A short video feels spontaneous when it works, but most good ones are planned line by line. A script keeps you on point, cuts the rambling and makes recording faster. Here is a structure that fits in 30 to 60 seconds.
The four-part structure
- Hook (1–3 seconds): the reason to keep watching. One sentence, about the viewer.
- Setup (5–10 seconds): the context they need, and nothing more. Why this matters, what the problem is.
- Payoff (most of the video): the steps, the tips, the story or the answer the hook promised.
- Ending (2–5 seconds): one clear next step: follow for part 2, comment your answer, watch the full video.
How many words?
People speak about 150 words a minute on camera, a bit faster in short videos. That gives you roughly:
- 15 seconds: 35–40 words
- 30 seconds: 70–80 words
- 60 seconds: 140–160 words
Paste your draft into the free script timer to see how long it really runs before you record.
An example
- Hook: “Your phone videos look dark because of one setting.”
- Setup: “Phones guess the exposure from the whole frame, so a bright window makes your face dark.”
- Payoff: “Tap your face on the screen, hold to lock the exposure, then slide the sun icon up a little. Now the window can be bright and you still look good.”
- Ending: “Follow for part 2: the one light I use for every video.”
Write for the ear
- Short sentences. One idea per sentence.
- Words you would say to a friend, not words you would write in an essay.
- Read it out loud before recording. If you stumble, rewrite the line.
- Cut anything the video works without: background, caveats, second examples.
From script to video
Record with a teleprompter so you keep eye contact while saying the exact words. Do the hook several times and keep the best take; the rest can be one or two takes per section.
Check how long your script runsPaste your script and see its spoken length, line by line, with what to cut. Free, no sign-up.
Open the script timer Frequently asked questions
Do I need a script for a 15-second video?
At least a written hook and ending. Even short videos ramble without them.
Should I memorize the script?
You don't have to. A teleprompter lets you read it while looking at the lens, which is faster than memorizing.
How do I sound natural reading a script?
Write it the way you speak, read it aloud a couple of times, and allow yourself small changes while recording.