Whether you create content or just consume it, you probably know that video media is the future. Many professionals will create an explainer video of some sort at some point. It could be a video to demo a product, a how-to guide, or something else to promote your brand.
It may sound easy, but before you jump on camera and start winging it, taking a bit of extra time to write a script can make a big difference in the quality of your video. In today’s post, we share six tips for writing an explainer video script.
1. Write Down Your Goals
Before you start writing a script, think about what your goals are with your video. Jot down some notes on the following:
- What are you hoping this video will achieve, and how will you measure its success?
- Who is your intended audience?
- Which distribution channels will you use to share your video?
- What resources do you need (e.g., props, filming equipment, assistants), and what’s your budget for attaining them?
2. Brainstorm Ideas
An explainer video can take many forms. It could involve a product demonstration, verbal instructions, an explanation of a topic, a comedic skit, interviews, etc.! Now that you’ve gotten your goals figured out, determine which type of video will be the most effective to achieve them, and start brainstorming ideas.
Write down any and every idea you come up with, even the silly ones. If you have a team, consider inviting other members to contribute their ideas. Keep brainstorming until you land on something you feel confident about.
3. Write an Outline
Whether your video is a minute long or an hour, it should be made up of roughly the same basic components:
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- Opening: This is when you’ll introduce the purpose of your video and convince the viewer to keep watching. Think about what the viewer is looking for, and remember that this part needs to be as concise and clear as possible.
- Problem: Communicate the issue that your product can solve. Try to touch on the main root of the problem your viewers might be experiencing. This will make them feel validated and like they’ve come to the right place.
- Solution: This is when you show how your product or solution is the most effective means to fix their problem. Come up with various arguments to support your solution and break it down step-by-step.
- Call-to-action: Now that you’ve convinced the viewer, give them an actionable step they can take to benefit from your product.
4. Write Your Script
With your outline and idea ready to go, you can start drafting a script. A script involves more than just dialogue: it details scenes, shots, actions, timing, background visuals, clothing, sound effects, graphics, etc.
It can be helpful to start with one component at a time, whichever one you have the most solid plan for, and then build on the other details from there. For example, you could write a draft of your dialogue first, and then as you read through it, start jotting down details for how you want the scene to look at each point in the dialogue.
5. Revise, Revise, Revise!
Once you write your script, it’s time to perfect each detail. Practice reading it out loud, and cut out anything unnecessary. Set up each shot and test out the timing of the instructions you noted on your script. Get feedback from others. Repeat this process until you have a script you feel confident about.
Before you start filming, hammer out the final details. Do you have all the equipment you need? Are there any rules the distribution channels have that you need to abide by, such as for music and language? Can you add subtitles to make your video easier to follow?
6. Get It Proofread
Our expert editors know all about scripts, and they’ll check your work for any errors that could lower the quality of your video. Learn more about our script editing services today!