> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.layz.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to make a commentary video

> End-to-end guide to produce a commentary Short with layZ Generic Commentary in the dashboard or via MCP, including script approval and export.

This guide produces one commentary-style Short with layZ.

## Before you start

* Paid plan with enough credits for download, voiceover, and export
* A public source URL or local file
* Optional: connected AI client for the MCP path

## Dashboard path

**1. Start Generic Commentary**

Open Workflows and start the official template. Details: [Generic Commentary](https://docs.layz.ai/workflows/generic-commentary.md).

**2. Ingest and inspect**

Download or upload sources. Watch the footage and note beats you will talk about.

**3. Optional cleanup**

Clip and/or remove text.

**4. Write the script**

Keep it short, spoken, and tied to what appears on screen. Optionally run the [Readability Checker](https://docs.layz.ai/tools/readability-checker.md).

**5. Pick automatic or guided mode**

Guided mode requires approving the exact script before voiceover.

**6. Generate voiceover**

Choose a voice and generate.

**7. Edit**

Apply captions, emphasis graphics, and audio levels using the template recipe.

**8. Export and title**

Export, review, download, and write a publication title for posting.

## MCP path

```text theme={null}
Start Generic Commentary for <url>.
Work step by step with layz_get_current_step.
Inspect frames yourself and save visualNotes on the downloader step.
Use guided script mode and pause for my approval before voiceover.
Then edit, export, wait for the render, and send me the workflow link,
editor link, export download, and a publication title.
```

## Checklist before you post

* Captions readable on a phone
* No leftover watermarks
* Audio levels balanced (voice above music)
* Hook in the first 1-2 seconds
* Title matches the content


## Related topics

- [How to create a video](https://docs.layz.ai/getting-started/how-to-create-a-video.md)
- [Make YouTube Shorts with AI on layZ](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/make-youtube-shorts-with-ai.md)
- [Make videos with Claude and layZ](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/make-videos-with-claude.md)
- [layZ Docs](https://docs.layz.ai/index.md)
- [Make videos in chat](https://docs.layz.ai/mcp/make-videos-in-chat.md)


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