Script Length Calculator
Set the length of your video and your speaking pace to get a word count to write to. Paste your draft to see how far over or under it is.
Write to the right length
Set the length
Type the target, like 0:30, 1:00 or 10:00.
Set your pace
150 words per minute is average narration; fast short-form delivery is closer to 170.
Paste your draft
See your draft's word count, how long it runs, and how many words to cut or add.
Why writing to a word count works
Short-form platforms reward videos people watch to the end, and a script that runs 20 seconds over the length you planned usually means a slow middle. Writing to a word count keeps the cut tight before you record anything.
At 150 words per minute, a 30-second video fits about 75 words, a 60-second video about 150, and a 90-second Reel about 225. The first sentence matters most: keep the hook under 20 words so it lands in the first few seconds.
These numbers are for continuous speech. If your video has B-roll without narration, a demo or a pause for text on screen, subtract that time from the target first.
Word counts at 150 wpm
TikTok / Reels / Shorts
- Video length
- 30 seconds
- Words
- about 75
Standard Short
- Video length
- 60 seconds
- Words
- about 150
Long Reel
- Video length
- 90 seconds
- Words
- about 225
YouTube video
- Video length
- 10 minutes
- Words
- about 1,500
| Video length | Words | |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok / Reels / Shorts | 30 seconds | about 75 |
| Standard Short | 60 seconds | about 150 |
| Long Reel | 90 seconds | about 225 |
| YouTube video | 10 minutes | about 1,500 |
Frequently
Asked Questions
How many words is a 60-second video script?
About 150 words at an average 150 wpm. If you talk fast, you can fit 170 to 180.
How many words for a 30-second ad?
About 75 words, or 65 to 70 if you want room for a clear call to action at the end.
What pace should I pick?
Read a paragraph of your script out loud and time it, then use the words per minute calculator. Use that number here.
Is my draft stored anywhere?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser.