How to Write a Great YouTube Script

Introduction

• Importance of YouTube scripts to gain views and revenue.
• Experience writing scripts for 40+ educational channels, resulting in millions of views.
• Major clients include instantly AI, hype Fury, and Davey Fogerty.
• Aim of the presentation: provide a complete guide to writing successful YouTube scripts.

Why Script a Video?

• Viewer Satisfaction: Key metric for success on YouTube; higher satisfaction leads to better video performance.
• Pre-Production vs Post-Production: Emphasis on pre-work; saves time and enhances video quality.
  • Example: Alex Oszi's shift from post-production to pre-research.
• Comparison of Approach: Authentically scripted vs off-the-cuff videos. Even "raw" videos often have underlying scripts or plans.

Definition of Scripting

• Scripting means planning what to say, not necessarily writing every word.
• Different formats include Google Docs, PowerPoint slides, and bullet points.

Full Script vs Bullet Points

• When to use bullet points:
  • Comfortable speaking on camera.
  • Short, informal videos.
  • Good memory.
• When to write a full script:
  • Complex narrative required.
  • Tendency to ramble without structure.
  • Need for specific data and quotes.

Criteria for a Good Script

1. Simple Language: Use easy-to-understand language.
2. Audience Needs: Must deliver what the audience expects.
3. Value Proposition: Would you pay to watch your own video?
4. Checklist for Quality: Reference checklist available via newsletter.

How to Script a Video

1. Title and Idea First: Determine video title before scripting.
2. Types of Video Ideas: Four main categories:
   • Viral Video Sales Letter (VSSL)
   • Story Videos
   • Challenge Videos
   • Documentary Videos
3. Finding Video Ideas - Outlier Theory:
   • Look for successful videos by small and big creators.
   • Consider adjacent and broad niches for inspiration.
4. Research:
   • Analyze comments for viewer feedback.
   • Study top creators' videos for successful strategies.

Writing the Hook

• Importance of the first 30 seconds.
• Elements of an Effective Hook:
  1. Clarity
  2. Engagement
• Avoid jargon, over-explanation, and excessive credentials.
• Types of Hooks:
  • Question Hook
  • Shocking Statement
  • Storytelling Hook
  • Preview Hook
  • Personal Connection
  • Statistic or Fact
  • Challenge Hook
  • Quotation Hook
  • Metaphor Hook
  • Proof Hook

Structure of the Script

Body

1. Open Loop Technique: Build curiosity through transitions.
2. Sub Points: Break down main ideas with clear explanations.
3. Storytelling: Incorporate emotional narratives and relatable content. Use the Hero's Journey structure and the “Somebody Wanted But So” framework.
4. Logical Flow: Ensure smooth transitions between points.

Outro and Call to Action

• Purpose: Encourage viewers to take action (watch another video, subscribe, etc.).
• Types of Calls to Action:
  • Suggest watching another video.
  • Encourage liking and subscribing only if justified by value.
  • Pitch a product/offer if sufficient value has been provided.

Editing Your Script

• Importance of editing: refine and improve clarity.
• Tips for editing:
  1. Incubate: Take a break before editing.
  2. Read Aloud: Ensure conversational flow.
  3. Use Grammarly: For grammar and spelling checks.
  4. Logical Flow: Ensure points connect smoothly.

Conclusion

• Call to action at the end of video: apply the discussed frameworks.
• Subscribe to the newsletter for access to additional resources and checklists.