How to Script YouTube Shorts That Get Views (Templates Inside)

Every successful Shorts script follows this structure:

1. Hook (0-3 seconds) — 20% of script impact, 80% of success
- Must stop the scroll immediately
- Creates curiosity, shock, or intrigue
- Ideally starts mid-thought (no "Hey guys")

2. Context (3-8 seconds) — Sets up the value
- Quickly establishes what the viewer will learn/see
- Creates stakes ("This could save you ₹50,000")
- Maintains the hook's momentum

3. Value/Content (8-25 seconds) — The meat
- Delivers on the hook's promise
- Uses clear, concise language
- One idea per Short (never try to cover multiple topics)

4. Payoff/CTA (last 3-5 seconds) — The close
- Satisfying conclusion OR cliffhanger for part 2
- CTA: "Follow for more" / "Comment your answer" / "Save this"

Word count guidelines:
- 15-second Short: 40-50 words
- 30-second Short: 80-100 words
- 60-second Short: 150-180 words

Reading speed: Aim for 150-170 words per minute. Faster sounds rushed; slower loses attention.

Template 1: The Quick Tip
"Here's a [topic] tip that [benefit]. [Explain the tip in 2-3 sentences]. Try this today and [expected result]. Follow for more [niche] tips."

Template 2: The Myth Buster
"Everyone thinks [common belief]. But actually, [surprising truth]. Here's why: [explanation in 2-3 sentences]. This is why [conclusion]. Comment if you knew this."

Template 3: The Listicle
"[Number] [things] you need to know about [topic]. Number [1]: [point]. Number [2]: [point]. Number [3]: [point]. Which one surprised you most? Comment below."

Template 4: The Story Hook
"I [did/discovered/learned] something about [topic] that changed everything. [Brief story in 3-4 sentences]. The lesson? [Key takeaway]. Save this for later."

Template 5: The Comparison
"[Option A] vs [Option B] — which is better? [Option A advantage]. But [Option B advantage]. The winner? [Your verdict with reasoning]. Do you agree? Comment below."

Each template can be adapted to any niche. Use FluxNote to generate scripts from these templates automatically — enter the template structure with your topic, and AI fills in the specific content.

The hook determines 80% of your Short's success. Here are proven formulas:

Curiosity hooks:
- "The one thing about [topic] nobody tells you..."
- "I found out why [common problem] happens..."
- "This [tool/method] is a game changer..."

Challenge hooks:
- "Everyone thinks [belief] but they're wrong."
- "Stop doing [common action] immediately."
- "[Authority figure] was wrong about [topic]."

Number hooks:
- "₹500 → ₹50,000. Here's how."
- "3 seconds is all it takes to [benefit]."
- "90% of people don't know this about [topic]."

Question hooks:
- "Can you actually [achieve goal] in [timeframe]?"
- "What would you do with ₹1,00,000?"
- "Is [popular thing] actually worth it?"

Visual hooks:
- Start with the end result (then show how)
- Show something unexpected in the first frame
- Use a before/after split screen

Testing hooks:
Create the same content with 3 different hooks. Post all three over different days. The one with the highest retention in the first 3 seconds wins. Use that hook formula for future Shorts.

AI tools have transformed Shorts scripting:

FluxNote's AI scripting workflow:
1. Enter your topic (e.g., "3 tax saving tips for salaried employees")
2. AI generates a complete script with hook, content, and CTA
3. AI also generates voiceover, selects visuals, and adds subtitles
4. Review and customize the script before generating the final video
5. Total time: 2-3 minutes per complete Short

Tips for better AI scripts:
- Be specific with your topic ("mutual fund SIP benefits" not just "investing")
- Specify the tone ("conversational and friendly" or "authoritative and data-driven")
- Include specific data points you want mentioned
- Always review AI scripts for accuracy before publishing

Hybrid approach (recommended):
1. Use AI to generate the initial script draft
2. Add your personal opinions, experiences, and unique insights
3. Refine the hook based on your knowledge of what works
4. This gives you speed (AI) + authenticity (your voice)

Script bank strategy:
Create a spreadsheet of 100+ script ideas in your niche. Each row has:
- Topic
- Hook (using one of the formulas above)
- Key points (2-3 bullet points)
- CTA

When it's creation time, pick from your bank instead of starting from scratch. Use FluxNote to generate the full video from each script idea.