How to Write a Youtube Script (Beginner’s Guide)

Have you ever started to record a YouTube video and then suddenly had to hit pause because you trip over what you wanted to say?

It happens to the best of us.

Not having a script wastes time and effort, makes you look unprofessional, and ensures you won’t get the best results from your YouTube video. That’s why it’s always a good idea to write a script before you press record.

Here’s how to write an amazing script for your next YouTube video that is sure to get results.

1. Decide on the topic of your video and do keyword research

The first step is to clearly define the topic of your video. This is pretty straightforward as if you are planning to do a video then you will know the general ideas you want to get across in it. However, try to focus each video on one specific topic at a time as this will perform a lot better.

Once you decide the topic of your video you can then do keyword research using tools such as TubeBuddy to find which keywords and search terms users of YouTube are using to find information on the topic of your video. YouTube is actually the 2nd most used search engine in the world behind Google (who is also YouTubes parent company) so incorporating the right keywords into your title and also making it catchy will lead to much better results.

2. Work out the structure of your script

Most videos are either informational videos that explain a topic or concept to the viewers, or are instructional whereby you inform views how they can do something. Deciding on which type you are going to make will make structuring it a lot easier.

Here is a good structure to use for any video script:

• Start with a ‘hook’ – YouTube says that the first 15 seconds of a video are the most important as they help get the attention of the viewer which makes them keep watching the rest of your video. For example, if your video is about how to use automated email marketing you could say something like “how would you like to see an 80% increase in your email opening rates?”. This would get the viewers’ attention and they would most likely want to know how they could achieve that.
• Have an introduction – once you’ve hooked the viewer in you should quickly introduce your topic and give them a preview of what the video will cover. If possible give the viewer a preview of something really interesting that you are going to cover in the video to make them even more interested in your video.
• Main body – the next part of the script structure is the main body of your video – essentially the content of your video. For example, if you are making an instructional video about how to write a newsletter, you would go through each step of the process. If you were making an informational video explaining the benefits of your product then you would highlight the top 5 or so benefits of using it.
• Finish with a call to action – once you’ve got through the main body of your video always finish with a call to action. Some successful calls to action include asking the viewer to subscribe to your channel, asking them to watch another of your videos (or link to it), asking them to follow you on social media, and asking them to like or comment on the video.

3. Write your script

Once you have decided on a structure for your YouTube script the next step is to write it up. You don’t have to write it by starting with your hook then your intro, etc. you can start by writing up the main body of your script if that is easier.

Here are some tips for how to write a great script:

• Use plain language: try to use words that everybody will understand and avoid the use of buzzwords and industry lingo that some people might not understand.
• Tell a story: Everybody loves a good story and you should make sure each point you are making has a beginning, middle, and end. Not only that but try to incorporate the main theme/topic of your video throughout the video by referring back to it. Using anecdotes when appropriate is a good idea too.
• Use a conversational tone: Make sure that you write your script in a conversational tone. One good tip is to read your script out loud after each paragraph to check that it sounds good when read out as opposed to just been read.
• Make sure it is original: When writing your script make sure that it is 100% original and that what you are going to say in your video adds to the conversation about the topic.
• Don’t forget to format it: Include places in your script that you’re going to stop or highlight words you’re going to emphasize during your video. You should also make sure that the script is double spaced so that it is easier to read out during recording.

4. Edit your script

The next step is to read through your script to make sure it has good structure and explains all of the points that you want to make. When editing your script make sure that each part of it is required and adds to the overall theme of the video – otherwise cut those parts out. It’s better to be shorter and 100% on point than to make the video longer.

5. Ask for feedback

Even when you think you’ve nailed your script it’s a good idea to ask some friends, colleagues, or family members to read your script and give you some feedback. Once they have read the script ask them if the message of the script is clear, does it explain each point well, and what if anything they would change about it. You can then use this feedback to make additional changes to your script.

6. Practice

The final step before recording your video is to practice your script a few times by reading it out loud. The more you practice the easier it will be to read out on camera and the more natural it will sound – especially if you can memorize parts of it and just use the script as an overall guide.

The bottom line

A great YouTube script will help you to get your message across clearly and engagingly. If you’re making a video for your company then it’s really important to have professional and well-written scripts to ensure that your brand is represented well.