How to Write a Script for YouTube Shorts

Writing a script for a YouTube Short might seem like overkill, but it's the fastest way to create content that captivates viewers in the first few seconds. This guide breaks down the simple scripting process step-by-step, showing you how to craft compelling hooks, structure your message, and end with a clear call-to-action that actually grows your channel.

Why Scripting YouTube Shorts is a Game-Changer (Even for 'Spontaneous' Content)

There's a common worry among creators that scripting will make their videos feel stiff, rehearsed, and inauthentic. But a good script isn’t a cage - it's a roadmap. It’s the difference between rambling for 60 seconds and hoping for the best, versus delivering a punchy, valuable piece of content that respects your viewer's time and keeps them coming back for more.

Think about it this way: a script just ensures you get your best ideas out cleanly and efficiently. Here’s what it really helps you accomplish:

• It forces you to nail the hook. The first one to three seconds determine whether someone scrolls away. A script forces you to perfect this critical moment instead of improvising it.
• It makes you concise. There's no room for "ums," "ahs," or tangents in a 60-second video. Scripting helps you trim the fat and get straight to the point, which is exactly what Shorts viewers want.
• It keeps you on message. Whether your goal is to teach one simple hack, tell a funny story, or promote a longer video, a script keeps you focused on that single objective from start to finish.
• It saves you hours in editing. Cleaner takes mean less time spent trying to slice and dice footage to create a coherent story. When you shoot based on a script, your editing process becomes infinitely faster and less frustrating.

Ultimately, a script gives your content a strong foundation, which paradoxically lets you be more creative and natural on camera because you’re not stressed about remembering your next point.

The 3-Part Structure of a Perfect YouTube Shorts Script

Nearly every viral Short, whether it's a cooking tutorial, a comedy sketch, or a business tip, follows the same fundamental three-part structure. It works because it’s simple, powerful, and perfectly tailored to short attention spans. Master this, and you’ll have a repeatable formula for success.

Part 1: The Hook (Seconds 0-3)

You cannot overstate the importance of the first three seconds. This is your one and only chance to stop a viewer mid-scroll and convince them your video is worth watching. The goal of the hook is pure interruption. It needs to create immediate curiosity, present a problem, or show an irresistible visual.

Here are some of the most effective types of hooks to write into your scripts:

• Ask a provocative question. Frame a common problem in a direct way that makes the viewer mentally answer "yes." For example: "Are you tired of your plants dying?" or "Is your social media growth stuck at zero?"
• Make a bold or controversial statement. Say something that challenges a common belief. For example: "You're using your air fryer all wrong," or "Stop making vision boards. They don't work." This sparks intrigue and makes people stay to hear your reasoning.
• Show the incredible result first. This is the classic "cold open" technique. Start your video with a shot of the finished, perfectly decorated cake, the "after" shot of the cleaned car, or the explosion. Then, spend the rest of the video showing how you got there.
• State a relational pain point. Immediately identify a frustration your audience has. For example: "I wasted two hours trying to figure this out so you don't have to," or "If you hate doing laundry, you need to see this."

Part 2: The Body (Seconds 4-50)

Once you have their attention, the body is where you deliver on the promise of your hook. This is the "meat" of your content - the quick tips, the how-to, the story, or the punchline. The key to a good body in a Shorts script is pacing. It needs to move fast and be incredibly easy to follow.

Here are some popular formats for structuring the body of your script:

• The Rule of Three. Our brains find patterns of three easy to digest. Structure your video around "3 Biggest Mistakes," "3 Easy Steps," or "3 Game-Changing Tips." It provides a clear, logical flow.
• Problem/Solution. Dedicate the first few seconds of the body to expanding on the problem you mentioned in the hook, really getting the viewer to feel it. Then, spend the rest of the time presenting your solution in a simple, straightforward way.
• Quick, Consecutive Steps. In this style, you’re rapidly moving from one action to the next. Script this with visual changes in mind. For example, your script might look like: "First, grab a lemon [CUT TO SHOT OF LEMON]. Then, slice it in half [CUT TO KNIFE SLICING]. Squeeze it over the stain [CUT TO CLOSE-UP OF JUICE]." The text commands an energetic edit.
• Miniature Storytelling. Every good story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. For Shorts, this can be extremely simple: Introduce a desire (Beginning), show the obstacle (Middle), and then reveal the resolution (End).

