How To Write A Script For A YouTube Video (5-Step Template!)

Primal Video
10 Oct 202211:42

TLDRThis tutorial offers a 5-step script template designed to enhance YouTube watch time and viewer engagement. It emphasizes the importance of immediately hooking viewers, delivering valuable content without unnecessary length, and providing a bonus section to overdeliver on the promise made. The video also shares a secret sauce: using open loops to keep viewers engaged and eager to see the video through to the end, ultimately improving watch time and audience retention.

Takeaways

  • πŸ˜€ Focus on delivering value to the viewer by making videos as long as they need to be, and no longer.
  • 🎣 Hook the viewer immediately with a clear statement of what the video is about to ensure they feel they are in the right place.
  • 🌟 Use an intro to introduce yourself and the channel, and provide more context about the video's content and presentation.
  • πŸ“ˆ Avoid early calls to action before providing value; instead, ask for a thumbs-up as a lower commitment to engage viewers.
  • πŸ“ Keep the content section concise and engaging, using lists or top X formats to maintain viewer interest throughout.
  • 🎁 Offer a bonus section to overdeliver on the viewer's expectations, providing additional value beyond the main content.
  • πŸ”” Tease the bonus section early to encourage viewers to watch the entire video for extra value.
  • βœ… Use a call to action at the end of the video to guide viewers on the next steps, such as subscribing or checking out resources.
  • πŸ”— Open loops to keep viewers engaged by promising information or tips that will be delivered later in the video.
  • πŸ” Close all open loops to ensure viewers feel satisfied and don't feel left hanging without crucial information.
  • 🎬 Having a clear script structure before filming can lead to a smoother filming process, less editing, and faster video creation.

Q & A

  • What is the main purpose of the video script template discussed in the video?

    -The main purpose of the video script template is to help create YouTube videos that increase watch time, drive viewer engagement, maximize audience value, and facilitate faster video production.

  • What is the first thing the video script template suggests to do when starting a YouTube video?

    -The first thing the template suggests is to hook the viewer in immediately, letting them know that the video is relevant to them, without worrying about introducing oneself or the channel right away.

  • How should a YouTuber introduce themselves and their channel according to the script template?

    -According to the template, a YouTuber should introduce themselves and their channel in the intro section of the video, after having hooked the viewer with the main topic.

  • What is the recommended approach for using calls to action early in a YouTube video?

    -The script template advises against using calls to action very early in the video. It suggests experimenting to find what works best, but for many, asking for a thumbs-up is a lower commitment action that can positively influence viewer engagement and YouTube's algorithm.

  • Why is it important to keep the content section of the video concise and engaging?

    -Keeping the content section concise and engaging is important to maintain viewer interest and ensure that the video delivers on the promises made in the hook and intro, without unnecessary filler or dragging out the content.

  • What is the purpose of the 'bonus' section in the video script template?

    -The 'bonus' section serves to overdeliver on the value provided to the viewer by offering additional, unexpected information or tips related to the video's topic, which can help increase watch time and viewer satisfaction.

  • How should a YouTuber tease the bonus content to the viewer?

    -A YouTuber should tease the bonus content at the end of the intro section, just before the main content, to let the viewer know that there is additional valuable information coming later in the video.

  • What is the final section of the video script template called, and what is its purpose?

    -The final section is called the 'call to action', and its purpose is to guide viewers on what to do next after they've watched the video, such as subscribing, visiting a website, or watching another recommended video.

  • What technique does the script template suggest using to improve watch time and viewer engagement?

    -The script template suggests using 'open loops', which are statements or promises that create anticipation for something that will be revealed later in the video, thereby encouraging viewers to watch the video to the end.

  • How can opening and closing loops effectively improve the viewer's experience and the video's performance?

    -Opening and closing loops effectively keeps viewers engaged by creating anticipation and then fulfilling it, which not only improves the viewer's experience but also signals to YouTube that the content is valuable and engaging, potentially improving the video's performance in recommendations and search results.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ“ Scriptwriting for Engaging YouTube Videos

This paragraph introduces a script template designed to create engaging YouTube videos that increase watch time and viewer engagement. The speaker emphasizes the importance of providing value to the viewer and keeping the video length appropriate to the content. The video script structure includes a hook to immediately engage viewers, followed by an introduction and content delivery that meets viewer expectations. The speaker also shares a secret sauce to improve watch time, suggesting that the script should be structured with the viewer's needs in mind.

05:00

πŸŽ₯ Structuring the Video Script for Viewer Retention

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of the video script structure, focusing on the importance of a strong hook to captivate viewers instantly. It advises against early self-introduction or calls to action, instead recommending a clear statement of the video's purpose. The paragraph outlines the subsequent introduction section, where the speaker and channel are introduced, followed by more details about the video's content. It also touches on the strategy of using a call to action, suggesting a low-commitment ask such as a thumbs-up, which can positively influence YouTube's algorithm without overwhelming new viewers.

