Commentary / Opinion vs Reaction

Commentary / Opinion

Did you write the take before recording? If you are responding live with the source on screen, it is a Reaction.

Is the source playing while you respond, unscripted and in the moment? If you wrote the take afterwards, it is Commentary.

Side-by-side comparison of Commentary / Opinion and Reaction
	Commentary / Opinion	Reaction
In one line	An authored take on current events or discourse. The source is referenced, not played.	An unscripted, real-time response with the source content playing on screen beside you.
On camera?	Voice only	On camera
Hours a week	from 4, best around 8	from 2, best around 6
Budget floor	Just the phone I own	Up to £200
Editing needed	I can trim and cut	I can trim and cut
Schedule	strict	regular
Platforms	YouTube (long), YouTube Shorts, TikTok	YouTube (long), YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Twitch
Demands	Time Equipment Editing Consistency	Time Equipment Editing Consistency
Choose it if	· People with a genuine point of view they will defend · Anyone who follows a beat closely enough to be early · Writers who would rather not be on camera	· Naturally expressive people who think out loud · Anyone with genuine expertise in what they are reacting to — that is the version that survives · Creators who want volume without a writing process

Still not sure which one is yours?