Let’s be real—scripting a video that’s just 60-seconds long sounds easy until you actually try doing it. Turns out, squeezing value, personality, and a call to action into a single minute is more challenging than most people expect.
But short videos are everywhere now. You see them on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn clips—even teachers use them on TikTok. The trick is turning that brief window into something memorable. Here’s how people who do this well approach it.
Start With the People Watching
First off, you need to know who you’re talking to. Scripting for busy managers looks different than scripting for high school students. Think about who will see the video and what they care about. Maybe they hate jargon, or maybe they love quick, actionable tips.
Check what’s working out there already. Scroll through videos your target group shares or comments on. Notice the style—are they funny, straightforward, fast-talking, or mellow? It sounds simple, but just observing your audience’s habits and tone gives you a major head start.
Figure Out the Point of the Video
You shouldn’t start writing until you know the exact message you want to get across. Ask yourself why you’re making this video in the first place. What do you want people to do, know, or feel after watching?
If you only want one thing to stick, what is it? That’s your main message. Don’t try to cover every angle—just pick the strongest one and go with it.
Are you trying to get followers? Do you want viewers to check out a website? Maybe the whole goal is to make people laugh on their lunch break. Deciding this early saves you from rambling later.
Break Down the Script Structure
There’s a loose formula you’ll see in almost every 60-second video that works. It starts with a hook. This isn’t just clickbait—it’s about getting attention in the first five seconds. If your first line doesn’t make someone curious, most will scroll away.
Next comes the “problem” or main idea. State it quickly and in a way that feels real. For example, “Ever wonder why your plants keep dying?” hits faster than, “Today we’ll discuss the secret to healthy houseplants.”
After that, give your solution or key insight. Walk through your advice, tip, or story clearly. You don’t have to solve every aspect, but offer something useful or interesting before you run out of time.
Be Brief and Clear—No Filler Needed
Keeping things short isn’t just about saving time. It’s about getting rid of anything extra. Avoid long-winded intros or tangents. Use short sentences, and say things directly.
Choose simpler words over complicated ones. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t put it in a 60-second script.
It helps to read every line out loud as you go, just to make sure nothing trips you up. If you get stuck halfway through a sentence, chances are your viewer will too.
Pull Viewers in—Don’t Just Talk at Them
People watch videos to feel part of something, even if it’s just for a minute. Tossing in a quick question right in the middle keeps them thinking and more likely to keep watching.
Say things like, “Have you ever tried this?” or “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen?” The point isn’t to get answers—it’s to jolt viewers out of passive scrolling.
Then, end with a call to action. It doesn’t have to sound like a sales pitch. Try, “Send this to a friend who needs it,” or, “See part two for the full story.” You can also use simple asks, like “Leave a comment,” or “Hit follow for more.”
Plan Out Visuals and Sounds
You don’t need film school expertise here, but a bit of planning makes a difference. As you write your script, imagine what’s happening on-screen. Will there be text pop-ups? Quick product shots? Maybe you want the camera to cut to a demo or a reaction.
You can jot a note in the margins for each section. For example: “[show phone screen]” or “[cutaway to dog].” This way, it’s clear where visuals help the words, not just repeat them.
Audio matters, too. A little background music or a sound effect can help with timing and mood. Just pick something that doesn’t distract from what you’re saying. If the script is funny, maybe you slide in a quick drumbeat after a punchline. If it’s serious, you might go for softer music.
Branding Without Being Annoying
You know you’re supposed to show your logo, but nobody wants to feel like they’re watching an ad. Try to weave in your brand colors, logo, or visual style in a way that’s just part of the scene.
If your brand tone is playful, don’t suddenly write like a legal disclaimer. Keep your humor or attitude consistent. It needs to feel like all your other content, even if it’s only a minute long.
But there’s no need to announce your brand every five seconds. One logo on the corner, or a quick branded outro, is plenty for most mini videos.
Tighten Things Up—Edit and Test
Few people script a 60-second video perfectly on the first try. You’ll almost always end up with something that’s either a bit too long or a bit clunky in the first draft.
Read your script out loud, not just to yourself but to someone else if you can. You’ll spot awkward phrasing or lines that sound good on paper but not in real life. Editing in this stage means cutting extra words, not adding more.
Check your pacing. Most people speak about 120 to 150 words per minute, depending on how fast they talk and how many pauses or effects they use. If you find yourself speeding up to jam everything in, cut instead of rushing—nobody likes listening to a rushed delivery.
Do a Trial Run—And Get Feedback
Before publishing, film a rough draft on your phone. Watch it. Was there a part that dragged or felt confusing? Did you get bored halfway through? That’s a clue you need to tweak the script or visuals.
Show it to someone who isn’t afraid to give honest feedback. Ask them where they lost interest or got confused. Keep your ego in check—it’s just part of the process.
Once you’ve tweaked your pacing and flow, you’re way more likely to end up with something that holds attention all the way through.
Scripting Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Some creators swear by bullet points for ad-libbing. Others write every word out, right down to the pauses. It depends on your style and your audience’s expectations.
You might want to check out how other brands keep things sharp and fast, like on jjajayo.com, to see different takes on 60-second storytelling. Borrowing structural tricks is fair game, especially when you’re starting out. Just make sure your script sounds like you, not like someone you’re copying.
Every platform has its own vibe, too. TikTok favors jump cuts and quick reactions, while LinkedIn videos might be a little more measured and clean. The core ideas stay the same, but be flexible in how you present your information.
The Bottom Line
Crafting a tight 60-second script might seem a little daunting at first. But once you figure out exactly what you want to say—and who you’re saying it to—the process starts making sense.
Focus on being human, clear, and easy to follow. Don’t worry about being perfect. If you’re clear and genuine, people stick around, whether you’re explaining how to make cold brew or showing the latest software trick.
Most creators get more comfortable with short scripting over time. You’ll find your rhythm. And if you mess up? There’s always next week’s video to make it better. Keep experimenting, and the process eventually gets quicker—and a lot more fun.