How To Write A Killer YouTube Script (2024 Algorithm)

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why some videos go viral on YouTube and garner millions of views, while others barely get any clicks? The secret lies not in luck but in the ability of top creators to craft compelling scripts that engage viewers from start to finish. In this guide, I’ll reveal a five-step formula that can help you write better scripts than 99% of YouTubers. This formula is straightforward, allowing you to increase your watch time, drive engagement, and ultimately grow your channel.

Why Script Writing Matters

Before diving into the steps, let me share a personal anecdote. On my other YouTube channel, I accumulated over one million subscribers, and my videos regularly achieve hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of views. This success stems from applying the viral script-writing system I’m about to share. Initially, I struggled to gain traction despite producing nearly 100 videos over three years. However, after implementing this script writing technique, my channel exploded. I experienced my first 1,000-view day and consistently received massive engagement afterward.

Step 1: Thumbnail Alignment Rule

The first step to creating an exceptional YouTube script involves a commonly overlooked aspect: your title and thumbnail. They set the viewer's expectations before they even watch your video. If the content of your script doesn’t clearly align with your title and thumbnail, viewers will likely click away. Therefore, it’s essential to establish your title and thumbnail first before writing the script. Once you have them, ask yourself:

What expectations does my title and thumbnail create?
What reason did I give viewers to watch this video?

These questions will guide your scripting process and help maintain viewer interest.

Step 2: Crafting a Compelling Hook

The opening of your video is where retention drops the most, so a strong hook is crucial! Top creators typically use one of three types of hooks:

Question Hook: Pose an intriguing question. For example, “Have you ever wondered how geckos walk on walls?”
Context Hook: Drop viewers into a tense, exciting moment. This establishes immediate engagement.
Statement Hook: Start with a shocking or controversial statement to pique interest.

Choose the most suitable hook for your content, as this will be your opening statement.

Step 3: The Rest of Your Intro

After the hook, your intro must accomplish two key tasks: provide context and exceed viewer expectations. Context is essential because, without it, viewers will leave. Use the three points preview technique to address the three main questions your title and thumbnail generate.

After hooking your audience, share how you’ll answer their questions. This section of your script should make clear what viewers will gain by sticking around. For instance, explain what techniques the audience will learn and why they are transformative.

Step 4: Script Out the Content

Now, it’s time to deliver the core content. Utilizing a list format (like “Top 5” or “Top 10”) makes it easier for viewers to digest information. However, the key to keeping them engaged lies in how you structure your points. Each point should include:

A rehook that intrigues viewers.
A storytelling element that builds to the payoff (the key takeaway or insight).

Position the payout at the end of the point to ensure the audience stays engaged until the conclusion.

Step 5: Employ the Relink Hack

To keep viewers on the platform longer, direct them to another video at the end of yours. This increases your watch time and tells the algorithm that your content is engaging. Use a final hook to entice viewers into watching your next video, ensuring they stay within your content ecosystem.

For example, if your video was about editing techniques, conclude by hinting that a previous video covers the essential tools required for effective editing, urging them to watch that next.

Download the Script Template

As a bonus, you can download my script writing template for free. This can be easily copied and pasted into your next video creation process.

Keywords

YouTube script writing
Thumbnail alignment
Hook types
Audience engagement
Content structure
Relink hack

FAQ

1. Why is script writing essential for YouTube creators?
Script writing is crucial because it helps maintain viewer attention and increases engagement, which can lead to more successful videos.

2. What is the thumbnail alignment rule?
The thumbnail alignment rule emphasizes that your video’s content must match the expectations set by your title and thumbnail; otherwise, viewers are likely to click away.

3. How do I create an engaging hook?
You can create an engaging hook by posing a question, establishing a tense scenario, or making a shocking statement that compels viewers to continue watching.

4. What is the relink hack?
The relink hack is a strategy where you direct viewers to another one of your videos at the end of yours, increasing watch time and engagement, which benefits the YouTube algorithm.

5. Can I download a script writing template?
Yes! You can download a free script writing template to help structure your videos effectively.