Lower Third

Lower thirds are among the most common graphic elements in video production. Named for their typical placement in the bottom third of the frame (a safe zone identified by the rule of thirds), they provide essential information without obscuring the primary visual content. In interviews, lower thirds identify the speaker and their credentials. In news broadcasts, they display headlines and location information. In corporate videos, they can highlight key statistics, quotes, or calls to action.

Well-designed lower thirds reflect the brand identity and visual style of the production. They typically include an animated entrance and exit, a background element (solid, gradient, or semi-transparent) for text legibility, and typography that matches the project's design system. The animation should be elegant but not distracting — the lower third serves the content, and if viewers notice the animation more than the information, the design needs refinement.

Lower thirds are often created as reusable templates in After Effects or Motion, making it efficient to generate multiple versions with different names and titles. For branded video content, investing in a polished lower third template that aligns with the brand's visual identity creates consistency across all video output. When commissioning lower thirds, provide clear guidance on brand fonts, colors, logo placement, and the amount of information that needs to be displayed, as these factors drive the design approach.