The Art of Writing Scripts for Short Videos
Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through short videos on social media? Short videos have clearly taken over social media platforms. What many don’t realize is that a significant portion of these videos is based on pre-written scripts prepared before filming or recording. Writing a script for short videos is an art that has its rules and steps to ensure it reaches the target audience and captures their attention. In this article, we will discuss how to write scripts for short videos on social media.
What are the steps to writing scripts for short videos?
1. Define the main goal of the video
By identifying the primary goal of the short video, the script can focus on achieving that goal, which becomes the central point around which the video revolves. Therefore, it is important to define the message and purpose of the video before writing the script.
The goal could be:
- Promoting a product or service.
- Raising audience awareness.
- Creating excitement.
- Encouraging action.
- Increasing audience engagement.
2. Understand the target audience and their preferences
By knowing and studying the characteristics and needs of the target audience, the script can be tailored to address these needs and interests, encouraging greater engagement with the content.
This can be done by:
- Identifying audience demographics such as age, gender, and location.
- Understanding their needs and communicating with them on their preferred platforms.
- Choosing the appropriate tone, whether emotional, serious, or humorous.
3. Write a captivating introduction
The goal is to grab the viewer’s attention and make them want to watch the entire video. Since attention spans on social media are short, viewers decide quickly whether to continue watching or move on.
How to attract attention:
- Use curiosity-provoking questions.
- Highlight a common problem.
- Present an unexpected or dramatic visual (like a comedic or emotional scene).
- Speak directly to the viewer.
- Showcase the video’s benefit from the start.
4. Use simple and clear language
Short videos require direct, straightforward language that avoids complexity. The importance of simple language lies in its ability to grab the audience’s attention, maintain focus, and resonate with all audience levels, regardless of their educational background.
How to simplify language:
- Use familiar and common words.
- Keep sentences short.
- Avoid technical jargon.
- Speak in the audience’s language and emotionally connect with them.
5. Use an enthusiastic or emotional tone
The importance of tone lies in:
- Capturing the viewer’s attention and keeping them engaged.
- Creating emotional connections by addressing their feelings.
- Motivating the audience to interact.
When to use different tones:
- Enthusiastic tones are effective for promotions, motivational content, and quick solutions.
- Emotional tones are suitable for human-interest topics or addressing heartfelt problems.
6. Include a call to action (CTA)
A CTA directs viewers to take a specific step, such as purchasing, engaging, or visiting a website, turning them into potential customers or active users.
The importance of CTAs:
- Encourages audience interaction.
- Helps achieve content goals.
- Measures success by tracking audience responses.
Tips for effective CTAs:
- Be clear, direct, and simple.
- Add urgency by including time-based language.
- Place the CTA at the end of the video with visual elements to enhance the message.
7. Write content that fits the limited video duration
The script should deliver the core message within the time constraints of the video.
Steps to achieve this:
- Start with one main idea and focus on it.
- Allocate time for each video section (e.g., introduction, body, conclusion).
- Keep sentences concise and avoid unnecessary details.
8. Avoid filler content
Avoid words or phrases that don’t add value or repeat information.
How to avoid filler content:
- Eliminate unnecessary sentences.
- Focus on core benefits and new information.
- Keep sentences short and clear.
- Review the script to refine it further.
9. Add an element of surprise or a creative idea
Adding surprise helps:
- Break the routine and keep the audience engaged.
- Spark curiosity and increase interactions.
Ways to add surprise:
- Change the tone or style.
- Use unexpected visuals or twists.
- Present information that challenges common assumptions.
Ensure the surprise is logical, relevant to the topic, and not overdone.
10. End the video with a strong point that stays with the viewer
A strong conclusion achieves lasting impact, reinforces the message, and encourages interaction.
How to end strongly:
- Summarize the main idea.
- Ask a thought-provoking question.
- Use an inspiring phrase or a clear CTA.
- Add a visually strong final shot.
11. Analyze the video after publishing
Analyzing performance helps identify what worked and what needs improvement. This enhances future strategies and content quality.
How to analyze a video:
- Check audience demographics, engagement rates, and viewing duration.
- Gather audience feedback.
- Compare with previous videos to spot trends or improvements.
Short videos have become essential for marketing and a vital part of every brand’s and content creator’s strategy. Their appeal lies in their ability to deliver ideas quickly and effectively. Therefore, every content creator should focus on the script behind each video as it is the foundation for creating engaging content and maintaining audience interaction.
