How to Structure a YouTube Shorts Script (With a Template)

Shorts are scripts too

A Short feels spontaneous, but the best ones are tightly written. With under a minute to work with, every sentence must move the viewer towards the payoff.

The four-beat template

1. Hook (0–2 seconds): a bold statement, question or visual that makes the viewer stop scrolling. 2. Context (2–10 seconds): the minimum background needed to understand the payoff. 3. Payoff (10–45 seconds): the fact, reveal, tip or story climax. 4. Loop (last 2–3 seconds): a closing line that flows back into the opening so replays feel natural.

Aim for roughly 100–140 spoken words for a 45–55 second Short.

Write on-screen text into the script

Many viewers watch with the sound off. Mark the two or three words that should pop on screen at each beat, and keep captions on throughout.

Cut anything that isn't the payoff

Read the draft aloud and remove every line that doesn't set up or deliver the payoff. Greetings, channel intros and subscribe requests at the start almost always cost you viewers.