# 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      |
| `brief`     | 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": "brief"
  }'
```

**Key fields**

* `format`: One of `explainer`, `brief`, 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#](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/code-samples/explainer-videos/csharp/set-duration)
* [Node.js](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/code-samples/explainer-videos/nodejs/set-duration)
* [Java](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/code-samples/explainer-videos/java/set-duration)
* [PHP](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/code-samples/explainer-videos/php/set-duration)
* [Python](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/code-samples/explainer-videos/python/set-duration)