The AVS Journal
Writing On-Screen Text for Property Reels
On-screen text should help viewers identify the property or understand a feature without competing with the footage. Use short, verified statements, sufficient contrast and enough display time, then proofread the actual exported reel on a phone.
Give each text element one job
An opening may identify the property, a middle caption may clarify a feature, and an ending may offer the next step. Avoid placing a full listing description over every scene. If a sentence needs more time than the shot provides, shorten it or move the detail to the accompanying post or property page.
Write claims the footage and listing support
Confirm room names, dimensions, materials and inclusion details before using them. A visible view of water does not automatically justify 'waterfront,' and a furnished room does not establish a bedroom classification. Precise, plain wording is more useful than vague superlatives that add little information.
Test readability over movement
Text that looks clear on a paused frame may disappear against changing light or a busy background. Preview the final export at ordinary phone size, including any interface overlays at the destination. Keep important words away from edges and essential property features. Check spelling again after revisions, especially addresses and contact details.
Example: replace an overloaded caption
Instead of an illustrative paragraph listing every kitchen feature, use one concise verified phrase while the room is visible and place the detailed specifications in the listing. The image and text then support each other rather than asking viewers to read while missing the footage.
Reel text proof
- Assign one purpose to each caption.
- Verify facts and property terminology.
- Check contrast and reading time on a phone.
- Review the final export for spelling and obstructed subjects.
Frequently asked questions
Should text appear in every scene?
No. Use it where it adds information or orientation. Clear footage often benefits from moments without additional text.
Can captions replace an unclear sequence?
They can clarify, but they should not carry the entire explanation. Improve the visual order when viewers cannot understand the property without extensive reading.
