A video script template that does the timing for you
This video script template builder gives you a proven order for the video you are making and does the arithmetic: pick a format, fill in the hook, intro, main points and call to action, and read a formatted script with the running time of every part at your own speaking pace. It is a template and a calculator, not an AI writer, so the words are yours and nothing leaves your browser.
Most scripts go wrong in two places: the opening takes too long to get to the point, and nobody knows whether the whole thing fits the length they planned until they film it. The timing table shows both before you record. Copy the result, download it as text, or paste it into the online teleprompter to read it on camera.
How to use the Video Script Template Builder
- Choose a template: explainer, short video or reel, tutorial, product review or sponsored video. Each has its own parts and a suggested length.
- Enter your speaking pace in words per minute and the target length you want.
- Fill in each part. In the main points box, put one point on each line.
- Pick the output: a timed script, a two-column style with visual and audio notes, or plain read-aloud text.
- Check the running time and the “aim for” column, trim or expand, then copy or download the script.
Video Script Template Builder features
Five structures
Explainer, short video, tutorial, review and promo, each with sensible parts and share of the time.
Timings from words
Each part’s duration is its word count divided by your pace, with start times that add up.
Three output styles
A timed script, a visual-and-audio layout for planning shots, or just the spoken text.
Aim-for guide
Shows how many words each part should have to hit your target length.
Private drafts
Your draft is saved only in this browser. Clearing site data removes it.
How the timings are worked out
Running time = total words ÷ words per minute. A part’s start time is the sum of the parts before it. With the default example, 96 words at 150 words per minute run for 0:38. The “aim for” column multiplies your target length by the part’s share and by your pace: a 5-minute explainer at 150 words per minute has about 750 words, of which the hook should be near 60.
Conversational speech is often quoted at roughly 120 to 160 words per minute; slower, clearer delivery suits tutorials and faster suits energetic shorts. Test your own pace by reading a paragraph aloud for 60 seconds, then count the words with the word counter.
What each part is for
The shares of running time each template suggests are this tool’s rules of thumb, not a standard. Change the words, not the rules: the table updates as you type.
| Part | Job | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | Earn the next few seconds | One sentence; show the result or the problem |
| Intro | Set the promise | Who you are, what they will get, why now |
| Main points | Deliver the value | One idea per line; cut anything that does not serve the promise |
| Recap | Make it stick | The takeaways in a breath |
| Call to action | Say what to do next | One ask only |
Tips
- Write to be heard: short sentences, plain words, contractions.
- Say any sponsorship or gifted-product disclosure out loud near the start, as the rules in your country require.
- Read the script aloud once before recording; words that trip you up usually need rewording.
- For titles and descriptions to match the script, see the YouTube title generator and the description generator.
Video Script Template Builder FAQ
What is a good video script format?
Hook, intro, main points, recap and call to action works for most explainers. Short videos drop the intro and recap. This tool has a template for each.
How long should a video script be?
It depends on the video length and your pace. At 150 words per minute, a 5-minute video is about 750 words and a 30-second short is about 75.
Is this a video script generator that uses AI?
No. It is a structured template with timing, so there is nothing to sign up for and your ideas stay on your device.
How do I add visuals to the script?
Choose the visual and audio format. Each part gets a VISUAL line you can fill in with shots or on-screen text.
Can I read the script on camera?
Yes. Copy it, then paste it into the online teleprompter, set the same speed, and read it as it scrolls.
Is my script stored anywhere?
Only in your browser’s local storage on this device. Nothing is uploaded.