10:01

πŸ† Delivering Value and Overdelivering with Bonus Content

This paragraph discusses the content delivery section of the script, advocating for concise and engaging presentation to maintain viewer interest. It suggests using lists to structure content, which can encourage viewers to watch to the end. The concept of a 'bonus' section is introduced, where additional, unexpected value is provided to viewers, enhancing watch time and viewer satisfaction. The speaker also advises teasing the bonus content earlier in the video to keep viewers engaged until the end. The importance of delivering on all promises made (closing loops) is highlighted to ensure viewer trust and satisfaction.

πŸ”— Crafting Effective Calls to Action and Using Open Loops

The final paragraph addresses the call to action section of the video, which guides viewers on the next steps to take after watching. It emphasizes the importance of directing viewers towards valuable next steps, such as subscribing, visiting a website, or watching another video. The concept of 'open loops' is introduced as a storytelling technique to keep viewers engaged throughout the video. The speaker explains that opening loops involves making promises or statements that are resolved later in the video, thereby maintaining viewer interest and encouraging them to watch to the end. The paragraph concludes with an invitation for viewers to rewatch the video to better understand the script structure and techniques discussed.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘YouTube watch time

YouTube watch time refers to the total amount of time that viewers spend watching a video on the YouTube platform. It is a crucial metric for content creators as it can influence the video's visibility on the platform. In the script, the author emphasizes the importance of creating content that not only increases watch time but also provides value to the audience.

πŸ’‘Viewer engagement

Viewer engagement describes the level of interaction and involvement that viewers have with a video. It can include likes, comments, shares, and other forms of participation. The script discusses strategies to drive more viewer engagement, such as providing value and keeping the viewer in mind throughout the video.

πŸ’‘Script template

A script template is a structured outline or framework used to guide the writing of a script, ensuring that it covers all necessary elements in a logical and compelling order. The video script provided is based on a simple template that the author uses for creating YouTube videos, which includes hooks, introductions, content delivery, and calls to action.

πŸ’‘Hook

In the context of video scripting, a hook is an initial statement or segment designed to capture the viewer's attention and encourage them to continue watching. The script mentions that the first task is to hook the viewer in immediately, without unnecessary introductions or requests for subscriptions.

πŸ’‘Call to action (CTA)

A call to action is a prompt for the viewer to perform a specific action, such as subscribing to the channel, liking the video, or visiting a website. The script suggests that CTAs should come later in the video, after value has been provided to the viewer, and it proposes using a 'thumbs-up' request as a lower-commitment CTA.

πŸ’‘Content delivery

Content delivery refers to how the information or message in a video is presented to the viewer. It should be concise, engaging, and relevant to the viewer's needs. The script stresses the importance of delivering on the promises made in the hook and intro, and doing so in a way that respects the viewer's time.

πŸ’‘Bonus section

The bonus section of a video is an additional part where the creator provides extra value or information that goes beyond the main content. In the script, the author discusses the bonus section as a way to overdeliver on the viewer's expectations, such as sharing video editing tips in addition to reviewing apps.

πŸ’‘Open loops

Open loops are statements or promises made in a video that create anticipation for information or events that will be revealed later. The concept is used to keep viewers engaged throughout the video. The script explains how to use open loops effectively by teasing bonus content and then delivering on those promises.

πŸ’‘Action takers

Action takers are viewers who take the desired action suggested by the video's call to action. The script discusses the importance of directing these viewers on what to do next, such as exploring more content or resources, which can enhance viewer engagement and channel growth.

πŸ’‘Video editing apps on iOS

This refers to the specific topic of the video, where the author discusses the top video editing apps available for iOS devices. It serves as an example to illustrate the script's structure and how the content is delivered to the viewers. The video aims to help viewers decide which app is best suited for their needs.

πŸ’‘Reciprocity

Reciprocity is the concept of giving and receiving, where the viewer feels a sense of obligation to respond positively because they have received value. The script mentions building goodwill and reciprocity by adding significant value to the viewers, which can encourage them to subscribe or engage with the content further.

Highlights

Learn a simple YouTube video script template to increase watch time and viewer engagement.

Remember the viewer and provide value without unnecessarily padding your video for longer watch time.

Hook the viewer immediately with a clear statement of what the video is about.

Introduce yourself and the channel in the intro, setting expectations for the video's content.

Avoid early calls to action; instead, focus on delivering value to the viewer first.

Use a thumbs-up request as a low-commitment call to action early in the video.

Deliver on the promises made in the hook and intro with concise and engaging content.

Incorporate a bonus section to overdeliver on the viewer's expectations.

Tease the bonus section earlier in the video to keep viewers engaged until the end.

Provide actionable tips or additional value in the bonus section to enhance viewer experience.

End with a clear call to action for viewers who have watched the entire video.

Use open loops to create anticipation and keep viewers watching until the end.

Ensure every open loop is closed to maintain viewer trust and satisfaction.

Experiment with different structures to find what works best for your audience.

Having a structured script can speed up the video creation process.

Explore the full video creation process from idea to release in the linked video.