Video scripts require approximately 125-150 words per minute of finished video, meaning a 5-minute video needs around 750 words and a 10-minute video needs roughly 1,500 words. This calculation assumes a natural speaking pace that viewers can comfortably follow without feeling rushed or losing engagement.

This guide covers word counts for every video duration, platform-specific requirements, pacing considerations, script templates, and common mistakes that throw off your timing.

Quick Reference: Video Script Word Count by Duration

Video DurationWord CountBest For
15 seconds35-40 wordsTikTok, Instagram Reels
30 seconds70-80 wordsYouTube Shorts, ads
60 seconds125-150 wordsSocial media shorts
2 minutes250-300 wordsProduct demos
5 minutes625-750 wordsStandard YouTube videos
10 minutes1,250-1,500 wordsTutorials, reviews
15 minutes1,875-2,250 wordsIn-depth guides
20 minutes2,500-3,000 wordsLong-form content
30 minutes3,750-4,500 wordsDocumentaries, courses

These numbers assume continuous narration. If your video includes music segments, b-roll without voiceover, or on-screen demonstrations, adjust your word count accordingly.

Understanding Words Per Minute in Video

The average speaking rate for video narration falls between 125-150 words per minute. This range accounts for natural pauses, emphasis on key points, and viewer comprehension. Speaking faster than 160 words per minute makes content difficult to follow, while speaking slower than 120 words per minute can feel sluggish.

Factors affecting speaking rate:

  • Content complexity: Technical explanations require slower delivery (120-130 wpm) while conversational content can move faster (140-150 wpm)
  • Audience familiarity: New concepts need more processing time than familiar topics
  • Video style: Educational content typically runs slower than entertainment
  • Platform expectations: TikTok viewers expect faster pacing than YouTube tutorial watchers

Professional voice actors typically record at 150 words per minute for commercials and 130 words per minute for e-learning content. YouTube creators often fall somewhere in between, adjusting based on their niche and audience preferences.

How to Calculate Your Personal Speaking Rate

Before writing your script, record yourself speaking naturally for two minutes on any topic. Count the total words and divide by two to find your words per minute. Most people discover they speak at a consistent rate once they find their on-camera rhythm.

If your natural rate is 140 wpm, a 10-minute video needs 1,400 words. If you speak at 130 wpm, that same video needs only 1,300 words. Knowing your personal rate prevents scripts that run too long or too short.

Script Length by Platform

Different platforms have different audience expectations and algorithm preferences. Your script length should match where your video will live.

YouTube Script Word Counts

YouTube rewards watch time, making mid-length videos (8-15 minutes) ideal for many niches. The platform’s algorithm favors videos that keep viewers engaged, so your script should maintain interest throughout.

YouTube Video TypeDurationWord Count
YouTube Shorts60 seconds125-150 words
Quick tips3-5 minutes375-750 words
Standard videos8-12 minutes1,000-1,800 words
Tutorials10-20 minutes1,250-3,000 words
Deep dives20-30 minutes2,500-4,500 words

For monetized channels, videos over 8 minutes can include mid-roll ads, making the 8-12 minute range particularly valuable for creators focused on revenue.

TikTok Script Word Counts

TikTok videos demand tight, punchy scripts with no wasted words. The platform’s format requires getting to the point immediately and maintaining rapid pacing throughout.

TikTok Video LengthWord Count
15 seconds35-40 words
30 seconds70-80 words
60 seconds125-150 words
3 minutes375-450 words

TikTok scripts should front-load the hook in the first 3 seconds (roughly 5-8 words) to prevent viewers from scrolling past. Every sentence must earn its place in the script.

Instagram Reels Script Word Counts

Instagram Reels function similarly to TikTok but often perform better with slightly slower pacing that allows viewers to process visual content alongside narration.

