How to Write Scripts for YouTube Videos
Education
Introduction
As a 17-year-old professional YouTuber and freelance scriptwriter, I've honed my craft over the years to maximize viewer retention and create engaging scripts efficiently. Below are my secrets to writing high-quality video scripts that captivate audiences without spending a dime.
Choose Your Writing Platform
Start by selecting a writing platform. I prefer Google Docs because it’s free and allows for collaborative work. But feel free to use whatever works best for you.
Crafting the Intro
The intro is the most critical part of your script. To qualify as a view, YouTube requires viewers to watch at least the first 30 seconds of your video. Therefore, it’s essential to eliminate any fluff.
Many creators make the mistake of starting with repetitive phrases like, "Hey guys, welcome back..." Instead of this, aim for an intro that's just 1-2 sentences long. Quickly state the topic and hook the viewer with something impressive that establishes your credibility.
For instance, if your video is titled "How to Edit Viral Videos," you might say: "I'm a 17-year-old YouTuber and professional video editor with millions of views." This provides credibility and sparks curiosity about your journey.
Remember to avoid swear words in the first 30 seconds to prevent potential demonetization; it's best to omit them altogether.
Outlining Your Video
Once you finalize your intro, create an outline for the rest of your video. This method is less overwhelming than writing everything sequentially, as it allows you to visualize what’s left to cover.
For informational videos, break your content into sections, just like you would for an essay. If your video tells a story, consider using a simple story arc: exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.
If you’re struggling with ideas, asking ChatGPT for suggestions is a great option. However, avoid using AI to generate a full script. While AI can prompt ideas, your unique voice and creativity are irreplaceable.
Writing the Content
There’s no strict formula for the content of your script; just start writing! Don’t overthink it. Having something on paper is far better than nothing. Always remember that you can revise later.
While AI tools like VidIQ are helpful for generating ideas or structuring sentences, my experience has shown that AI-generated scripts tend to perform poorly in terms of viewer retention. The script should reflect your understanding and personal touch.
When figuring out your audience, remember that if your goal is to engage a younger demographic, use an informal, conversational tone and simple vocabulary. This approach fosters a connection with your viewers.
Ensure that you transition smoothly between different segments of your script. Fluid transitions enhance the overall tone and make your content more engaging.
Length Matters
YouTube permits creators to place mid-roll ads on videos longer than 8 minutes, significantly increasing your earnings per 1000 views. Generally, a page of your script typed in 12-point font and double-spaced will last about a minute in voiceover time.
If your script falls short of the desired length, don’t simply add filler content. Instead, enrich your video with valuable insights or additional tips.
Closing the Script
After drafting the content, it’s time for the outro. Keep it concise—1-2 seconds is sufficient. This part is primarily where you’ll make your call to action, like asking viewers to subscribe.
Instead of a typical "like and subscribe," consider saying something engaging that ties into the video, like, “Congratulations on finishing your first video script! If you're interested in learning how to create a high-quality voiceover, check out this video.”
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to write compelling YouTube video scripts that enhance viewer retention and engagement. Remember, the key is to be authentic and know your audience. Happy writing!
Keyword
- YouTube scripts
- Video retention
- Scriptwriting
- Audience engagement
- Intro and outro
- Content outline
- ChatGPT
- VidIQ
FAQ
Q: What platform should I use to write my scripts?
A: Google Docs is recommended for its collaborative features and free access, but any writing tool will work.
Q: How long should my intro be?
A: Keep your intro to 1-2 sentences to quickly hook your viewers.
Q: What is the importance of the first 30 seconds?
A: Viewers must watch at least the first 30 seconds for it to count as a view on YouTube, so it's crucial to engage them early.
Q: How can I enhance my video's length without adding fluff?
A: Instead of filler language, enrich your script with more information or actionable tips.
Q: When should I ask viewers to subscribe?
A: Save your call to action for the end, preferably by tying it into your video content.
