What you’ll learn
- A reusable hook → value → payoff → CTA structure
- How to write a hook that stops the scroll
- How to write for the ear, not the page
- How to time a script to a target length
Why structure matters
Viewers decide whether to keep watching in the first few seconds, and they stay only while each moment earns it. A repeatable structure removes the guesswork — you always know what comes next and why, which makes scripts faster to write and more reliable to watch.
The script skeleton
Almost every effective video follows the same spine.
- 1Hook (first ~3s): the reason to keep watching.
- 2Context: why this matters to the viewer.
- 3Value: the substance — the steps, the insight, the demo.
- 4Payoff: the result or transformation.
- 5CTA: one clear next step.
Writing the hook
The hook does the heavy lifting. Try a sharp question, a bold claim, a result shown first, or a pattern interrupt that breaks the scroll. Whatever you choose, put the most interesting words first — “Here’s how I cut my editing time in half” beats “In today’s video, I want to talk about editing”.
Write for the ear
Scripts are heard, not read. Use short sentences and contractions, keep one idea per line, and read the whole thing aloud before you generate. If you stumble over a sentence, rewrite it — the listener will stumble too.
Timing your script
People speak at roughly 130–150 words per minute, so a 30-second video script is about 65–75 words and a two-minute explainer is around 280–300. Write to your target, then cut anything that doesn’t serve the point — tight always beats long.
Templates you can reuse
Short-form: Hook → one insight → quick payoff → “follow for more”. Explainer: Problem → solution → how it works → CTA. Save the structure that fits your channel and fill it in each time instead of starting from a blank page.
Quick tips
- Hold each video to a single idea; if a second one sneaks in, give it its own clip.
- Front-load the value; don’t bury it after an intro.
- Read every script aloud before you generate.
- Cut the “welcome back” intro — open on the hook.
- End on a single, specific CTA.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a script be?
Match it to length: ~65–75 words for a 30s short, ~280–300 for a two-minute explainer.
How many words per minute?
Around 130–150 spoken words per minute is a safe planning figure.
Do I even need a script for AI video?
The agent can write one, but a tight script or brief gives you far more control over the result.
Is there a template for shorts?
Yes — hook → one insight → quick payoff → CTA. Reuse it every time.
How do I make my hook better?
Lead with the payoff or a bold claim, and put the most interesting words first.
