How Many Words in a Video Script? YouTube, Shorts, TikTok and Reels
Word counts for 30-second, 1-minute and 10-minute videos, a table by format, how to structure a script and how to hit your target length when filming.
A good video script starts with one constraint: length. A 30-second TikTok and a 10-minute YouTube video are not written the same way, and the most reliable way to size them is to think in words.
The rule of thumb: 140–160 words per minute
On camera, most creators talk a little faster than on stage — often 140–160 words per minute, and faster still in punchy short-form content. For a calmer tone (tutorials, explainers), use 130.
| Video length | Calm (130 wpm) | Energetic (160 wpm) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 seconds | 30 words | 40 words |
| 30 seconds | 65 words | 80 words |
| 45 seconds | 100 words | 120 words |
| 1 minute | 130 words | 160 words |
| 3 minutes | 390 words | 480 words |
| 5 minutes | 650 words | 800 words |
| 10 minutes | 1,300 words | 1,600 words |
| 20 minutes | 2,600 words | 3,200 words |
Paste your script into our word counter and set the pace to get an instant length estimate.
By format
TikTok, Reels and YouTube Shorts
Vertical platforms now accept videos several minutes long, but the content that performs best is often short. For 30–45 seconds, aim for 70–120 words. Three beats are enough:
- The hook (2–3 seconds): one line that gives people a reason to stay.
- The content: a single idea, no detours.
- The payoff or call to action: follow, comment, watch part two.
A standard YouTube video (8–15 minutes)
Roughly 1,100–2,200 words. Here, structure matters more than length: a short intro stating what the video delivers, clearly separated sections and regular re-hooks to hold attention.
Sponsored segments
Brands often ask for a set duration: 30, 60 or 90 seconds. At 150 wpm, a 60-second integration is about 150 words, required disclosures included. That is exactly the part to read off a teleprompter: everything said, nothing forgotten, on time.
Podcasts and long-form video
For 30 minutes or more, you usually don’t script every word: prepare a detailed outline and write out only the intro, transitions and close.
Writing a script that sounds natural
- Write for the ear: short sentences, one idea each.
- Read it out loud: if you trip over a sentence, rewrite it.
- Watch out for numbers: “1,250,000” is seven spoken words. Round when you can.
- Hunt repetitions: the Repetitions tab in our word counter spots words repeated a few words apart.
- Cut 10 %: almost every first draft is too long.
Hitting your length on set
Once your script is ready, the easiest way to stay on time is to read it on a teleprompter:
- Add your script to Final Take.
- Open the teleprompter and choose By duration: enter your target (for example 0:58 for a one-minute video with a little slack).
- The text scrolls to end exactly then. Fine-tune with + and − if needed.
No app yet? Our free online teleprompter has the same by-duration setting.
For phone placement, mirror mode and settings, read our teleprompter guide for YouTube.
Key takeaways
- Plan for 130–160 words per minute depending on your tone.
- A 30–45 second short is 70–120 words.
- Write short, read it aloud, cut, then film with a teleprompter set to your target length.