Use this template: problem, cost of the problem, your solution, how it works in three steps, who it is for, and a call to action. It fits a 60 to 90 second explainer.
An explainer script gives the video its backbone. Here is a template you can adapt in ten minutes.
The template
- Opening line. "[Audience] struggle with [problem]."
- The cost. "That means [time, money or stress] lost every [day, week or month]."
- Your solution. "[Product] is [what it is] that helps you [main benefit]."
- How it works. "First you [step 1]. Then [step 2]. Finally [step 3]."
- Who it is for. "Built for [audience] who want [outcome]."
- Call to action. "Try it free at [website]."
A worked example
This is invented to show the shape, not a real product:
- "Support teams lose hours sorting messages by hand."
- "That means slower replies and unhappy customers."
- "InboxFlow is an app that sorts every message for you."
- "Connect your inbox. Set your rules. Let it route each message."
- "Built for support teams who want faster replies."
- "Start free at inboxflow.example."
Voice-over tips
- Keep sentences short. One idea per sentence.
- Use plain words. If your team uses jargon, translate it.
- Leave small gaps for animation. A pause lets a visual land.
Length
About 150 words reads as roughly a minute. Longer scripts need more scenes and more budget, so decide your target length before you write.
From script to video
Once the script is done, the next step is a storyboard: a simple sketch of each scene. Your animator can build it from there. For more on how that works, read my guide on the explainer video production process.
How to fill in each line well
The opening line
Name the audience in their own words. "Developers" is vague. "Developers who ship a web app every week" is specific and creates recognition.
The cost of the problem
Be concrete but honest. If you can't measure the cost, describe the feeling instead: slower launches, missed leads, stressful handoffs. Never invent a number.
The solution line
Use one sentence that starts with what the product is, then what it does for the viewer. Avoid buzzwords such as "revolutionary" or "next-generation."
Three steps
Keep the steps parallel in structure: verb first, short, and visible on screen. "Connect your data. Choose a template. Share the result."
Voice-over delivery notes
- Ask the speaker for a friendly, steady pace.
- Mark where emphasis goes: product name, key benefit, call to action.
- Record a short scratch version yourself. Hearing it out loud shows where the script is too long.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing for the reader's eye and not the ear
- Explaining how the technology works when viewers only need to know what it does for them
- A call to action that asks for too much, such as "book a demo" before anyone knows what the product is
Frequently asked questions
How many words should the script be?
Around 130 to 150 spoken words for one minute, plus room for pauses. A 90-second video is roughly 200 words.
Can I use the same script for different lengths?
Yes. Write the long version first, then cut it to a 30-second version by keeping the hook, the solution line and the call to action.
Who should write the script?
Someone who understands the audience. Many founders write a first draft and ask the editor or a copywriter to tighten it.
Do you write scripts?
Script help depends on the project. Tell me what you have in the project form and I'll say what is possible.
Bhavesh Vaghela
Freelance video editor and motion designer in Rajkot, India. I make short-form videos, motion graphics, SaaS explainers, logo animations and AI video for clients worldwide.