Reels DurationWord Count
15 seconds30-35 words
30 seconds60-75 words
60 seconds110-140 words
90 seconds165-210 words

Many successful Reels use text overlays instead of voiceover, changing the word count calculation entirely. Text-based Reels can include more words since viewers read faster than they listen.

Podcast and Long-Form Video Word Counts

Long-form content requires different planning than short videos. A 30-minute podcast episode needs approximately 4,000-4,500 words of script or talking points.

DurationWord Count
30 minutes3,750-4,500 words
45 minutes5,625-6,750 words
60 minutes7,500-9,000 words
90 minutes11,250-13,500 words

For podcast scripts, many creators use bullet points rather than full scripts, reducing the written word count while maintaining the same spoken duration.

Pacing Considerations for Video Scripts

Word count alone does not determine video length. Pacing elements significantly affect how long your content runs.

Elements That Add Time Without Words

Visual demonstrations: Showing a process on screen while staying silent adds 10-30 seconds depending on complexity.

B-roll footage: Transitional footage with music typically adds 3-10 seconds between segments.

Graphics and animations: Lower thirds, charts, and motion graphics need 2-5 seconds each to register with viewers.

Pauses for emphasis: Intentional silence after key points gives viewers time to process information.

Music segments: Intro/outro music without narration adds 5-15 seconds per occurrence.

Adjusting Word Count for Pacing

A 10-minute video with standard continuous narration needs 1,250-1,500 words. But if your video includes:

  • 30-second intro with music only: subtract 65 words
  • Four 5-second b-roll transitions: subtract 35 words
  • Two 10-second demonstrations: subtract 40 words
  • 20-second outro: subtract 45 words

Your adjusted script should be approximately 1,065-1,315 words for the same 10-minute runtime.

Pacing by Content Type

Fast pacing (140-150 wpm): Entertainment, vlogs, reaction videos, comedy

Medium pacing (130-140 wpm): Reviews, commentary, storytelling, interviews

Slow pacing (120-130 wpm): Tutorials, educational content, technical explanations, meditation

Match your pacing to audience expectations. A makeup tutorial audience expects different energy than a tech review audience.

Video Script Structure Template

Well-structured scripts make filming easier and keep viewers engaged. Use this framework for videos of any length.

Hook (First 5-10 Seconds)

Word count: 15-25 words

Open with a statement that creates curiosity or addresses a problem. The hook determines whether viewers continue watching or click away.

Example: “Most video scripts fail because creators write too many words. Here’s the exact formula for perfect timing.”

Introduction (10-30 Seconds)

Word count: 25-75 words

Briefly establish credibility and preview what the video covers. Do not repeat the title or waste time with lengthy introductions.

Example: “After producing over 500 videos, I’ve tested every script length formula out there. Today I’m sharing the word counts that actually work for every platform.”

Main Content (70-80% of Video)

Word count: Varies by total length

Break content into clear sections with natural transitions. Each section should deliver value independently while building toward your conclusion.

For a 10-minute video (1,250-1,500 words), allocate roughly:

  • 3-4 main sections
  • 250-350 words per section
  • Brief transitions between sections (15-25 words each)

Call to Action (10-20 Seconds)

Word count: 25-50 words

Tell viewers exactly what to do next. Be specific about the action you want them to take.

Example: “If this helped you plan your next video, hit subscribe and drop a comment with your video topic. I’ll reply with a word count recommendation.”

Outro (5-15 Seconds)

Word count: 15-35 words

Wrap up cleanly without dragging. Many creators use a signature sign-off that becomes recognizable to their audience.

Timing Adjustments for Different Delivery Styles

Your delivery style affects how many words fit into each minute of video. Adjust your script based on how you present on camera.

Teleprompter Reading

Reading from a teleprompter typically produces 145-155 words per minute, slightly faster than natural speech. Scripts for teleprompter delivery can be 5-10% longer than conversational scripts for the same duration.

