Time your script at your real speed.
Read a short passage once to measure how fast you talk. Then write your hook, body, payoff and ending, and see how long each runs, what to fix, and exactly what to cut to hit your length.
Read this out loud at the pace you’d use on camera. Tap Start, read it, then tap Done.
Most first videos fail before the camera ever turns on. They’re made for everyone and about stuff. So pick one person and one promise. Open on the problem, not a hello. Show the change instead of describing it. Then end the moment the promise is kept, and post it.
The promise, said fast. Aim for about 3 seconds.
What they see (optional, for your shot list)
The steps, the tries, the turn. One point only.
What they see (optional, for your shot list)
The moment the hook’s promise is kept. Show it.
What they see (optional, for your shot list)
A one-line takeaway, or what to do next.
What they see (optional, for your shot list)
One sentence per line is easiest to time. Lines starting with “Text:” are on-screen text and aren’t timed. “(pause)” adds a second; “(silence)” adds two.
Your timed script
How many words fit?
People speak around 100 to 180 words a minute in everyday talk. On camera, most creators land at roughly two to three words a second:
- 15 seconds: aim for about 30 words. 45 is the most you can fit. Tight, one idea.
- 30 seconds: aim for about 60 to 75 words. 90 is the most you can fit. Room for a real before and after.
- 45 seconds: aim for about 90 to 110 words. 135 is the most you can fit. Only if every second earns its place.
- 60 seconds: aim for about 120 to 150 words. 180 is the most you can fit.
Aim for the first number, not the most you can fit. Too long? Cut words, not pauses.
Story first, words last
The book’s script workflow starts with a one-liner (what happens, how it turns, what changes), then the beats, then the shots, and only then the words. Write the lines too early and you’ll fall in love with them and stop looking for better ideas. When the words are ready, read them out loud: anything you trip on, rewrite.
Common questions
How many words is a 30-second video?
Most creators speak about two to three words a second on camera, so aim for about 60 to 75 words; 90 is the most you can fit. Aim for the first number: leave room for pauses, reactions and one quiet moment.
Why measure my own speed?
Because everyone’s different. Reading a short passage aloud once gives the timer your real pace, and the Hook Checker uses it too.
Should I write every word?
Both work. Word for word gives tight timing but can sound stiff; bullet points sound natural but can wander. Lots of creators script the hook and ending word for word and bullet the middle.
Is my script saved anywhere?
Only on your device, in My Studio. Nothing you type is sent to a server.
Chapter 20 of Worth Watching covers the two-column script and 14 script shapes; Chapter 16 covers beginning, middle and end in 30 seconds. The Quick Start walks you through your first script on Day 3.
Read the Quick Start free →