Build your reel script
Pick a framework and a length. The script updates as you type. Free, no sign-up, no AI.
How to use this video script template
- Pick a framework. Not sure? Use PAS for a problem you can fix, Before-After-Bridge for a transformation, and a listicle for tips.
- Set the length. Every beat gets a time range and a rough word count, so the script fits before you record.
- Add your topic, audience and call to action. The prompts and example lines rewrite themselves around them.
- Write your own line for each beat. Treat the examples as a starting point. Then copy, download or paste the script into Google Docs as a table.
Blank video script template (copy and paste)
Just want the template? This one works for any topic. The times are for a 30-second reel. The table below has the times for other lengths.
VIDEO SCRIPT TEMPLATE Topic: ______________ Audience: ______________ Length: 15 / 30 / 60 / 90 s Framework: ______________ 1) HOOK (0:00-0:03) Say: ______________ On-screen text: ______________ Visual: ______________ 2) SETUP / PROBLEM (0:03-0:08) Say: ______________ On-screen text: ______________ 3) VALUE / STORY (0:08-0:22) Point 1: ______________ Point 2: ______________ Point 3: ______________ 4) PROOF (0:22-0:27) Real result, demo or example: ______________ 5) CALL TO ACTION (0:27-0:30) Say: ______________ On-screen text: ______________ Caption: ______________ Hashtags: ______________
| Beat | 15 s reel | 30 s reel | 60 s reel | 90 s reel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hook | 0–2 s | 0–3 s | 0–3 s | 0–4 s |
| Setup / problem | 2–4 s | 3–8 s | 3–12 s | 4–16 s |
| Value / story | 4–11 s | 8–22 s | 12–46 s | 16–70 s |
| Proof | 11–13 s | 22–27 s | 46–56 s | 70–85 s |
| Call to action | 13–15 s | 27–30 s | 56–60 s | 85–90 s |
Simple video script template (3 parts)
For a quick tip or a talking-head reel, three beats are enough: hook, one useful point, one ask.
SIMPLE VIDEO SCRIPT (15-30 s) HOOK (first 2-3 s) The one line that makes [audience] stop: ______________ VALUE (middle) The single tip, fact or step: ______________ Show it: ______________ CTA (last 2-3 s) One action only (save / follow / comment WORD): ______________
YouTube Shorts script template
A Short can now run up to three minutes (for videos uploaded on or after 15 October 2024, per YouTube Help). Most Shorts scripts still work best tight. This template assumes about 60 seconds.
YOUTUBE SHORTS SCRIPT (about 60 s)
0:00-0:03 HOOK: say the payoff first: ______________
Title text on screen: ______________
0:03-0:10 CONTEXT: why this matters to [viewer]: ______________
0:10-0:45 BODY: 3 quick beats, a new visual every few seconds
1. ______________
2. ______________
3. ______________
0:45-0:55 PAYOFF / PROOF: ______________
0:55-0:60 CTA + LOOP: a last line that leads back into the first: ______________
Title (under 100 characters): ______________
Description + hashtags: ______________
- Say the payoff first. Shorts viewers swipe fast, so the title text and the first line should promise the same thing.
- Plan a loop. A last line that flows back into the first makes a replay feel natural.
- The same script works as a Reel. Keep the on-screen text inside the centre of the frame so it is readable on both apps.
Which script framework should you use?
Each framework is a different order of beats. Choose by the job the video has to do.
| Framework | Best for | Beats | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIDA | Product or offer reels | Attention, Interest, Desire, Action | Guide Build |
| PAS | Fixing one painful problem | Problem, Agitate, Solve | Guide Build |
| Hook, Story, Offer | Personal stories that sell | Hook, Story, Offer | Guide Build |
| Before, After, Bridge | Transformations | Before, After, Bridge | Guide Build |
| Hero’s Journey | Origin and comeback stories | Ordinary world, call, struggle, turning point, return | Guide Build |
| Problem, Solution, Proof | Tutorials with a result | Problem, Solution, Proof | Guide Build |
| Listicle / Countdown | Tips, tools, mistakes | Hook, 2–5 items, CTA | Guide Build |
| Myth-busting | Contrarian takes | Myth, why people believe it, truth, proof | Guide Build |
| Pixar Story Spine | Short narrative reels | Once upon a time … until finally | Overview Build |
| StoryBrand SB7 | Brand and service reels | Character, problem, guide, plan, CTA, failure, success | Overview Build |
| 4 Ps | Quick promos | Promise, Picture, Proof, Push | Overview Build |
| SCQA | Explainers and opinions | Situation, Complication, Question, Answer | Overview Build |
Compare all 12 side by side in 12 script frameworks for Reels and Shorts.
Get the real script of any reel with IShort transcripts
Templates are a start. To see the script behind a reel that already worked, sort any public profile's reels by views, then click Transcribe to read the exact words. English, Hindi and other Indian languages. Free on Chrome and Edge.
Add to Chrome Add to EdgeTips for a script that sounds natural
Read it out loud
If you stumble, cut the line. Scripts are for speaking, not reading.
Time it
At a relaxed pace, a 30-second reel fits about 75 words. Over that, trim.
Write the screen text
Many people watch on mute. Each beat needs a short on-screen line.
One ask
End with one call to action. Two asks split attention.
More on writing: how to write an Instagram reel script and 50+ reel hooks.
Frequently asked questions
What is a video script template?
A video script template is a fill-in-the-blank outline that splits a short video into timed beats, such as hook, body, proof and call to action. Each beat says what to say and what to show on screen, so you can write a reel or Short in minutes.
How do I write a script for a 30-second reel?
Use a 3-second hook, about 20 seconds of value in two or three beats, a few seconds of proof and a 3-second call to action. That is roughly 75 spoken words. Pick a framework in the builder above, set the length to 30 s, and fill in each beat.
How long can a YouTube Shorts script be?
YouTube Shorts can be up to three minutes long for videos uploaded on or after 15 October 2024. Many Shorts scripts still aim for 60 seconds or less, which is about 150 spoken words at a relaxed pace.
Is this video script template free?
Yes. The builder, the blank template and the downloads are free, with no sign-up. It does not use AI: it fills proven framework patterns with your topic, audience and call to action.
Which script framework is best for Reels?
It depends on the job. PAS suits a problem you can fix, Before-After-Bridge suits a transformation, Hook-Story-Offer suits a personal story that leads to an offer, and a listicle suits tips. Test two frameworks on the same topic and keep the one your audience watches longer.
Can I get the script of a reel that already went viral?
Yes. With the free IShort extension you can sort any public profile's reels by views, then click Transcribe on a reel to read its exact spoken words. Use it to study the structure, then write your own version.
How we wrote this
The IShort team built these templates from the script frameworks we use when we study transcribed reels. Framework origins are credited below. Example lines are original. Word counts assume about 150 spoken words a minute, a common planning pace.