---
platform: youtube
format: video-script
constraints:
  max_chars: null
  image_ratio: "16:9"
  max_hashtags: null
---

# Best Practices: YouTube — Video Script

## Format Rules

- Aspect ratio: 16:9 (1920x1080px minimum; 4K preferred for future-proofing)
- Thumbnail: 1280x720px, high contrast, legible text under 6 words, faces with visible emotion perform best
- Title: 60–70 characters for full visibility in search results
- Description: first 150 characters shown in search; include primary keyword in first line
- Chapters (timestamps) in description significantly improve watch time and SEO
- Cards and end screens should be added in editor (script the verbal CTA at minute 1 and at the end)

## Structure

```
[0:00–0:30 — HOOK]
- Open with the payoff: show the result, state the controversial claim, or pose the problem
- Do NOT start with "Hey guys, welcome back..."
- Say: "By the end of this video, you will [specific outcome]"

[0:30–2:00 — SETUP]
- Why this topic matters now
- Briefly establish your credibility on this topic (1–2 sentences)
- Verbal chapter preview: "First we'll cover X, then Y, then I'll show you exactly how to Z"

[2:00–END-2:00 — MAIN CONTENT]
- Divide into 3–5 chapters
- Each chapter: one clear idea, one example, one actionable takeaway
- Include B-roll cues in brackets: [show screen recording], [cut to example]
- At 1/3 and 2/3 mark: soft re-hook ("If you're still with me, here's the part most people miss...")

[END-2:00–END — CTA + OUTRO]
- Verbal subscribe ask: "If this helped, subscribe — I post [frequency] on [topic]"
- Next video teaser: "In the next video, I'm going to show you..."
- End screen: 20 seconds of outro with video recommendation card visible
```

## Guidelines

- **Retention is the primary metric.** YouTube ranks videos based on watch time percentage and absolute watch hours.
- Write scripts at a slightly higher pace than you speak naturally — you'll slow down in delivery.
- Hook must deliver on the thumbnail and title promise within 30 seconds or risk high early drop-off.
- Use pattern interrupts every 90–120 seconds: cut to a different camera angle, show a graphic, change tone.
- Write conversationally — use contractions, second-person ("you"), and short sentences.
- Include a soft CTA at the 1-minute mark: "Subscribe so you don't miss the next part."
- Research the top 5 ranked videos for your target keyword and structure your video to be more comprehensive.
- Add manual closed captions or accurate auto-captions — they improve search indexing and accessibility.

## Examples

**Hook script:**
```
[Open on result screen or dramatic visual]

"Most people waste months trying to figure this out on their own. I'm going to save you all of that time in the next 12 minutes."

[Cut to camera]

"Welcome. In this video, you'll learn exactly how to [specific outcome], step by step, even if you're starting from zero."
```

**Chapter transition:**
```
"Okay, so now you know [chapter 1 takeaway]. But here's where it gets really interesting — and this is the part most tutorials skip entirely..."
```

**End screen CTA:**
```
"If you got value from this, the subscribe button is right there — it doesn't cost anything and it helps the channel grow.

And if you want to go deeper on [related topic], that video is right here. I'll see you in the next one."
```
