration.md)
* [Java](/code-samples/explainer-videos/java/set-duration.md)
* [PHP](/code-samples/explainer-videos/php/set-duration.md)
* [Python](/code-samples/explainer-videos/python/set-duration.md)