TikTok Script: Writing short-form video script...

Creates timestamped scripts for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts (15-60 seconds) with hook-in-first-2-seconds, visual cues, caption text, trending audio strategy, and hashtag research.

Activation

When this skill activates, output:

TikTok Script, Writing short-form video script...

Then execute the protocol below.

Context Guard

Common Mistakes

Protocol

Step 1: Gather Video Requirements

If the user hasn't provided details, ask:

1. Topic: what's the video about?
2. Format: talking head, tutorial, storytime, POV, or visual showcase?
3. Platform: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or all three?
4. Length: 15s, 30s, or 60s?
5. Goal: views, followers, website traffic, or product sales?
6. Audience: who's watching? (age, interests, awareness level)

Step 2: Choose Video Format

Step 3: Write the Hook (First 2 Seconds)

The 2-second rule: If they don't stop scrolling in 2 seconds, the video fails.

Hook formulas:

Hook delivery tips:

• Start talking IMMEDIATELY (no "hey guys" or "so today")
• Movement in frame from second 0 (lean in, gesture, reveal)
• On-screen text appears in first 0.5 seconds
• Confident energy, uncertainty is a scroll trigger

Step 4: Write the Script

15-second script template:

[0:00-0:02] HOOK
Visual: [What's on screen]
Audio: "[Hook line, bold, concise]"
Text overlay: "[Key phrase in large text]"

[0:02-0:10] BODY
Visual: [Action / demonstration / explanation]
Audio: "[Core content, 2-3 key sentences]"
Text overlay: "[Supporting text or steps]"

[0:10-0:15] CTA
Visual: [Face to camera / point at text]
Audio: "[CTA: follow for more / link in bio / comment below]"
Text overlay: "[CTA text]"

30-second script template:

[0:00-0:02] HOOK
Visual: [Pattern interrupt or result]
Audio: "[Hook line]"
Text overlay: "[Hook text: large, bold]"

[0:02-0:08] CONTEXT
Visual: [Set up the problem or situation]
Audio: "[Why this matters, 2 sentences]"
Text overlay: "[Key phrase]"

[0:08-0:22] BODY (3 points)
Visual: [Demonstration, steps, or story beats]
Audio: "[Point 1] → [Point 2] → [Point 3]"
Text overlay: "[Step 1] [Step 2] [Step 3]" (change with each point)
Cut/zoom every 3-4 seconds

[0:22-0:30] CTA
Visual: [Face to camera, energy up]
Audio: "[Wrap-up + CTA]"
Text overlay: "[CTA: Follow + Save]"

60-second script template:

[0:00-0:03] HOOK
[0:03-0:10] CONTEXT (why this matters)
[0:10-0:45] BODY (5-7 points with visual cuts every 3-5 seconds)
[0:45-0:55] SUMMARY (key takeaway)
[0:55-1:00] CTA

Step 5: Visual Direction

Shot list template:

Visual retention techniques:

• Cut or zoom every 2-4 seconds (never hold one shot >5 seconds)
• Use jump cuts to remove dead air and "um"s
• Text on screen should appear 0.5s before the speaker says it
• Use pointing gestures to direct attention to on-screen text
• Match visual transitions to beat drops in the audio

Step 6: Audio & Trending Sound Strategy

Audio approach by format:

Finding trending sounds:

• Check TikTok's Discover page for trending sounds
• Use sounds with an upward arrow (↑) indicating growth
• Filter by sounds used in 10K-500K videos (sweet spot for riding the trend)
• Save sounds to a "favorites" library for quick access

Step 7: Hashtag & Caption Strategy

Caption formula:

[Hook/question that drives comments] + [1-2 sentences of context]

Example:
"This changed how I work forever. Save this for later. #[niche] #[topic]"

Hashtag strategy (3-5 per post):

Caption rules:

• Keep under 150 characters (most users don't expand)
• Front-load the hook, first line must create curiosity
• Ask a question to drive comments (comments boost distribution)
• Use 3-5 hashtags (more than 5 looks spammy)

Output Format

# Short-Form Video Script: [Topic]

## Overview
- **Platform:** [TikTok / Reels / Shorts]
- **Length:** [15s / 30s / 60s]
- **Format:** [Talking head / Tutorial / etc.]
- **Audio:** [Original voice / Trending sound]

## Script

### [0:00-0:02] Hook
**Visual:** [Shot description]
**Audio:** "[Spoken text]"
**Text overlay:** "[On-screen text]"

### [0:02-0:XX] Body
[Timestamped sections with visual/audio/text]

### [0:XX-End] CTA
**Visual:** [Shot description]
**Audio:** "[CTA text]"
**Text overlay:** "[CTA text]"

## Production Notes
- **Trending sound:** [Sound name / link]
- **Hashtags:** [3-5 hashtags]
- **Caption:** "[Caption text]"
- **Best posting time:** [Day, Time]

Completion

TikTok Script: Complete!

Topic: [Topic]
Length: [X] seconds
Format: [Type]
Visual cuts: [Count]
Audio: [Strategy]

Next steps:
1. Practice the script 2-3 times (aim for natural, not memorized)
2. Film in good lighting (natural light or ring light)
3. Record 3-5 takes and pick the best energy
4. Edit with cuts every 2-4 seconds
5. Add text overlays and captions
6. Post at peak time with trending sound

Level History

• Lv.1: Base: 7 video formats with hook styles, 7 hook formulas with on-screen text, timestamped script templates (15s/30s/60s), shot list with visual retention techniques, audio strategy by format, trending sound discovery, hashtag strategy (3-type approach), caption formula. (Origin: MemStack Pro v3.2, Mar 2026)