This Learn Center article will walk you through Headliner's AI Powered Clip Scoring tool. Clip Scoring is designed to help podcasters quickly identify video and audiogram clips that are likely to perform well on social media and YouTube Shorts.
What is Clip Scoring and why we added it?
Clip Scoring uses AI to give every clip (video and audiogram) a letter grade based on how likely it is to perform. Clip Scoring helps you quickly see which clips are your "better" moments to help save time.
Headliner creates 10 clips per project automatically. This is great because you get a bunch of clips to share and grow your podcast with, but, it unintentionally can add even more work with you having to review all 10 clips to figure out which ones you ultimately would like to share. Clip Scoring helps cut down on that time creating a faster way to see your best moments. Instead of reviewing all 10 clips, you can go straight to the highest-scoring clips and use or review those first. Each clip gets an overall grade plus a breakdown of exactly why it earned it, so you spend your time on the clips most likely to perform.
How your overall score is calculated
Your overall Clip Score is an A–F letter grade, averaged from six category grades. Headliner's AI reviews your clip against a rubric, grades each category on its own, then averages those grades into one overall letter grade.
That means one weak category won't sink a strong clip, and one standout category won't carry a weak one. Each category also comes with its own assessment, so you can see what's working and what's holding the clip back.
If a clip scores low, Headliner explains why. You get a justification that points to what held the clip back, so you know exactly what to edit or test rather than guessing.
The six categories
Every clip is graded on the same six categories. Here's what each one looks at and what earns a top grade.
| Category | What it measures | What a strong clip does |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | How well the opening seconds grab attention | Opens with a bold line, question or surprise that quickly catches attention |
| Feeling | The emotional pull of the moment | Makes viewers laugh, react, nod along or feel something |
| Reach | How the clip can connect with your intended audience | Makes sense out of context from the show/off podcasting platforms |
| Detail | The substance behind the moment | Delivers a specific insight, story, stat or takeaway |
| Clarity | How easy the clip is to follow | Keeps one clear idea, with clean audio and no inside references |
| Flow | How naturally the clip starts, moves and ends | Feels complete, without cutting in mid-thought or trailing off |
Your score breakdown shows the grade for each category alongside a short assessment explaining why it landed where it did.
How to use your score
Use your Clip Scores as a tool! (A low score is not the end-all-be-all, it may just signal to try something new).
- Compare your clips. Post your highest-graded clips first and save lower-graded ones for later or for reworking.
- Read the breakdown. Find the lowest-graded categories and read their assessments to see what's dragging the score down.
- Fix the easy wins. A weak Hook or Flow grade often means the clip starts or ends in the wrong place. Adjust the trim and check the new score.
- Spot patterns. If you notice your clips consistently receive low scores, it may be time to try a new length. Some podcasts require longer clips (60 seconds - 3 minutes) to capture all the context whereas some may do better with short, punchy clips (15 - 30 seconds).
So again, if you see a low score, there's no need to hit the panic button! Consider adjusting the way you clip or even try to weave recommendations into the full episode.
FAQ
Does a high score guarantee a clip will perform? No. Clip Scoring predicts which clips are likely to perform well based on proven qualities of strong clips. Timing, platform, captions and your audience all still play a part.
What happens if my clip scores low? Headliner gives you a justification explaining why the clip scored the way it did. Use it alongside the category breakdown to decide whether to rework the clip or move on to a stronger one.
Why did my clip get a low grade in one category but a good overall score? The overall score is an average of all six categories. A clip can be strong overall while still having one area worth improving.
Should I only post A-grade clips? Not necessarily. Clip Scoring is designed to help save time! While our clipping algorithm was built by humans, our scoring system is powered by AI which is not always perfect. If you ever disagree with a score, please let us know by emailing support@headliner.app. We're always updating!
What grading scale does Clip Scoring use? Clips are graded from A to F, just like a report card. A means the clip has strong performance potential; F means it needs significant work.
Questions?
We're all ears! If you have questions or feedback about AI Powered Clip Scoring, please email us at support@headliner.app.