How to Write Short Video Scripts That Hold Viewers

From TikTok to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, millions of short videos are made every day, but only a few really grab attention and go viral. Some videos have beautiful visuals and catchy audio but are not engaging enough to keep viewers watching. The secret lies in how you build the content, arrange the dialogue and guide the viewer's emotions, or simply put, in the "script". In this article, MONA Media has put together short video script templates help you not only get engaging content but also create viral videos that deliver your message effectively.

Types of short video script templates

Short videos are becoming more and more popular and are used in many different fields. With short, easy-to-digest content, this format has become a tool for businesses to show core message effectively. So how many types of short video script templates are there? Below are types of short video script templates by different purposes.

By format

Based on how the content is delivered, short video script templates can be divided into 2 types:

• Scripts with dialogue: Short videos with dialogue are content where characters use speech to deliver a story or message, making it easy for viewers to follow. Most videos use this kind of script, except where no dialogue is needed. When writing, pay attention to phrasing and word choice so it fits the target audience and feels natural and engaging.
• Short videos without dialogue: Videos without dialogue deliver their message through images, music and sound effects instead of speech. This kind of script requires creators to make good use of visual and audio elements to tell the story. Scripts without dialogue are common in emotional ads, short documentaries and entertainment content focused on visual experience.

By field or industry

Short video script templates can also be grouped by field or industry as follows:

• Educational videos: Teaching videos are made to help viewers absorb knowledge easily and visually. Educational videos usually appear in online courses, skill tutorials or lectures on digital platforms. A short video script template for educational content needs to present information clearly, systematically and in an easy-to-understand way.
• Advertising and commercial videos: This is a common type of video in business, helping brands grab attention and persuade potential customers. Video ad production usually focus on a product, a service or a brand marketing campaign to create a strong communication effect. When writing a short video script for ads, focus on creativity, delivering the message quickly and stirring emotion in viewers.
• Documentary and knowledge-sharing videos: Scripts for this type of video usually provide in-depth information on a specific topic, such as real stories, scientific research or expert interviews. A short video script template in documentary style needs thorough research and objective content to give viewers valuable information.
• Entertainment videos: The main purpose of writing a script for this kind of short video is to relax and entertain viewers with funny content, short skits or social media trends. This is a very common format on platforms like TikTok. A short video script template for entertainment needs an element of surprise and must hook viewers from the first seconds to keep them watching.

What does a short video script include?

Writing a short video script is similar to creating a script for regular videos, with steps such as outlining ideas and arranging the order of visuals, shots, sound, dialogue and so on.

Even for a short video, you still need a detailed script to shape the content and keep it coherent and engaging for viewers. A professional an impressive short video script template usually includes the following parts:

• Video title: Keep it short, engaging and an accurate reflection of the video's content. A good title boosts the click-through rate.
• Purpose: Before you start writing, clearly define what message the video should deliver or what specific action you want viewers to take.
• The opening part: Make an impression in the first seconds by asking a question, stating a problem or sparking curiosity.
• The body: Present the main content, combining dialogue, illustrative visuals or effects to keep viewers watching.
• Ending: Recap the message and lead into the call to action.
• Visuals and sound: Two key elements that make a video more visual and lively. A fitting background track can change how viewers feel even if the content stays the same.
• Call to action (CTA): This is the part that guides viewers to take a specific action such as liking, sharing, commenting or visiting a website for more information.

Mastering how to write short video scripts with a clear content structure will help you create engaging videos that deliver your message more effectively.

Before writing a script, take a look at how MONA creates emotional short videos. From how the content is built to how the story is told, it helps viewers understand the brand better and make decisions more easily.

A roundup of short video script templates that impress viewers

Whether you make entertainment content, promote products or share knowledge, any short video needs a tight, persuasive script to deliver its message more compellingly. If you are looking for ideas to get started, check out the short video script templates below that are easy to apply to your own content.

TikTok short video script template

TikTok short video script templates usually focus on creativity, trending speed and going viral to make the most of the platform's power. Below is an easy-to-make TikTok video script template for this fast-growing platform that you can use as a reference.

An engaging TikTok short video script template

→ See also: TikTok video production service

Marketing video script template

Video Marketing helps businesses reach potential customers through creative content. The script usually follows a storytelling approach, using emotion or solving the customer's problem. Here is a marketing video script template you can use.

