6 Steps for Writing Better Video Script
Video Script
Learning to craft the perfect video script can be tricky, even for the most experienced video marketer. A well written script can mean the difference between a successful video campaign and one that flops.
Video messaging is a unique blend of visual imagery and spoken dialogue. Along with compelling visuals, your video needs a skillfully worded script. Whether you are writing a screenplay for the next sci-fi thriller or a product explainer video for your marketing team, the script is the foundation of your video.
The perfect script can make a dramatic difference in the overall quality, reach, and effectiveness of your video marketing efforts, helping you better nurture your prospective leads and turn them into paying customers.
How Video Scripts Differ From Other Digital Content
Compared to blogs and other types of content, a video script is a totally different animal. It serves as the blueprint for your video production process and should be an integral part of every digital content marketing strategy.
A video script is more structured and includes elements other than the words your voice actors will read. It chronologically maps out every scene that will be produced. You can expect to find thumbnails, dialogue, actions, B-roll, calls-to-action (CTA), text displays and a few of the more technical production elements listed on a script. If you’re a digital content creator, you must learn the different types of copy that exist in a script.
Steps you need to take to get it done:
Start Your Process With a Content Brief
A solid brief will contain information that provides guidance for your entire production team. It’s not only going to help you create a killer script, but it also benefits art direction, voice acting, video editing and overall design.
Some people might want to skip the content brief phase and jump straight into writing a script for a video. That can be a tragic mistake. Every content creator should consider the brief an essential element. Anything and everything that has to do with the making of your video has to align with its main points.
Define the Main Message
Make sure to compose the main message you want to convey in this content. Identify key takeaways that align with the core of this message and point out any important details that you want included in your video.
• Company’s mission statement: Express company purpose and objectives. Identify ways you can highlight this in your script. This can be a one-liner such as “We inspire awesomeness in everyone.”
• Values: What are your company values? Let these influence the direction of your video production.
• Brand message: What is the underlying value proposition that you want to communicate? Ask how viewers relate to your brand. Specify which video elements will be used for branding.
Determine the Video Length
The length of your video will vary depending on the platform it will be published on. And the length of your script will dictate the length of your video.
Facebook: According to studies, the optimal video length for Facebook videos should be no longer than two minutes.
Instagram: This portal only supports a maximum of 60 seconds for video content. However, HubSpot recommends Instagram videos be less than 30 seconds. According to their study, videos that get a lot of engagement are, on average, 26 seconds long.
Twitter: The maximum video length supported by this social media platform is 30 seconds.
YouTube: The optimal videos on this channel have an average length of two minutes. However, there is plenty of legroom here. If you want to monetize YouTube videos, keep them within the range of seven to 15 minutes to perform well on the digital platform.
Plan the Visual Elements
Video script writing must include visual production elements. Inserting these key visuals in your script will help your voice actor by serving as prompts when a B-roll or a transition in the video is about to happen. Every successful video production company plans these elements ahead of time.
Choose Your Characters
When figuring out how to write it, you need to decide on your main character. Some video script formats include a few characters, while others have only a main character.
Write the Video Script
Once you have everything planned, it’s time to get to the fun part – writing the actual script.