Conversational Delivery

Speaking naturally without a teleprompter averages 125-140 words per minute due to natural pauses, self-corrections, and improvised additions. Write 10-15% fewer words than your target to leave room for natural speech patterns.

Interview Format

Interviews run approximately 100-120 words per minute per speaker due to question-answer dynamics and natural back-and-forth. A 30-minute interview produces roughly 3,000-3,600 words total, split between participants.

Voiceover Recording

Professional voiceover typically runs at 150-160 words per minute since readers can maintain consistent pacing without visual distractions. Voiceover scripts can be 10-15% longer than on-camera scripts.

Common Video Script Mistakes

Avoid these errors that throw off your video timing and reduce viewer engagement.

Writing Too Much Dialogue

The most common mistake is writing more words than your target duration allows. A 10-minute script with 2,000 words will either run 13+ minutes or force you to speak unnaturally fast. Always count words before filming.

Ignoring Visual Elements

Scripts written like essays ignore the visual medium. Include directions for b-roll, graphics, and demonstrations in your script to get accurate timing estimates.

Forgetting Transitions

Abrupt jumps between topics confuse viewers. Budget 15-25 words for each transition, adding 50-100 words to scripts with multiple sections.

Underestimating Introduction Length

Many creators plan for a “quick intro” that balloons into 60+ seconds of rambling. Write your intro word-for-word and stick to it.

Not Reading Aloud

Scripts that look good on paper often sound unnatural when spoken. Read your entire script aloud at your natural pace before filming. Time yourself to verify your word count matches your target duration.

Over-Scripting Conversational Content

Fully scripted videos can sound robotic. For conversational content, use bullet points with key phrases rather than complete sentences. This produces more natural delivery while maintaining timing accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words is a 5-minute YouTube video?

A 5-minute YouTube video requires approximately 625-750 words of narration, assuming continuous speaking at 125-150 words per minute. If your video includes intro music, demonstrations, or b-roll segments, reduce the word count proportionally.

What is the ideal speaking rate for video?

The ideal speaking rate for most video content is 130-145 words per minute. This pace allows viewers to comfortably process information while maintaining engagement. Educational content benefits from slower delivery (120-130 wpm), while entertainment content can move faster (140-150 wpm).

Should I write a full script or use bullet points?

Use full scripts for educational content, tutorials, and any video requiring precise timing. Use bullet points for vlogs, interviews, and conversational content where natural delivery matters more than exact word count. Many creators use a hybrid approach with scripted hooks and conclusions but bullet-point main content.

How do I time my video script before recording?

Read your script aloud at your natural speaking pace while timing yourself. Alternatively, use text-to-speech software to estimate duration. Most word processors can provide word counts, and multiplying by your speaking rate gives an approximate runtime.

Do captions affect how I should write my script?

Yes. If you plan to add captions, write in shorter sentences that display cleanly on screen. Avoid long sentences that wrap awkwardly in caption format. Keep sentences under 15 words when possible for optimal caption readability.

How much should I cut from my first draft?

Plan to cut 10-20% from your first draft. Most scripts are overwritten. After your first read-through, identify redundant phrases, unnecessary qualifiers, and sections that do not directly serve your main point.

Key Takeaways

  • Video scripts average 125-150 words per minute of finished video
  • A 5-minute video needs approximately 750 words; a 10-minute video needs roughly 1,500 words
  • Adjust word counts for b-roll, music segments, and visual demonstrations that reduce narration time
  • TikTok and Reels require tighter scripts with immediate hooks in the first 3 seconds
  • Read your script aloud to verify timing before recording
  • Match pacing to content type: slower for tutorials, faster for entertainment

Conclusion

Accurate word counts save hours of editing and reshoots. By calculating your target based on 125-150 words per minute and adjusting for visual elements, you can write scripts that hit your desired duration consistently. Start with the quick reference table above, adjust for your personal speaking rate, and always read your script aloud before filming.

Try our free letter counter → to verify your video script word count matches your target duration.