Write a YouTube video script has become an essential step for creating relevant and qualitative content. In this article, discover the 10 key steps to writing an effective script for YouTube, while understanding why the preparation and structure of your text is essential before going in front of the camera.
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Why write a script before shooting a YouTube video?
Do you have a goal of producing a YouTube video? Before you start filming, it is essential not to skip steps and to first write the script for your future YouTube video. The reason? It will allow you to anticipate what you are going to say and offer quality content to your community. Generally speaking, the YouTube video script allows you to structure the content, but also to avoid repetition while maintaining a clear common thread throughout the video.
Another strong point of this step that is too often neglected, the video script will make you more efficient when filming, but also more fluid when editing your YouTube video. By anticipating your transitions, shots and key messages, you significantly reduce the number of takes and make post-production work easier.
10 Steps to Create a YouTube Video Script
1. Set video type
When you start writing a YouTube video script, The first step is to choose the transcription of your idea through a particular type of video.
On YouTube, there are a plurality of types of videos such as tutorials, humorous videos, marketing webinars, vlogs (video blog) or interviews. Each of these types of videos implements very specific design codes to transcribe the right message to the right target.
Once the type of your video is defined, you will have fewer problems finding the title of your video and understanding the writing of your script.
2. Define the target: who is your video aimed at?
To optimize the relevance, but also the visibility of your video on YouTube, it is essential to focus on your audience.
Before you start designing your YouTube video scriptask yourself what type of videos your target likes to consume on YouTube, but also if they prefer long or short formats.
The more you focus on your audience's interests, the better you will be able to target them through the choice of images, voiceover and the structure of the script itself.
3. Create the technical plan for the video
Once you have the objectives and targets for your content in mind, move on to developing the technical plan. This is an essential off-content plan for structuring your video.
Start by listing the elements and options you absolutely want to include in your video in order of appearance. Here is an example of a technical plan that you can use to begin scripting your video:
- A teaser with an extract of the highlights or a one-sentence hook;
- An introduction;
- A mini summary (optional);
- The heart of the video;
- A call-to-action with an invitation to subscribe, comment or share the video;
- An outro.
Note that to ensure consistency across all of your YouTube videos, it is best to follow approximately the same version of the technique plan. The way you build the skeleton of your video is a bit like the signature of your YouTube channel.
4. Set video duration
Take into consideration that the duration of your YouTube video actively contributes to its visibility on search engines. The YouTube algorithm tends to value quality video content, particularly 10 to 15 minute videos via watchtime.
Note that YouTube viewers are increasingly favoring long videos because they consider them to be more qualitative. A long video suggests that the content creator studies the subject in depth and provides real added value. However, it all depends on the type of video you are going for.
5. Define the subject of the video
It's time to move on to defining the subject of your video. To do this, we strongly advise you to take an interest in what others are doing on YouTube.
Take the time to check if this topic has already been covered by another creator on the platform or on the web in general. If so, ask yourself how you can approach this topic differently and bring your own expertise to the table.
Don't hesitate to take an interest in trends to keep in mind the current topics covered in video for inspiration. Once again, focus on the video topics your audience likes to consume to write a targeted script.
6. Video script: Write the background plan
In order to structure the background of your YouTube video even better, we advise you to draw up a background plan. This involves providing clarification at the level of the framework of the YouTube video script detailing it as much as possible. Expand the title of your parts and subtitles to have a complete common thread when filming your video.
Writing this basic plan is fundamental to help you better organize your ideas, transcribe a scenario, gain fluidity but above all plan the order in which your sequences will appear.
This is when you will be able to build the dynamic of your video to push viewers to watch it until the end. This strategy consists of keeping them in suspense to maximize your watchtime.
7. Write YouTube Script Content
This is undoubtedly the most important step: writing the pure content for your YouTube video. When writing it, remember that the sentences will be said orally, so it is important to anticipate their turn so as not to make it a “read text”.
If you are more comfortable improvising during your shoot, be careful not to forget anything! Keep in mind that writing the text of your script will help you optimize the quality of your content.
8. Define the different shots to shoot based on the script
Now that you have the editorial content of the script your YouTube videoall you have to do is determine the different shots and images to shoot before starting filming. Take the time to define the length of these plans based on the total length you planned in advance.
Describe these shots pictorially to help you as much as possible when you are filming. Choose your sequences based on the message you want to convey to your audience. These plans should help you convey your ideas to create an impactful video.
9. Plan the filming locations in the script
Before you start filming, take the time to define your filming locations. Will some scenes be indoors or outdoors? Will you need to rent a specific space?
Once you have made these choices, plan your dates in a calendar. This will make it easier to coordinate with those involved in the video and allow you to anticipate the length and conditions of the shoot more effectively.
10. Practice reading the script before official filming
Once your script is finalized, take the time to read it out loud several times before filming. This exercise helps identify passages that are too long, unnatural sentences or awkward transitions. By practicing, you will gain in ease, tone and fluidity, which will make your performance much more natural on screen.
This is also the time to adjust your rhythm, your intonation and your gestures to give more life to your message. The more comfortable you are with your text, the more efficiently the filming will run and the more professional and authentic your YouTube video will appear.
AI script: Good or bad idea?
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to write a YouTube video script is, logically, attracting more and more creators. Fast and efficient, it's a good solution for generating coherent ideas from a few keywords. It also helps to structure your ideas, improve the clarity of speech and find the right tone for your audience.
However, a script 100% written by an AI often lacks personality and emotion. To captivate your audience, it is essential to add your human touch: anecdotes, personal tone, humor or spontaneity. The ideal is therefore to use AI as a creation support toolnot as a turnkey solution.
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