How to Write and Proofread Your Explainer Video Script
Great explainer videos start with great scripts. Learn how to create and polish it to perfection!
A strong story is the heart of an explainer video, and scriptwriting is the first step in bringing that story to life.
If you think writing your own script sounds simple, try starting with a blank page.
Condensing your message into a short, engaging, and emotionally impactful 60-second video can be seriously challenging.
To help you get started, we’ve put together some key do’s and don’ts for writing an effective explainer video script.
Start with a clear structure
Before writing a single word, outline your script. A well-structured script follows a logical flow, such as hook, solution, and call-to-action.
This structure makes your message clear and focused from the start. The biggest challenge is creating a hook that can grab eyeballs instantly.
We’ve discussed creating winning hooks for your explainers.
As for presenting a solution, you should put the spotlight on your product by explaining how it solves the problem and benefits customers.
Then, encourage viewers to take action, like visiting a website, signing up, or buying products.
Keep your script short and sweet
Explainer videos are short — usually 60–90 seconds — so your script needs to be tight.
You can aim for 150–180 words per minute and minimize fluff and redundant words.
Most importantly, stick to one core idea instead of cramming in too much information.
A concise script keeps viewers engaged and prevents information overload.
Write conversationally
A message is best delivered through a conversational tone, just like how you speak to your audience.
Unless your video is meant for a strictly formal audience, keep your tone professional.
But if you want to humanize your brand, your script should feel like a natural conversation, not a formal presentation.
How should you write conversationally? Here are some quick tips.
- Address their pain points.
- Use “you” more than “we.” Make it about them, not your company.
- Use short sentences and avoid complex phrasing.
- Write how you speak — if it sounds stiff or robotic, rewrite it.
- Ask rhetorical questions to engage the audience.
Read your script aloud
Once your draft is ready, you might feel proud of your writing, but don’t stop there.
Reading it aloud is a crucial step to ensure it sounds natural and flows smoothly.
What looks good on paper may not always work when spoken.
When reading your script out loud, you can spot awkward phrasing and revise it.
You can also check the rhythm and pacing.
Does it fit within the intended duration?
Does it sound rushed or too slow?
For an even better test, have someone else read it.
If they struggle with certain parts, those sections likely need tweaking.
Refine with feedback
Even the best writers need fresh eyes on their work.
You should get feedback from a colleague or team member for clarity and from someone familiar with the topic to see if it makes sense.
If possible, you can also seek feedback from a voice actor to make sure it sounds natural when being read.
Revise based on feedback, and don’t rush the process. A well-polished script makes all the difference in an explainer video.
Now, you have the key principles for crafting a strong explainer video script.
But just as important as knowing what to do is understanding what not to do.
Many scripts lose impact because of common mistakes that can easily be avoided.
So, before finalizing your script, watch out for these pitfalls:
❌ Don’t overly use jargon and complex terms, as they can confuse audiences.
❌ Don’t overload your script with details. Stick to one key idea and communicate it clearly.
❌ Don’t be too formal. Explainer videos should feel approachable, not robotic.
❌ Don’t rush the revision process. Editing is just as important as writing, so take time to refine and improve.
We must admit that writing a compelling explainer video script takes time and experience.
The more you practice, refine, and seek feedback, the better your scripts will become.
But if the process feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.
Our professional writers, with years of experience, can help you deliver complex ideas with compelling, bite-sized stories.
At Breadnbeyond, we can transform your ideas into clear, compelling scripts aligned with your goals.
Check out our portfolio for some inspiration on our YouTube channel.
