Head of Shorts Testing

Dhar Mann Studios; Burbank (CA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Changing Lives Productions, the in-house video unit of Dhar Mann Studios, seeks a Head of Testing to optimize short-form videos for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. You will own the testing process from hypothesis to final publishing, creating multiple test variants and guiding data-driven editorial decisions.

You will manage a Testing Assistant, develop KPIs, and ensure fast iteration cycles that maximize hook rate and retention across platforms.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience analyzing social media content performance.
• Deep working knowledge of Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube metrics, with focus on hook rate and retention.
• Proven ability to translate retention data into specific creative/editorial recommendations.
• Hands-on short-form editing experience; ability to create alternative hooks, endings, pacing variations.
• Strong understanding of viral storytelling, audience behavior and opening-image selection.

Responsibilities

• Own testing of each short after post-production and guide it through testing, iteration, and final optimization.
• Create four to five strategically different versions per short (hooks, openings, pacing, endings).
• Manage testing assistant to set up Instagram Trial Reels and Facebook A/B tests and run follow-up tests.
• Review hook rate, retention charts, drop-offs, completion, engagement to diagnose viewer interest points.
• Recommend and execute edit changes based on data, including requesting new voiceover when needed.
• Create reporting systems that track every version, hypothesis, result, and final publishing recommendation.

Skills

Social media analytics

A/B testing

Video editing (short-form)

Data-driven storytelling

Project management

Job description

ABOUT CHANGING LIVES PRODUCTIONS:

Changing Lives Productions is the in-house video production company of Dhar Mann Studios, the #1 creator of scripted positive content online. With over 163 million followers and 45+ billion views across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, our videos receive more than 1 billion views each month.

We produce several hours of original content weekly with messages of compassion, kindness, and altruism that resonate with viewers of all ages. Our stories tackle real-life challenges and deliver powerful life lessons that resonate with global audiences.

Founded by Dhar Mann, named the "Moral Philosopher of YouTube" by The New York Times, a Time Top 100 Creator, and ranked #2 on Forbes' 2025 Top Creators list - our founding principle is simple but ambitious: We're not just telling stories. We're changing lives.

BIG PICTURE:

Why This Role Matters:

The Head of Testing will be responsible for turning completed short-form edits into fully optimized, publish-ready videos. Once post-production delivers a short, this team will develop and test four to five versions across Instagram Trial Reels and Facebook A/B tests, using performance data to identify the strongest opening hook, pacing, ending, and overall edit. This role owns the testing process from the first hypothesis through final recommendation, ensuring the version we publish has the highest probability of success.

HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME:

Own each short after post-production and carry it through testing, iteration, and final optimization before public release.

Create four to five strategically different versions of each short, including alternate hooks, openings, pacing, story structure, calls to action, and endings.

Manage testing assistant to set up Instagram Trial Reels and Facebook A/B tests, then run follow-up tests when the first results reveal additional opportunities.

Review hook rate, retention charts, drop-off points, completion rate, engagement, and other platform signals to diagnose where viewers lose interest.

Recommend and execute edit changes based on the data, including requesting new voiceover from Dhar when a stronger test requires it.

Create clear reporting systems that track every version, hypothesis, result, learning, next step, and final publishing recommendation.

Compare test performance with live-post performance to develop KPIs and minimum thresholds that increase the probability of a successful public release.

WHAT YOU HAVE:

3+ years of experience analyzing social media content performance, preferably within short-form video, digital media, or the creator economy.

Deep working knowledge of Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube performance metrics, with particular strength in hook rate and audience retention.

A proven ability to turn retention-chart dips and platform data into specific creative and editorial recommendations.

Hands-on short-form editing experience; the ideal candidate can personally create alternate hooks, endings, pacing variations, and test versions.

Strong understanding of viral storytelling, viewer psychology, opening-image selection, pacing, payoff, and platform-specific audience behavior.

Experience building dashboards, reports, testing frameworks, and practical KPIs that creative teams can use to make publishing decisions.

Strong ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple videos and testing cycles at once without losing version control.

WHO OVERSEES YOU:

The Head of Testing will report directly to the Head of Shorts.

WHO YOU OVERSEE:

The Head of Testing will oversee one Testing Assistant and lead the day-to-day workflow of the Shorts Testing Team.

WHERE IT ALL GOES DOWN:

The role is remote.

WHEN THE MAGIC HAPPENS:

This is a full-time role. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday (occasional weekend work will be required), with specific hours and flexibility discussed during the interview. Testing cycles may occasionally require timely review of live platform results.