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:

text

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 TypeExampleShocking 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:

text

[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#

PlatformKey OptimizationTikTokWatch time % > 70%, loop-able endingDouyinCompletion rate, comments mentioning key topicReelsShares & saves matter more than likesYouTube ShortsFirst 3s thumbnail-matching, subscribe CTAWeChat ChannelsEmotional 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:

text

## [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)