What is the ideal script length for a 60-second video?
Scripting a 60-second explainer? Aim for around 150 words — but context is everything. Learn the pacing tricks, timing tips, and script-smart strategies that’ll keep your words working hard (without racing the clock).
Simon van Wyk
1. The Sweet Spots
Let's cut to the chase and get some quick stats out the way...
If you’re reading at a medium pace, we suggest around 150 words for a 60 second script.
If you’re feeling speedy, you might be able to get 200 words in before your 60 seconds are over.
If you’re looking for some general rules, our friends at script-timer.com suggest slow reads average at 1.5 words per second, average reads average at 2.5 words per second, and fast reads average at 3.5 words per second. Hope you've remembered your high-school maths so that you can figure out what word counts apply to you!
2. More Than A Word Count
Having strict video lengths aren’t always useful.
If you’re making an advert where the length needs to match the spot you’ve paid for… then yes, you’re going to want a tight script.
But, if your video is going to be seen in a space where there is no inherent time constraint, then we’d suggest being a little looser with your word count. Your script should be as long as it needs to be to convey your information in the most engaging way possible. As mentioned in a previous blog, this could actually mean your script is shorter than 60 seconds, or even longer. We always suggest scripting towards what the project needs, and then scaling it back if budgets become an issue.
3. Time (and Read) It Yourself
Lastly, our hot tip is to time your scripts yourself. This helps in three ways…
One. If you’re always timing your scripts as you go along, you will know whether a script is still coming in around your desired time, or whether your alterations along the way have started to nudge the script into a different length and price bracket. (We are very used to clients turning in 1 minute scripts that are actually 2 minutes!)
Two. Online script timers are usually using simple algorithms which won’t always accurately reflect the pace you have in mind, and might not be factoring in word length and pauses for emphasis.
Three. Reading your script out loud will reveal its strengths and weaknesses. There’s something about being forced to read your words which helps you figure out whether the flow is working. Something can look good on paper but sound bad when read, so reading your script not only helps with time, but it helps with clarity.
If you’d like help scripting your explainer, Studio Bo is here to help. Contact us for a quote today.
