How to Write a Script for a Short Video (That People Actually Watch)

If you’ve been to a restaurant recently and tutted at a toddler glued to their screen, then you’ll know one thing for sure.

We are living in the age of the short-form video. 

From TikTok to Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts, our attention spans are getting shorter and our appetite for bite-sized content is growing. For businesses, this presents a huge opportunity. Short-form video is a powerful way to connect with your audience, build your brand, and drive engagement. 

But it also presents a new challenge: how do you tell a compelling story in 60 seconds or less?

The answer is a good script. You can’t afford to wing it. You need a clear and concise message, a compelling narrative, and a strong call to action. That all starts with a well-written script. A good script is the foundation of a good video. It’s the blueprint that will guide you through every step of the production process, from filming to editing. It will help you stay on track, keep your message focused, and ensure that your video has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

But if you’ve never written a video script before, it can be a daunting task. Where do you start? What should you include? And how do you make sure your script is engaging enough to keep your audience watching?

In this post, I’m going to demystify the process of writing a script for a short video, no matter the content topic. I’ll provide you with a simple, step-by-step framework that you can use to write a script that is clear, concise, and compelling. Plus, I’ll share some of my favorite tips and tricks for writing a script that will keep your audience hooked from the first second to the last.

The 3-Act Structure of a Short Video Script

Every content writer will tell you that a good story has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and the same is true for a short video script. 

I like to think of it as a 3-act structure:

• Act 1: The Hook. This is the most important part of your script. You have about three seconds (or far, far less according to this Reddit post!) to grab your audience’s attention and make them want to keep watching. Your hook should be something that is surprising, intriguing, or emotionally resonant.

• Act 2: The Value. This is the meat of your video. It’s where you deliver on the promise of your hook. Whether you’re sharing a tip, telling a story, or making a point, your value section should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.
• Act 3: The Call to Action. This is where you tell your audience what you want them to do next. Do you want them to like, comment, or share your video? Do you want them to visit your website or subscribe to your newsletter? Your call to action should be clear, specific, and easy to follow.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Short Video Script

Now that you understand the basic structure of a short video script, let’s take a look at a step-by-step guide to writing one.

Step 1: Start with a Big Idea

Before you start writing, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to say. What is the one key message that you want to get across to your audience? Write it down in a single sentence. This will be your north star, the guiding principle that will keep your script focused and on track.

Step 2: Write (and Test) a Killer Hook

As I mentioned before, the hook is the most important part of your script. Spend some time brainstorming different ideas for your hook. Try to come up with something that is surprising, intriguing, or emotionally resonant. Here are a few formulas you can use:

• “You’re not going to believe this, but…”
• “Here’s a secret that will change the way you…”
• “I’m about to save you a lot of time and money…”

Step 3: Outline Your Value Section

Once you have your hook, it’s time to outline your value section. What are the key points that you want to make? Write them down in a bulleted list. This will help you stay organized and ensure that your message is clear and concise.

Step 4: Write Your Script

Now it’s time to start writing. Write your script in a conversational tone, as if you were talking to a friend. Use short sentences and simple language. And don’t be afraid to inject some of your personality into your writing.

Step 5: Add a Strong Call to Action

Your call to action should be clear, specific, and easy to follow. Tell your audience exactly what you want them to do next. For example, “If you found this video helpful, be sure to like and follow for more tips.”

Step 6: Read Your Script Out Loud (Lots of Times!)

This is a critical step that many people skip. Reading your script out loud will help you identify any awkward phrasing or clunky sentences. It will also help you get a better sense of the timing and pacing of your video.

Step 7: Revise and Edit

Once you’ve read your script out loud, it’s time to revise and edit. Cut any unnecessary words or sentences. Make sure your message is clear and concise. And don’t be afraid to go back and rewrite your hook if it’s not strong enough.

The Two-Column Video Script Template

One of the most effective ways to format your video script is to use a two-column template. The left column is for the visual elements of your video, and the right column is for the audio elements. This will help you visualize your video as you’re writing it, and it will also make it easier for you to communicate your vision to your team.

Visuals	Audio
(Scene description)	(Dialogue, music, sound effects)
A close-up of a person looking stressed.	(Intro music)
The person has a lightbulb moment.	Narrator: Are you tired of writing video scripts that fall flat?
The person starts typing on their computer.	Narrator: In this video, I’m going to show you how to write a script that will keep your audience hooked.
A shot of the person smiling and giving a thumbs-up.	Narrator: So, if you’re ready to take your videos to the next level, be sure to like and follow for more tips.

The Final Word on Video Scripts

A good script is the foundation of a good video. It’s the blueprint that will guide you through every step of the production process, and it’s the key to creating a video that is clear, concise, and compelling. By following the steps in this guide, you can write a script that will keep your audience hooked from the first second to the last.

Ready to create videos that get results but don’t want to go through the whole rigmarole of script writing? I get it. At Empowered English, we write the stuff that makes you money, including scripts for YouTube, reels, internal videos, and even educational content. To find out more and to work with us, book a free consultation today.

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