YouTube scripts are necessary for the success of your YouTube channel. Scripts ensure that you engage with your audience and captivate them throughout the video. Your YouTube video is successful when your audience clicks on your video, watch it, subscribe to your channel, and eventually perform the action that you have directed towards them.
How Do You Write a YouTube Script?
YouTube script writing can be difficult, especially if you are only getting started. However, with adequate research and planning, you will create great video scripts in no time. Before anything else, you should identify your target audience - their age, location, interests, and patterns, as this determines the language you will use to relay your content to them. The research will help you create content that accurately sends your message across.
At the same time, planning ensures that you convey the video content in a well-timed way without losing your audience’s attention. A suitable video length should be between 8 to 10 minutes. You will also need to choose a central character that your viewers can identify with your brand to create continuity and establish familiarity.
The Scripting Process
Once you have completed your research, the scripting process can begin. You will need to divide the video into four parts: the hook, the introduction, the body, and the call to action (CTA). These steps can also be used to create a YouTube script template for situations when you do not have ample time to get creative.
- The Hook
Just like in the term’s definition, hook in scripting refers to the part of the video where you give a captivating description of your video to grab your viewer’s attention. The hook, usually 5 to 15 seconds long, needs to be brief and exciting. During this segment, you prove to the viewer why they need to watch your video and how it will be beneficial to them. Given that there is a lot of content online similar to yours, you will need to be very creative in how you relay your message. An excellent example of a hook is, “Are you sick and tired of scouring the internet searching for the perfect laptop? In this video, I will show you how to choose the best laptop for your needs without breaking a sweat. Let’s get started.”
- The Introduction
In this part, you greet the viewer, introduce yourself by stating your name, your profession (necessary to gain your viewer’s trust), and any additional information related to your video. For instance, “Hi. I’m Jane Doe, and I’m a fashion blogger. Welcome to Fashion 101. This is my third video in the series on how to dress up and show off during winter. For those who missed the first two videos, follow the link in the description. If you are new to my channel, hit the subscribe button below.”
- The Body of the Video
This part contains the bulk of the information regarding the topic, i.e., the problem that the viewer is facing. You should escalate the problem by giving examples of how it affects the viewer’s personal or business life. This will help in reassuring the viewer that you relate to and understand their problem. It will also build the viewer’s anticipation of the climax so that they are eager to receive the solution that you promised them.
- The Call to Action
In this part, you should offer solutions to the viewers by telling them precisely what you would like them to do. The audience will remember this easier if you list the points as opposed to merely stating them. You should then follow up with directing the viewers to an action, such as subscribing to your channel, liking your video, leaving comments and questions, downloading or purchasing your product, etc.
Lights, Camera, Action!
YouTube script writing doesn’t have to be complicated. All you need is to conduct careful research, planning, and have lots of captivating content. The process can also become simpler with time, especially if you create a YouTube video script template that applies to most projects. Remember to keep your videos short and straightforward, and to always do a trial run of your script before rolling the camera.