Script template for a marketing video

Product introduction video script template

If you are preparing to launch a new product, producing a short intro video is a smart choice. The video helps customers understand the product's features and uses, while spreading your brand image to more potential customers. Below is a professional product introduction video script template you can consider.

Example of a short product introduction video script template

Script template for a 5-minute video

If the content you need to deliver is longer, such as a 5-minute video, the script must have a clear structure to avoid boring viewers. This is a common script format for TVCs, tutorial videos, product reviews or knowledge-sharing videos. You can use the following short video script template for a 5-minute video.

Example of how to write a 5-minute short video script

Vlog script template

A vlog is a personal type of video where the creator shares stories, views or their journey. Vlog scripts are usually flexible, but still need a clear structure to keep viewers engaged. Below is a detailed vlog script template you can refer to.

Vlog filming script template

However, when building a personal brand, you should not start vlogging if you don't have fans yet. Instead, make "searchable" content that shares knowledge and opinions to be useful first, then think about vlogs later. To understand why, watch the video below!

How to write an engaging short video script

Writing a script for short videos is also considered an art that needs care and creativity. Below are detailed steps to help you write an impressive and effective short video script.

Step 1: Find an idea

Every short video script template starts from a creative idea. To turn that idea into an engaging script, you first need to define the video's goal clearly.

Goals can vary: sharing knowledge, promoting a brand, creating entertainment content or providing useful information. Once you have defined the goal, it is easier to develop the idea in the right direction.

If you can't come up with any specific idea yet, try:

• Researching trends: Look at the content video viral people are interested in on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and more.
• Defining the audience: Who will watch this video? What do they expect?
• Shaping the content: Does the video need a character? If so, who will be the main character?
• Crafting the message: What is the most important thing you want viewers to remember after watching?

Writing down all your ideas and organizing them systematically will help you build your short video script template easily and keep the content focused on your goal.

Step 2: Outline the main content of the video

Once you have an idea, the next step in writing a short video script template is to outline the content roughly. This stage helps you organize the story and ensures the video has a clear structure that is easy to execute.

A content outline usually includes:

• Headline: Short, concise and engaging enough to grab attention.
• Beginning: Introduce the problem or situation to lead viewers into the main content.
• The body: Present the message and core content of the video in a logical, coherent way.
• Closing: Sum up the main message and add a call to action if needed.

This outline is like a map, helping the production team picture the whole video, from shots and dialogue to the effects to be used. It doesn't have to be too detailed, but it should be clear enough that the short video script template can be developed into a complete version.

Step 3: Write the detailed short video script

With your idea and shooting outline ready, it's time to write the short video script in the clearest, most detailed way. Each scene in the script should be described specifically so it stays coherent and easy to carry out when filming and editing.

• Content: Describe each segment of the video in detail, including the order in which events happen.
• Images: Identify the key shots, which visuals will appear and where they will be used.
• Sound: Arrange sound effects and background music so they sync with the visuals.
• Dialogue: If the video has characters speaking, write dialogue that voice off sounds natural and fits each scene.

For short video script templates without dialogue, the combination of visuals and sound plays a very important role. Describing transitions, visual effects and background music in detail will help the video deliver its message more effectively and engagingly.

Step 4: Shoot, edit and do post-production

The shooting and editing step turns the short video script template into real footage. This stage includes choosing locations, arranging camera angles, adjusting lighting and directing actors so every frame stays true to the original script idea. A crew that is need to work closely together, paying attention to every detail such as expressions, movement and frame composition to create a high-quality video.

After shooting is done, the video is processed post-production, including cutting, color correction and adding visual and sound effects. This stage makes the video look professional and deliver its message more clearly and engagingly.

Even though short video trends change every day, one thing never changes: great content always has a place. And to have great content, the script is the core. You don't need to learn overly fancy ways to write short video scripts. As long as it is engaging, on point and touches viewers' emotions, your product can still leave a mark. We hope the short video script templates engaging tips in this article help you roll out your content easily and get the best communication results.

→ You may be interested in:

• How to write a TVC script
• Corporate film script
• Corporate profile photography

If you already have a script or idea but no editing team, send it to make TVCs with AI: AI handles the staging, MONA films the parts that need real footage, and the cost is usually about a third of the old way. If you want to try it yourself first, read AI video generation tools.