Video Script Writing

Video Script Writing

Purpose

Create compelling video and podcast scripts that:

• Capture attention in the first 3 seconds
• Maintain engagement throughout
• Drive subscribers and followers
• Convert viewers into customers

When to Use This Skill

• YouTube explainer videos (10-20 minutes)
• TikTok tutorials (15-60 seconds)
• Instagram Reels for education
• Podcast episode outlines
• Short-form video ads
• Video sales letters

Core Concepts

The Attention Economy

interface VideoEngagement {
  hook: {
    duration: number;      // First 3 seconds critical
    purpose: string;       // Stop the scroll
  };
  retention: {
    dropOffPoints: number[]; // Common skip points
    technique: string;       // Keep viewers engaged
  };
  cta: {
    placement: string;       // End card or mid-roll
    type: string;            // Subscribe, like, visit
  };
}

Platform-Specific Formats

Platform	Duration	Style	Best For
YouTube	8-20 min	Educational	Deep dives, tutorials
TikTok	15-60 sec	Entertaining	Quick tips, trends
Instagram Reels	15-30 sec	Visual	Education, behind-scenes
Podcast	20-45 min	Conversational	Deep conversations
YouTube Shorts	60 sec	Punchy	Tips, hacks, reactions

Patterns

Pattern 1: YouTube Explainer Script

# [VIDEO TITLE: Specific, searchable, compelling]

## Video Structure

### HOOK (0:00-0:15)
**[ON SCREEN]:** [Eye-catching visual or B-roll]
**[YOU]:** "[PROVOCATIVE STATEMENT or SHOCKING STAT]"

Example: "93% of marketers who went viral did ONE thing wrong."

"This video will show you exactly how to [BENEFIT]."

### INTRO (0:15-0:45)
**[YOU]:** "Hey, I'm [NAME]. In this video, you'll learn [3 KEY TAKEAWAYS]."

"If you want to [DESIRED OUTCOME], keep watching."

### MAIN CONTENT (0:45-12:00)
Divide into 3-5 major sections:

**Section 1: [TOPIC 1] (3-4 minutes)**
- Key point 1 with example
- Key point 2 with example
- Key point 3 with example
- Transition: "Now that you understand [1], let's look at..."

**Section 2: [TOPIC 2] (3-4 minutes)**
[Same structure]

**Section 3: [TOPIC 3] (3-4 minutes)**
[Same structure]

**Section 4: Case Study/Example (2-3 minutes)**
"[BRAND/PERSON] used this to [RESULT]..."

### CONCLUSION (12:00-13:00)
**[YOU]:** "So to recap:

1. [Key takeaway 1]
2. [Key takeaway 2]
3. [Key takeaway 3]

If you want to [BENEFIT], grab my [RESOURCE] at [LINK]."

### CTA & END (13:00-15:00)
**[YOU]:**
- "Subscribe for more [TOPIC] content"
- "Comment below with [QUESTION]"
- "Check out this [RELATED VIDEO]"

**[ON SCREEN]:** Subscribe button, end cards with related videos

**[OUTRO]:** "[BRIEF SIGN-OFF]"

Pattern 2: TikTok/Shorts Script

# [TOPIC] in 60 Seconds

## Quick Structure

### HOOK (0:00-0:03)
**[ON SCREEN]:** [Visual hook - fast cuts, text overlay]
**[YOU]:** "[SHOCKING STATEMENT or DIRECT QUESTION]"

### VALUE (0:03-0:45)
**[ON SCREEN]:** [Visual demonstrating the tip]
**[YOU]:** "[THE TIP - speak fast, be energetic]"

Example: "The secret to better sleep? Don't drink coffee after 2pm. Your body needs 6 hours to metabolize caffeine."

### PROOF (0:45-0:55)
**[YOU]:** "I tried this for [TIMEFRAME] and [RESULT]."

### CTA (0:55-1:00)
**[YOU]:** "Follow for more [TOPIC] tips."

**[ON SCREEN]:** Follow button

Pattern 3: Podcast Episode Outline

# Episode: [Compelling Title]

## Pre-Episode
- [ ] Research guest/topic
- [ ] Prepare 10+ questions
- [ ] Create episode description
- [ ] Design artwork

## Structure

### INTRO (0:00-2:00)
- [ ] Music bed (5 sec fade in)
- [ ] Host welcome
- [ ] Episode sponsor read
- [ ] Tease episode highlights
- [ ] Introduce guest

### MAIN CONVERSATION (2:00-40:00)
**Segment 1: Background (5-10 min)**
Q1: "Tell us about your journey to [TOPIC]..."
Q2: "What was the turning point..."
Q3: "How did you develop [SKILL/MINDSET]..."

