Tips For a Good YouTube Video Script

Whatever the purpose of your YouTube video you will have a certain standard that you’d like to maintain. You may not wish to produce the next Francis Ford Coppola hit, but the quality of your production will affect the amounts and types of people who eventually see it. From an e-Marketing perspective this is essential.

Now before you even unpack the camera and haul out the green-screen you need a script. It is the map you will use for camera angles, filming and eventually editing:

1. Define your audience

Before you get started, identify who your target market is. The more focused your video is the more likely it is to be successful. 

2. Research & Development

Watch at least 10 YouTube clips that have the same or similar elements you’re aiming for. Take note of their length, the tone and style of the clips and the way they’ve been edited. Pay attention to things like music, voiceovers and subtitles (if applicable). Now you should be able to construct a good image in your mind of the way you would like your video to go.

3. Simplify your Key Message

Keep the number of key messages per video to a maximum of 3. If you have more than that to communicate then spread them out of several videos. This ensures your message is communicated correctly and efficiently.

4. Visualise it 

Imagine that your video has already been made. Imagine that you are in a movie theatre watching your film on the big screen. Take note of the things that really move you about the sequence you have in mind. 

5. Keep It Short

When launching into your production remember that events and conversations translate very differently while being watched than they do while being written down. If something takes you 10 minutes to write, it doesn’t take 10 minutes to watch. Keep it short. Decide on a simple series of events or list of concepts you want to bring across. The longer your script is, the more complicated the filming process is going to get. The general rule of thumb for scripted dialogue is about 100 words in the script to one minute on film.

6. Storyboard

You don’t need beautifully illustrated pictures to create a storyboard. Stick men with some notes in the margin will do nicely. The main purpose of a storyboard is to illustrate the angles of your shots or the placement of things in your frame etc… It is very important that this accompany your script, as it will make the filming process a lot easier.

Most of the work should be done on paper and in your mind long before the cap comes off your camera lens. Know what you want, research similar footage and enjoy the planning process.

Sound Idea Digital is a full service Video Production Company that  specialise in health & safety videos, training videos, marketing videos, corporate videos, web videos, animation and motion graphics. We also produce industrial, mining, induction, and company launch videos. | www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za | info@soundidea.co.za