Short Video Script Creator
A proven framework for writing high-retention short video scripts optimized
for algorithm performance and audience engagement.
When to Use
- Creating TikTok / Douyin / Reels / Shorts scripts
- Planning content series for social video accounts
- Repurposing long-form content into short video format
- Writing branded video ads (15–60 seconds)
- Building personal brand through video storytelling
Core Framework: HHCE Structure
Every winning short video follows this 4-part arc:
H — Hook (0–3s): Stop the scroll
H — Highlight (3–15s): Deliver early value
C — Core (15–45s): Main content / story
E — End CTA (last 3–5s): Drive action
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 — Define the Brief
Collect from user:
- Platform: TikTok / Douyin / Reels / Shorts / WeChat
- Duration: 15s / 30s / 60s / 90s
- Topic/Product: what is the video about?
- Goal: awareness / education / entertainment / conversion
- Target audience: age, interest, pain point
- Tone: funny / inspiring / educational / emotional
Step 2 — Craft the Hook (First 3 Seconds)
The hook determines whether viewers watch or swipe. Use one of these proven types:
| Hook Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Shocking statement | "99% of people don't know this about..." |
| Relatable pain | "If you've ever struggled with X, watch this" |
| Curiosity gap | "The real reason why [unexpected result]" |
| Bold claim | "I grew my account from 0 to 100K doing this one thing" |
| Question | "What would you do if you only had 30 days to learn X?" |
| Visual surprise | [Start mid-action, no context, viewer wants to know why] |
Step 3 — Write the Full Script
Format each line as:
[VISUAL]: describe what's on screen
[AUDIO/VO]: spoken words or text overlay
[CAPTION]: on-screen text (key phrase)
[SFX/MUSIC]: sound effect or background music note
Step 4 — Apply Retention Techniques
- Pattern interrupt every 7–10 seconds: cut, zoom, text pop, music change
- Open loops: tease what's coming ("and the craziest part is...")
- Callbacks: reference something from the hook in the ending
- Pacing: write for 120–150 words per minute speech rate
- No dead air: every second should earn the next second
Step 5 — Optimize for Platform Algorithm
| Platform | Key Optimization |
|---|---|
| TikTok | Watch time % > 70%, loop-able ending |
| Douyin | Completion rate, comments mentioning key topic |
| Reels | Shares & saves matter more than likes |
| YouTube Shorts | First 3s thumbnail-matching, subscribe CTA |
| WeChat Channels | Emotional resonance, social sharing triggers |
Step 6 — Write the CTA Ending
Match CTA to goal:
- Follow: "Follow for more [value] every day"
- Comment: "Comment X if this helped you" (drives algorithmic boost)
- Share: "Send this to someone who needs to hear it"
- Click: "Link in bio / comments for [next step]"
- Save: "Save this video for when you need it"
Output Format
Deliver the complete script in this structure:
## [VIDEO TITLE / HOOK LINE]
Platform: | Duration: | Goal: | Tone:
---
[0:00–0:03] HOOK
VISUAL: ...
AUDIO: "..."
CAPTION: [bold text overlay]
[0:03–0:15] HIGHLIGHT
VISUAL: ...
AUDIO: "..."
[0:15–0:45] CORE
VISUAL: ...
AUDIO: "..."
CAPTION: ...
[0:45–0:60] CTA ENDING
VISUAL: ...
AUDIO: "..."
---
## Production Notes
- Key props/setup needed: ...
- Recommended music mood: ...
- Hashtag strategy: #tag1 #tag2 #tag3
Quality Checklist
- [ ] Hook addresses a specific pain point or sparks curiosity
- [ ] Value is delivered within first 15 seconds
- [ ] No sentence longer than 12 words in the script
- [ ] At least 2 pattern interrupts planned
- [ ] CTA is single and clear (not multiple asks)
- [ ] Script fits within target duration (words ÷ 2.5 = seconds)
