How to make a ranking video
Top 5 countdowns, blind rankings and tier lists for TikTok, Shorts and Reels. Type your list and the rest is done for you.
Ranking shorts are everywhere on TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Reels: a title at the top, a numbered list down the side, and each clip drops its name into a spot until the list is full. They're fun to watch, people argue in the comments, and they're quick to make once the list part is done for you.
How to make a ranking video, step by step
- Open the maker. Press the button above, or open the video editor and click Viral shorts in the toolbar. Pick Top 5 countdown, Top 10 countdown, Blind ranking or Tier list.
- Type your title and list. For example "Top 5 snacks of all time". Type one name per row, in the order the clips will play, and choose the rank for each. Pick a rank that is already taken and the two swap, so you can't use one twice. Stuck for ideas? Press Surprise me.
- Pick a look. Classic, Bold, Neon or Clean. The phone preview next to the list plays your short as you type.
- Add your clips or photos. Press the + next to a row to give it its own clip, or choose them all at once. Skip this step and free stock clips are found for you.
- Press Make my video. The short is built in 9:16 with the list that fills in, the big countdown numbers, music, a drum roll before number one and sound effects on every reveal.
- Change anything and export. Everything lands on the timeline as normal text and sound, so you can move, retime or restyle it. Export as an MP4 in up to 4K, with no watermark.
Which format should you pick?
| Format | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Top 5 or Top 10 countdown | Counts down from the last spot to number one | Favourites, best of, worst to best |
| Blind ranking | Things come in a random order, and each one gets a spot for good | Food, games, anything people love to argue about |
| Tier list | S, A, B, C and D rows, each clip drops into its row | Long lists, characters, products |
| Easiest to hardest | Green to red, from easy to impossible | Sports, levels, tricks, jobs |
| Rank them in the comments | Shows five things, viewers rank them | Getting comments |
| Rating out of 10 | Each clip gets a score in green, yellow or red | Reviews, taste tests |
More viral formats in the same maker
- Guess in 3 seconds and Guess the price: a 3, 2, 1 countdown, then the answer.
- Red flag or green flag: the statement, then the verdict with a buzz or a chime.
- Would you rather and This or that: two choices, and viewers pick in the comments.
- Who would win?: round by round with a running score.
- Expectation vs reality, Then vs now and Day 1 vs day 100.
- Facts you didn't know: one numbered fact per clip.
Tips for a ranking short people finish
- Keep each spot short. About two seconds per item keeps people watching to number one.
- Save a surprise for the top. A number one people don't expect is what gets the comments going.
- End with a question. "Agree? Drop your #1" is already filled in as the last line, and you can change it.
- Use clips you're allowed to use. Your own footage and photos, or the free stock clips in Clipabay, are safe to post.
Questions
How do I make a ranking video for TikTok or YouTube Shorts?
Open the Viral shorts maker in Clipabay, pick Top 5 or Top 10, type your list, add clips or let it find free stock clips, and press Make my video. It is made in the 9:16 shape for TikTok, Shorts and Reels.
Can I make a tier list video?
Yes. Pick Tier list, type each name and choose its tier from S to D. Each clip drops its name into its row, with a sound effect.
Do I need my own clips?
No. If you skip the clips, Clipabay finds free stock clips that match your title. You can also use photos.
Is it free, and is there a watermark?
It is free, there is no account and no watermark, and you can export in up to 4K.