{"id":9385,"date":"2023-03-27T14:37:31","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T18:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/?p=9385"},"modified":"2025-06-20T18:13:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T22:13:46","slug":"video-script-writing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/video-script-writing.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Easily Write a Video Script (+ Free Template)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Free Video Script Template<\/strong>\n

Jumpstart your brainstorm and make the writing process easier. Learn how to download your personal, editable copy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\tGet Immediate Access<\/i>\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Video is the most effective way to convey a message, tell a story, or promote a brand. It\u2019s also 72%<\/a> of consumers’ preferred way to learn about a product or service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A successful video is relevant to the viewer and engaging. Writing a script is crucial to producing a compelling video that people will enjoy watching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll start with why it\u2019s important to write a script for those tempted to skip this step. However, most people see the benefits yet get stuck wondering, \u201cHow do I actually write a script for my video?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ve come to the right place! We’re going to cover writing a video script step by step. Plus, grab our free script template to jumpstart your creativity and make the writing process easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Table of Contents<\/h4>\n
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  1. What Is a Video Script?<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Why Write a Video Script?<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. How Many Words Are in a Minute of Video?<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. How to Write a Video Script (+ Free Template)<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Quick Tips for Video Script Writing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    What Is a Video Script?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A video script outlines the details of your video, including the setting, characters, on-screen visuals, music, dialogue or voice-over, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Traditional scripts, like those written for movies, follow a particular format. This formatting provides a consistency that allows the script\u2019s readers to understand the content and visualize the final outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Scripts for how-to lessons, marketing announcements, product features, internal communications, and help videos tend to follow a looser format that, at minimum, includes the visuals and audio scene-by-scene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why Write a Video Script?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It may be tempting to skip the daunting task of writing a video script in favor of \u201cwinging it.\u201d Here are a few reasons to plan your video ahead of time by writing a script. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Save Time and Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Whether you\u2019re working with a team or running a one-person crew, creating a video script can save time, money, and frustration. The real benefit of writing a video script is taking the time to fully map out your creative vision. By fleshing out the details, you\u2019ll create a plan of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When working with a team, writing a video script helps avoid scheduling (and paying for) additional filming days or extra revisions for animation and editing. A strong plan prevents unnecessary back-and-forth and miscommunication between departments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Create an Effective Message<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The first few seconds of your video are crucial. The social media conglomerate Meta, which owns both Facebook and Instagram, found that a viewer who sticks around for the first three seconds<\/a> is likely to watch for 30 seconds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Writing a script provides multiple points to conceptualize the final result, get feedback, and clarify the vision. Without spending any money, you can brainstorm video ideas, write test scripts, and perform or read them to your peers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Writing a video script provides structure for refining your message<\/strong>. The result will be a higher quality video that took less time to produce than if you didn\u2019t have a plan in place.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Provide Space for Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Those who are working with a team or production company will find it necessary to align before creating the video. Team collaboration also helps to produce a video that appeals to a more diverse audience with different perspectives. By encouraging input from all team members involved, you can avoid corporate hiccups and mishaps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Many Words Are in a Minute of Video?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    One minute of a video contains an average of 140-160 spoken words<\/strong>. This varies based on the pace of the speaker, as well as any action that takes place outside of the dialogue or voice-over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Traditional screenplays generally require one minute of video for every page of the script<\/strong>. However, for the purpose of your video script, assume that every 150 words will require about a minute of video. This will help you estimate how long of a video you are writing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Estimating video length is important for both engagement and budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Much Does a 60-Second Video Cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    42% of marketers<\/a> spend less than $500 producing a video, but the average cost for a one-minute video when hiring a production company is $1,000-$10,000<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The type of video you produce and the number of people (voice actor, director, animator, editor, etc.) involved in creating it will greatly impact the budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Companies that create videos on a regular basis should consider bringing video production in-house<\/a> or hiring freelancers<\/a> for projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Businesses with larger budgets may choose to hire a production company. Production costs vary widely between companies. Be sure to get a quote for your video and ask these five questions<\/a> before signing a contract.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Video Length is Most Effective?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Videos under two minutes<\/a> receive the most engagement. Yet viewers who watch for more than six minutes are likely to finish a video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ideal length of your video will depend on the subject matter and purpose of the video. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    In general, shorter videos (under three minutes) provide an introduction or overview, while longer videos allow the viewer to establish a connection and absorb more in-depth information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For this reason, shorter videos often use a hook (such as humor) to get the viewer\u2019s attention. Longer videos might tell a story to create emotional investment or provide detailed instructions for the viewer to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Write a Video Script (+ Free Template)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1. Choose Your Target Audience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The first question you need to answer when creating a video is \u201cWho is this for?\u201d The answer should align with a segment of your target audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When writing the video script and planning visuals, put your target audience front and center. Regardless of the type of video you are creating, the goal is to provide value to that audience<\/strong>. Therefore, it\u2019s important to consider your audience\u2019s budget, pain points, questions they might have, hesitations, and big desires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Businesses often create ideal avatars<\/a>, or personas, that embody each segment of their target audience. Focus on appealing to one ideal avatar per video<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Define Video Purpose & Set a Goal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Why is this video being created and what will it be used for? Determine the purpose of the video, then create a contextually appropriate goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The video\u2019s purpose will likely depend on the type of video you\u2019re creating<\/strong>. An explainer video<\/a>, for example, is meant to build brand awareness and increase top-of-the-funnel conversions. Therefore, the goal of this type of video will be directly related to that purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Examples of Video Purpose & Goal <\/h4>\n\n\n\n