**Segment 2: Deep Dive (15-20 min)**
Q4: "Let's talk about [MAIN TOPIC]..."
Q5: "What's the biggest misconception..."
Q6: "Walk us through your process..."

**Segment 3: Tactical (10-15 min)**
Q7: "What's one thing listeners can do today..."
Q8: "What resources would you recommend..."
Q9: "Where can people learn more..."

### CONCLUSION (40:00-45:00)
- [ ] Lightning round (5 quick questions)
- [ ] Final advice
- [ ] Where to find guest
- [ ] Host sign-off

### OUTRO
- [ ] Music fade
- [ ] Call to action (subscribe, review)
- [ ] Preview next episode

Step-by-Step Process

1. Define the Goal

   • What should viewers feel/do?
   • What's the primary CTA?
   • What metrics matter (views, subs, clicks)?

2. Know Your Audience

   • Current subscriber knowledge level
   • What problems do they have?
   • What language do they use?

3. Create the Hook

   • Open with shock, question, or promise
   • Show, don't just tell
   • Make a specific claim

4. Structure the Content

   • One main idea per segment
   • Use storytelling and examples
   • Include proof points and data

5. Write the Script

   • Write like you speak
   • Read aloud to check flow
   • Include visual directions

6. Add CTAs

   • Mid-roll CTA for long content
   • End CTA for subscribe/download
   • Make CTAs specific and urgent

FrankX Application

# The Consciousness Shift (YouTube Script)

## HOOK (0:00-0:15)
[ON SCREEN: Abstract aurora visuals, consciousness symbols]
[YOU, urgent]: "You're not going to like this truth."

"The self-help industry has been lying to you. And I have proof."

"This video will expose exactly why [CONVENTIONAL WISDOM] is wrong."

## IDENTITY FRAMEWORK (0:45-8:00)
Most people try to [OUTCOME] by [CONVENTIONAL METHOD].

It doesn't work because [DEEP TRUTH].

The real path is [COUNTER-INTUITIVE FRAMEWORK]:

### 1. Dissolve Before You Resolve
Stop trying to become someone new.
Who are you when you stop trying?

### 2. Embrace the Chaos
Transformation isn't linear.
The breakdown is the breakthrough.

### 3. Surrender to Win
The harder you push, the more you resist.
Soft strength. Deliberate action.

## CASE STUDY (8:00-12:00)
[CLIENT TRANSFORMATION STORY]

## CTA
[Your specific offer or next step]

[P.S. - Subscribe call to action with consciousness theme]

Anti-Patterns

Bad Practice	Why It's Bad	Better Approach
Slow start	Viewers skip	Hook in 3 seconds
Monotone delivery	Bores audience	Vary energy and pace
Too many points	Confuses viewers	Focus on 3 takeaways
Weak CTA	Misses conversion	Specific, urgent action
No visual direction	Director can't execute	Include B-roll suggestions
Too long	Drop-off increases	Match format to platform

Quick Commands

# Create YouTube script
skill:video-script, write a youtube script about [TOPIC]

# Write TikTok script
skill:video-script, create a tiktok script for [TIP/HACK]

# Plan podcast episode
skill:video-script, outline a podcast episode on [GUEST/TOPIC]

# Create Reels script
skill:video-script, write an instagram reel about [EDUCATIONAL TOPIC]

# Adapt blog to video
skill:video-script, turn my blog post [URL] into a youtube script

Related Skills

• blog-writing - Source content for video adaptation
• social-media - Promote videos on social platforms
• newsletter - Announce video releases
• content-strategy - Plan video content calendar

Resources

• resources/templates.md - Script templates by platform
• resources/hook-library.md - Proven opening hooks
• resources/visual-directions.md - B-roll and visual suggestions
• resources/thumbnail-ideas.md - Click-worthy thumbnail concepts