# Video Script Template Pack (5 proven formats) — free download from DollarWise (dollarwise.xyz)

Replace every [BRACKETED PLACEHOLDER] with your own content. Read each script out loud once before filming — anywhere you stumble, rewrite the line in simpler words. Timing is based on 130–150 spoken words per minute.

## Template 1 — Talk-to-Camera (Hook / Intro / Outline / CTA)

Best for: educational videos, commentary, reviews, vlogs. Target length: 6–10 minutes.

[HOOK — 0:00–0:15] Open mid-action with the payoff, not the setup. On-screen text: the result in 5 words.
"By the end of this video, you will know exactly how to [RESULT] — and the first step takes under two minutes."
B-roll cue: quick montage of the end result.

[INTRO — 0:15–0:45] Who you are and why you are qualified, in two lines. No life story.
"I'm [NAME]. I've [CREDENTIAL/EXPERIENCE], and today I'm breaking down [TOPIC] into [NUMBER] simple parts."

[ROADMAP — 0:45–1:00] Tell them what is coming so they stay. On-screen text: numbered list of the points.
"Here's what we'll cover: [POINT 1], [POINT 2], and [POINT 3] — plus a bonus tip at the end that most people get wrong."

[POINT 1 — 1:00–3:00] State the point in one sentence, explain it simply, give one concrete example.
B-roll cue: screen recording, demonstration, or supporting graphic.

[POINT 2 — 3:00–5:00] Same structure. Add a quick on-screen graphic or B-roll to reset attention.

[POINT 3 — 5:00–7:00] Same structure. This is your strongest point — spend the most time here and add your best proof: a screenshot, a result, or a testimonial.

[RECAP — 7:00–7:30] One sentence per point. Reinforce the transformation.
"So remember: [POINT 1], [POINT 2], [POINT 3]."

[CTA — 7:30–8:00] One clear action only. Never ask for three things.
"If this helped, [SUBSCRIBE / DOWNLOAD / COMMENT] — and I'll see you in the next one."

## Template 2 — Listicle Video (Countdowns and Roundups)

Best for: top-10 lists, tool roundups, best-of videos. Target length: 8–12 minutes.

[HOOK — 0:00–0:20] Promise the full list and tease the number one pick.
"These are the [NUMBER] best [TOOLS/TIPS/PLACES] for [AUDIENCE] — and number one surprised even me."

[INTRO + ROADMAP — 0:20–0:50] Quick credibility line, then the rules of the list: how you ranked them.

[ITEMS — 0:50 onward] For each item use the same three-beat structure:
1. Reveal: "[NUMBER]: [ITEM NAME]" (on-screen text: name + rank number)
2. Why it made the list: one or two sentences on the standout benefit.
3. The catch or pro tip: one honest downside or insider tip — this builds trust.
Transition line between items to keep viewers watching: "But [NEXT ITEM] is even better because [REASON]."

[SAVE NUMBER ONE] Build anticipation: "We're down to the top two, and number one is the one I personally use every day."

[RECAP — final 60 seconds] Flash through the full ranked list on screen, one line each.

[CTA] One action: "Comment which one you're trying first — I read every reply."

Timing note: keep each item to 45–60 seconds. If an item needs longer, it deserves its own video.

## Template 3 — Step-by-Step Tutorial

Best for: how-to videos, software walkthroughs, DIY, recipes. Target length: 5–15 minutes.

[HOOK — 0:00–0:15] Show the finished result first. On-screen text: "You'll make this."
"Here's what we're building today: [SHOW RESULT]. And you don't need [COMMON OBJECTION] to do it."

[WHAT YOU NEED — 0:15–0:45] List materials or tools on screen. Keep it short — every extra item loses viewers.

[STEP 1 — 0:45–2:00] Number it clearly, on screen and out loud. Show, don't just tell.
Checkpoint line: "Pause here and make sure yours looks like this before moving on."

[STEP 2, 3, 4 ...] Same structure. Between steps, one transition sentence: "Now that [STEP] is done, we can [NEXT STEP]."

[TROUBLESHOOTING — before the close] Address the one thing most likely to go wrong.
"If [COMMON PROBLEM] happens, here's the fix: [SOLUTION]."

[RESULT REVEAL] Show the finished outcome again, side by side with the start if possible.

[CTA] "Download the free [CHECKLIST/TEMPLATE] linked below so you can follow along next time."

B-roll cue: close-ups of hands, screen, or materials at every step — never talk over a static wide shot for more than 20 seconds.

## Template 4 — Storytelling Arc

Best for: case studies, personal stories, brand stories, documentaries. Target length: 6–12 minutes.

[HOOK — 0:00–0:20] Start at the moment of highest tension, not the beginning.
"It was [TIME], and I had just [WORST MOMENT]. Here's how it happened."

[SETUP — 0:20–1:30] Normal life before the problem. Keep it brief — just enough context to care.
"Back then, [SITUATION]. Everything seemed fine, until [INCITING INCIDENT]."

[RISING TENSION — 1:30–5:00] Things get worse in stages. Each setback raises the stakes.
"First [SETBACK 1]. Then, just when I thought it couldn't get worse, [SETBACK 2]."
On-screen text: dates, amounts, or key facts that make it concrete.

[TURNING POINT — 5:00–6:30] The discovery or decision that changed everything.
"That's when I realized [INSIGHT] — and decided to [ACTION]."

[RESOLUTION — 6:30–8:00] Show the outcome with proof: numbers, screenshots, before-and-after.

[LESSON — 8:00–8:30] The takeaway, stated directly to the viewer.
"Here's what I'd tell anyone in that situation: [LESSON]. You don't have to learn it the hard way."

[CTA] "If you've been through something similar, tell me in the comments — and subscribe for the next story."

Timing note: spend the most time on rising tension — that is what keeps viewers watching. Cut setup ruthlessly.

## Template 5 — Vertical Short (Shorts / Reels / TikTok)

Best for: quick tips, reactions, teasers, viral moments. Target length: 30–60 seconds (75–150 words).

[0:00–0:02 — PATTERN INTERRUPT] Freeze the scroll with a bold claim or striking visual.
On-screen text: "[SURPRISING CLAIM]" — say it out loud at the same time.

[0:02–0:10 — SETUP] One sentence of context. No backstory.
"Here's the [THING] nobody talks about when it comes to [TOPIC]."

[0:10–0:40 — THE PAYOFF] Deliver the value fast: 3 quick points or one clear demo.
"First: [POINT 1]. Second: [POINT 2]. Third: [POINT 3]."
Cut to a new angle or zoom on every point — movement keeps retention.

[0:40–0:50 — TWIST OR PROOF] One line that makes it stick.
"And here's the proof: [QUICK RESULT / SCREENSHOT / BEFORE-AFTER]."

[0:50–0:60 — LOOP CTA] End with a line that flows back into the start.
"Follow for part 2 — I'm breaking down [NEXT TOPIC] tomorrow."

On-screen text cue: caption every key phrase — most short-form viewers watch with sound off at first.