Mastering Your YouTube Script: The Ultimate Guide for Scripting

Claire Liz Miller
Jul 12, 2024
3 min read

Have you ever filmed an entire video for YouTube only to start editing and realize you need to refilm parts or even add entire sections to make the video make sense? You're not alone—I've been there multiple times. It's a common experience for creators.

But there's one thing you can do to minimize these frustrating moments: understand all the elements that create perfect script.

1. Crafting the Perfect Hook

The first and most crucial part of your script is the hook. This is what grabs your audience’s attention within the first three to seven seconds. The hook determines whether viewers will continue watching or click away.

How to Create an Engaging Hook:

- Ask a Question: Engage your viewers by posing a question related to your video content, much like I did at the beginning of this post.

- Tease the Content: Give viewers a hint of what they'll learn or experience without revealing everything right away.

Avoid starting with generic greetings like “Hey guys” or immediately introducing yourself. The hook is about them, not you.

2. Introduction

After the hook, it’s time for a brief introduction. Here’s where you let your viewers know who you are and what your channel is about. Keep it concise—just a sentence or two. For example:

“My name is Claire Miller, and I help creators get started on their content journey. If you enjoy this video, please like, share, and subscribe!”

3. Transitions

Smoothly going from one point to the next keeps your videos coherent and engaging.

Don’t limit yourself to only transitions done in the editing room, consider writing transitions into your script. Try connecting similar talking points or in camera transitions.

No matter how you choose to do this, a clear transition helps viewers follow along without getting lost.

4. The Main Content, the Body

The body of your video is where you dive into your topic. It’s the main content and heart of your video. Break down your points and organize your thoughts into clear, digestible sections.

There are a few ways to do this and you're looking for support in how to do this, check out this Blog!

READ HERE

5. Engagement Call-Out

Somewhere within the main content, usually about two-thirds of the way through, include an engagement call-out. This is more than just asking viewers to like or subscribe. It’s about encouraging them to engage more deeply, such as leaving a comment by6 answering a specific question related to your content.

This is a bonus for sure! You don’t have to include it but it is helpful!

For example:

“Do you script your videos or just hit record? Let me know in the comments!”

6. Wrap it Up

Your conclusion should wrap up the content you’ve covered. It’s a quick summary of the content you’ve covered, what viewers should have learned, and/or what they should do next, a form of a Call to Actio (CTA).

Don’t take too long, they just watched all the content but give them something more!

7. YouTube End Screen

YouTube allows you to add an end screen to the last 20 seconds of your video. This is prime real estate for promoting your other videos or encouraging subscriptions.

- Plan Ahead: Know what elements you want to include on your end screen (videos, playlists, subscribe button).

- Keep It Engaging: People usually know when a video is wrapping up and they’ll start to disengage. Use this time to keep viewers engaged with a brief, interesting wrap-up.