Writes short-form vertical video scripts with hooks, transitions, text overlays, and trending audio suggestions. Use when you need TikTok or Reels video scripts that capture attention fast.
Use this skill when you need to:
DO NOT use this skill for long-form YouTube videos, podcast scripts, or written content. This is for vertical short-form video (under 90 seconds).
YOU HAVE 1 SECOND TO STOP THE SCROLL AND 3 SECONDS TO KEEP THEM WATCHING — EVERY FRAME MUST EARN THE NEXT.
| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Topic |
| "What is this video about?" |
| No default — must be provided |
| Video format | "Talking head, tutorial, story time, POV, green screen, or text-on-screen?" | Talking head |
| Duration | "Target length? (15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds)" | 30 seconds |
| Platform | "TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or all three?" | All three |
| CTA | "What should viewers do? Follow, comment, visit link, use a sound?" | Follow for more |
| Trending context | "Any trending sounds, formats, or topics you want to tie into?" | None — use evergreen format |
GATE: Confirm brief before proceeding.
**Hook (0-3 sec):** [What stops the scroll]
**Setup (3-10 sec):** [Context — why should they care]
**Body (10-X sec):** [The value — what you're teaching or showing]
**Payoff (last 5 sec):** [The punchline, result, or key takeaway]
**CTA (final 2-3 sec):** [What to do next]
GATE: Approve structure before full script.
For each script, deliver these elements:
## [Video Title — internal reference only]
**Duration:** [X seconds]
**Format:** [talking head / tutorial / etc.]
### HOOK (0-3 seconds)
**On screen:** [What the viewer sees]
**Text overlay:** "[Exact text that appears on screen]"
**Audio:** [What the viewer hears — spoken words or sound]
### SETUP (3-10 seconds)
**On screen:** [Visual description]
**Spoken:** "[Exact words to say]"
**Text overlay:** "[Text if any]"
### BODY (10-X seconds)
**On screen:** [Visual description]
**Spoken:** "[Exact words to say]"
**Text overlay:** "[Key phrases that reinforce spoken words]"
**Transition:** [Cut, zoom, swipe — if any]
### PAYOFF (last 5 seconds)
**On screen:** [Visual description]
**Spoken:** "[Exact words]"
**Text overlay:** "[Key result or takeaway]"
### CTA (final 2-3 seconds)
**Spoken:** "[Exact CTA]"
**Text overlay:** "[CTA text]"
---
**Audio suggestion:** [Trending sound or music style recommendation]
**Hashtags:** [5-8 relevant hashtags]
**Caption:** [Short caption for the post]
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Spoken word count | ~2.5 words per second of video |
| Text overlays | Short phrases (3-7 words), not sentences |
| One idea per video | Never try to cover multiple topics |
| Conversational tone | Write how people talk, not how they write |
| Retention tricks | "Wait for it..." / "Here's the part nobody tells you..." |
| No dead air | Every second must have visual or audio stimulus |
## Video Script Checklist
- [ ] Hook stops the scroll in under 3 seconds
- [ ] Spoken word count matches target duration (~2.5 words/sec)
- [ ] Text overlays are 3-7 words each (readable at a glance)
- [ ] One clear topic per video
- [ ] CTA is specific and appears on screen
- [ ] Script reads naturally when spoken aloud
- [ ] At least one retention trigger mid-video
- [ ] Audio/sound suggestion included
- [ ] Hashtags are relevant (5-8)
- [ ] Caption complements but does not repeat the video content
Provide brief notes on adapting the script for each platform:
### HOOK (0-3 sec)
**On screen:** Close-up, direct eye contact
**Text overlay:** "Getting paid late? Try this"
**Spoken:** "If clients always pay you late, you're making one of these three mistakes."
### SETUP (3-8 sec)
**Spoken:** "I used to chase payments for weeks. Then I changed three things on my invoices and now I get paid within 5 days."
**Text overlay:** "Went from 30+ days to under 5"
### BODY (8-25 sec)
**Spoken:** "Number one — add a due date in bold at the top, not buried in fine print. Number two — include a late fee line even if you never charge it. Number three — send the invoice the second the work is done, not at end of month."
**Text overlays:** "1. Bold due date" / "2. Late fee line" / "3. Send immediately"
### PAYOFF (25-28 sec)
**Spoken:** "That's it. Three changes, paid in five days."
**Text overlay:** "Paid in 5 days"
### CTA (28-30 sec)
**Spoken:** "Follow for more freelance money tips."
**Text overlay:** "Follow for more"