No matter the format, remember to use simple language. Avoid jargon and complex explanations. The goal is clarity and immediate value.

Part 3: The Call to Action (CTA) (The Final 5-10 Seconds)

A surprising number of creators make great videos and then just... end them. They let the viewer scroll on without asking them to do anything. Every Short should have a clear purpose, and the Call to Action is how you fulfill it. What do you want your viewer to do next?

Be direct, be quick, and only ask for one thing. Here are some examples:

• For Engagement: "Let me know your thoughts in the comments."
• For Growth: "Follow if you found this helpful."
• To Drive Traffic: "For the full deep-dive, check out the main video on my channel."
• For Community Building: "What topic should I cover next?"

Ending with a clear, direct CTA turns passive viewers into active community members and channel subscribers.

Putting It All Together: A Sample YouTube Shorts Script Template

Getting started is often the hardest part, so here’s a simple template you can copy and adapt for your own videos. Filling in the blanks is a great way to build the habit of scripting your content.

My Next YouTube Short Script

The Script

(0-3 seconds) HOOK:

• Visual Cue: A close-up shot of a badly mangled, peeled boiled egg with shell bits all over it.
• My Line (V.O.): "If your boiled eggs look like this, you're making one simple mistake."

(4-50 seconds) BODY:

• Visual Cue 1: Show a pot of boiling water.
• My Line (V.O.): "First, don't just drop your eggs in. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water - this is the secret."
• Visual Cue 2: Drop the eggs carefully into the water with a spoon. Then, a quick speed ramp timelapse of them boiling.
• My Line (V.O.): "Boil for exactly 10 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Shocking them stops the cooking and makes the shell pull away."
• Visual Cue 3: Show your hands gently tapping the egg on the counter and the shell sliding off in one or two large, clean pieces.
• My Line (V.O.): "Then, just tap and peel for a perfect egg every single time."

(50-60 seconds) CALL TO ACTION:

• Visual Cue: Hold the perfectly peeled egg up to the camera with a smile. On-screen text: "FOLLOW FOR MORE HACKS"
• My Line (V.O.): "Follow for more kitchen hacks that actually work."

Tips for Writing Scripts that Sound Natural, Not Robotic

The final step is making sure that when you hit "record," you still sound like you. A script should be a guide, not a teleprompter-read monologue. Here’s how to keep your personality front and center:

• Write like you talk. This is the #1 rule. Use contractions like "don't," "it's," and "you're." If you have certain catchphrases or slang you use, write them in. When you're done writing, read the whole script out loud. If any part feels clunky or unnatural to say, rewrite it.
• Use bullet points for talking points. For some creators, scripting word-for-word feels too restrictive. Try scripting your hooks and CTAs perfectly, but write the body as a short list of bullet points. This allows you to speak more conversationally while still staying on track.
• Add emotional cues. Your delivery matters just as much as your words. In the margins of your script, add notes on the *tone* you want to convey. For example: "(excitedly)", "(sarcastically)", or "(in a calm, teaching voice)".
• Don’t fear imperfection. Some of the most relatable moments are the small, unplanned ones - a slight laugh, a minor mistake you have fun with. Your script's purpose is to give you a solid structure to stand on, not to eliminate your humanity.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a quick script using the Hook, Body, and CTA framework is the blueprint for creating YouTube Shorts that not only grab attention but also achieve a specific goal for your channel. It’s a small, upfront investment of time that removes the guesswork and helps you deliver clear, valuable, and highly watchable content again and again.

After you script and create your content, the next challenge is getting it all published consistently. We built Postbase because we were tired of wrestling with older tools that weren't designed for today's short-form video. Our visual calendar and rock-solid scheduler make planning and publishing your Shorts, Reels, and TikToks incredibly smooth, so you can focus on making great stuff instead of fighting with your software.