What Is a Lower Third?
A lower third is a text or graphic overlay in the bottom area of the screen used to show names, titles, captions, or context in a video.
A lower third is a text or graphic overlay positioned in the bottom portion of a video frame. It’s the strip you see introducing a speaker’s name and title, labeling a location, or flagging a topic — placed low so it never blocks the main subject.
What lower thirds are used for
Lower thirds quietly carry a lot of information:
- Names and titles — identify who’s speaking in interviews, podcasts, and talking-head videos.
- Context labels — show a location, date, segment name, or topic.
- Calls to action — prompt a follow, link, or hashtag without a full-screen graphic.
They’re a hallmark of polished, broadcast-style video, and they make content more accessible by reinforcing key details visually.
Lower thirds in short-form video
Even in a 30-second clip, a clean lower third instantly signals quality and tells viewers who they’re watching. The key is keeping it legible on mobile — bold text, strong contrast, and a quick animation.
quso.ai’s AI video editor lets you add branded overlays, captions, and text elements to your clips without manual design work, so every short you publish carries a consistent, professional look. Pair lower thirds with animated captions to make your videos readable even when watched on mute.