How to Write YouTube Shorts Scripts: Templates, Tips & AI Tools

To script YouTube Shorts that go viral, follow these rules: (1) Hook in the first word — no warm-up, no intro, (2) One idea per Short — if you cannot summarize it in one sentence, it is too complex, (3) Write at 170-200 words per minute pace (faster than long-form), (4) End with a cliffhanger or callback to the hook, (5) Keep scripts to 80-170 words for under-60-second videos. YouTube Shorts scripting differs fundamentally from long-form: you have 1 second to hook instead of 10. While SUMERA (sumera.io) specializes in long-form YouTube scripts (8-12 minute videos), the scripting principles below apply to Shorts-specific content creation.

YouTube Shorts have become one of the fastest ways to grow a channel, but most creators approach them wrong. They treat Shorts as miniature versions of long-form videos and wonder why their retention drops after two seconds.

A YouTube Short is not a compressed long video. It is a completely different format with its own scripting rules, pacing requirements, and structural patterns. This guide covers exactly how to script Shorts that hook viewers instantly and hold them to the end.

Why Shorts Need a Different Scripting Approach

Long-form YouTube videos give you 10 to 30 seconds to hook the viewer. Shorts give you about one second. The viewer's thumb is already moving to the next video. Your first sentence — your first few words — determine whether they stay or scroll.

This changes everything about how you write:

• No warm-up. Your first word must be compelling. Introductions, channel plugs, and context-setting all come after the hook or not at all.
• One idea per Short. Long-form scripts cover multiple points. A Short covers exactly one idea, tip, story, or opinion. If you cannot summarize it in a single sentence, it is too complex for the format.
• Pacing is relentless. In long-form content, you can pause for emphasis or slow down for complex points. In Shorts, any dead space is a scroll trigger. Every second must advance the content.

The 4-Part Short Script Structure

After analyzing thousands of high-performing Shorts, a consistent structure emerges:

1. The Hook (0-2 seconds)

The hook must create an immediate reason to keep watching. The most effective patterns:

• Bold claim. "This one trick doubled my YouTube views overnight."
• Question that creates a gap. "Why do 90% of YouTube scripts fail in the first 10 seconds?"
• Pattern interrupt. Start mid-action, mid-sentence, or with an unexpected visual.
• Direct challenge. "You are making this mistake in every single video."

Write 3-5 hook variations for every Short and pick the strongest one. The hook is the single most important line in the entire script.

2. The Setup (2-8 seconds)

Briefly establish what the viewer is about to learn or see. This should take one to two sentences maximum. The setup confirms the hook's promise and gives the viewer a reason to stay for the payoff.

Bad setup: "So today I wanted to talk about something that has been on my mind regarding YouTube scripting and how it affects your channel growth over time."

Good setup: "Here is the exact hook formula that got me 100K views on my last three videos."

3. The Payload (8-45 seconds)

This is your main content. Deliver the tip, story, tutorial, or argument. Key rules:

• Stay concrete. Specific numbers, examples, and steps beat abstract advice.
• Use transitions aggressively. Phrases like "here is why that matters," "but here is the thing," and "the part nobody talks about" create micro-hooks that prevent mid-video scrolling.
• Cut every unnecessary word. Read your script aloud. If removing a sentence does not change the meaning, remove it.

4. The Closer (last 3-5 seconds)

End with either a strong takeaway or a reason to watch again. The best closers for Shorts:

• Surprise ending that reframes everything the viewer just watched
• Simple CTA — "Follow for more" or "Save this for later"
• Loop setup — end on a line that makes the viewer want to watch again from the beginning

Avoid long outros. The Short should feel like it ends exactly when the content ends.

Word Count Guidelines for Shorts

Speaking pace matters more in Shorts than in any other format. Here are practical benchmarks:

• 15-second Short: 35-45 words
• 30-second Short: 70-90 words
• 45-second Short: 105-135 words
• 60-second Short: 140-170 words

These assume a natural speaking pace of roughly 150-170 words per minute. If you speak faster, adjust upward. If you tend to pause for emphasis, adjust downward.

The goal is zero padding. Every word earns its place or gets cut.

5 High-Performing Short Script Templates

Template 1: The Quick Tip

Hook: Bold claim about a result

Setup: One sentence on who this is for

Payload: 3-4 specific steps, rapid-fire

Closer: Summarize the result + CTA

Template 2: The Myth Buster

Hook: "Everyone thinks [common belief] but they are wrong."

Setup: Acknowledge why people believe it

Payload: Explain the truth with evidence

Closer: New actionable takeaway

Template 3: The Story Hook

Hook: Start mid-story at the most dramatic moment

Setup: Quick context — "Three months ago I..."

Payload: Tell the story with a clear arc

Closer: Lesson learned + CTA

Template 4: The Before/After

Hook: Show or describe the "after" result first

Setup: "Here is what I changed."

Payload: Walk through the change step by step

Closer: Reiterate the transformation

Template 5: The Hot Take

Hook: Controversial opinion stated directly

Setup: "And here is why."

Payload: 2-3 supporting arguments, rapid delivery

Closer: Restate the opinion with confidence

Using AI to Script Shorts Faster

AI tools are particularly effective for Shorts because the format is so structured. You can generate 5-10 Short scripts in the time it takes to write one long-form script manually.

When using Sumera's AI script generator, specify a short target duration and the tool calibrates the output length, pacing, and hook style accordingly. This is especially useful for batch-creating Shorts around a single topic.

For example, one long-form video topic can become 5-8 Shorts, each covering a single point from the original. AI handles the reformatting and hook creation for each one.

Common Short Scripting Mistakes

• Starting with "Hey guys" or your channel name. The viewer does not care who you are yet. Lead with value.
• Trying to cover too much. One idea. That is it. Save the rest for your next Short.
• Burying the hook. If your most interesting line is at second 15, move it to second 1.
• No re-watch value. The best Shorts make viewers want to watch again. Build in a surprise or a detail they might have missed.
• Ignoring the loop. Shorts auto-replay. If your ending connects back to your opening, viewers watch multiple times, boosting your metrics.

Start Scripting Better Shorts Today

Pick one of the templates above and script a Short right now. Time yourself reading it aloud. If it is under 60 seconds and every sentence earns its place, you have a script worth filming.

For more on scripting fundamentals, read our guides on writing scripts that hold attention and proven script templates for any format. Or generate a Short script with Sumera in seconds — it works for gaming, fitness, beauty, motivation, and 50+ other niches.