How many words should an explainer video script be?

An explainer video script should be 150 words per minute of video. A 60-second video needs ~150 words, a 90-second video needs ~225 words. This pace allows for clear, comfortable narration without rushing. Scripts that exceed 160 words per minute feel rushed; scripts under 130 words per minute feel slow and padded.

What is the best structure for an explainer video script?

The most effective structure is the PAS framework: Problem (name the viewer's pain point in the first sentence), Agitate (amplify the cost of not solving it), Solution (introduce your product and how it works, add proof, end with one CTA). This structure works because it meets the viewer where they are emotionally before asking them to take action.

How do I write an explainer video script for a technical product?

For technical products, simplify by focusing on outcomes rather than mechanisms. Instead of explaining how your AI processes data, explain what the user achieves ('It analyzes your entire pipeline in 30 seconds and flags the deal most likely to close'). Use analogies, not technical terms. Write at a 7th-grade reading level. If your CTO understands it but your target buyer does not, the script needs revision.

Can I write my own explainer video script?

Yes. Use the PAS framework (Problem, Agitate, Solution) and aim for 150 words per minute. The most common DIY mistake is starting with the company name or product features instead of the viewer's pain point. Start with their problem, amplify it, then reveal your solution. Use our free AI Script Generator at /tools/ai-script-generator for a starting draft based on your inputs.

How to Write a Perfect Explainer Video Script

A great explainer video script is the difference between a video that converts and one that gets skipped. The animation, voiceover, and sound design can all be world-class, but if the script is wrong, the video fails. Here is the exact framework we use after producing 10,000+ explainer videos.

The Golden Rule: 150 Words Per Minute

Before writing a single word, know your target length:

Video Length	Word Count
30 seconds	75 words
60 seconds	150 words
90 seconds	225 words
2 minutes	300 words
3 minutes	450 words

Every word in your script must earn its place. Cut ruthlessly. The script for a 60-second video has exactly 150 words to do everything — hook, problem, solution, proof, CTA.

The PAS Framework: Problem, Agitate, Solution

The most reliably effective structure for explainer video scripts is PAS:

P — Problem (15% of script): Name the viewer's pain point immediately. Do not start with your company name. Start with their frustration.

*Example: "You are losing 40% of your website visitors before they understand what you do."*

A — Agitate (20% of script): Amplify the cost of the problem. What does it mean not to solve this? Make the pain real and specific.

*Example: "That means thousands of dollars in ad spend going to waste, and potential customers choosing your competitor instead."*

S — Solution (65% of script): Introduce your product, show how it works, and deliver the proof and CTA.

The 6-Part Script Structure

For a 60–90 second video:

1. The Hook (7–10 words, first 5 seconds) The hook must stop the viewer from scrolling. It names the problem directly.

•Weak: "Introducing [Company Name], the new platform for..."
•Strong: "Still losing customers before they understand your product?"

2. The Problem Amplification (2–3 sentences, seconds 5–20) Expand on the problem. Make it visceral. Use "you" language.

3. The Solution Reveal (1–2 sentences, seconds 20–30) Introduce your product as the answer. Name it once. Keep it simple.

4. How It Works (3–5 steps, seconds 30–60) Show the solution in action. Use numbered steps or a simple process. Avoid technical jargon.

5. The Proof (1 sentence, seconds 60–70) One stat, one customer result, or one trust signal. No more.

6. The CTA (1 sentence, seconds 70–90) One action. Repeat it visually and verbally. Make it specific.

Script Template

Here is a fill-in-the-blank template for a 90-second explainer video:

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[Hook] [Name the viewer's problem in one sharp sentence.]

[Agitate] Without solving this, [specific negative consequence]. [Second specific consequence that adds urgency.]

[Solution] That is why we built [Product Name] — [one-sentence value proposition].

•Step 1: [First action — make it sound easy]
•Step 2: [Second action — make it sound powerful]
•Step 3: [Third action — make it sound satisfying]

[Proof] [X number of] businesses already use [Product Name] to [specific measurable result].

[CTA] [Specific action] — [URL/offer]. [Repeat the action with a benefit.]

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5 Script Mistakes That Kill Conversions

1. Starting with your company name Viewers do not care who you are yet. They care about their problem. Lead with pain.

2. Listing features instead of outcomes "We have 47 integrations" → weak. "Connect your entire tech stack in 10 minutes" → strong. Features describe what you have. Outcomes describe what the viewer gets.

3. Using jargon Write at a 7th-grade reading level. If a smart 13-year-old would not understand a word, replace it.

4. Weak CTAs "Learn more" is not a CTA — it is a shrug. Be specific: "Start your free 14-day trial." "Book a 30-minute demo." "Get your custom quote."

5. Too long If it takes more than 90 seconds to explain your product, the problem is not the script — it is the messaging. Simplify the core value proposition before writing the script.

Use Our Free AI Script Generator

Not sure where to start? Our [free AI Script Generator](/tools/ai-script-generator) creates a professional explainer video script in under 60 seconds. Enter your product name, target audience, and key benefit — the AI generates a full script following this exact PAS framework, which our human writers then refine.

[Try the Free Script Generator →](/tools/ai-script-generator)