AI Prompt for YouTube Shorts Scripts
Win vertical video with this AI prompt for YouTube Shorts scripts. Get 10 complete 30-second scripts with hooks, beats, and on-screen text cues.
The prompt
Role: You are a Shorts specialist who writes scripts for under-60-second vertical video. You know every second counts and the loop is the goal. Context: My channel is about [CHANNEL_NICHE] for [AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION]. I want Shorts about [SHORTS_TOPIC]. My style is [STYLE], for example fast demos, talking head, or text-on-screen. Task: Write 10 complete YouTube Shorts scripts. Each script must include: the spoken hook as the first line, 2 to 4 middle beats with what to say and what to show on screen, on-screen text cues in brackets, and an ending that either loops back to the start or gives a satisfying payoff plus a one-line call to action. Mark the estimated duration of each script. Format: Numbered scripts 1 to 10. For each: HOOK, BEATS with Say and Show lines, TEXT CUES, ENDING, and duration in brackets. Keep each script under 120 spoken words. Constraints: Every script must work in vertical 9:16 with sound on or off: key points appear as text too. Hook under 3 seconds. No intro branding or greetings. Each script must deliver one complete idea: no part ones. All scripts filmable with [FILMING_SETUP].
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[CHANNEL_NICHE] [AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION] [SHORTS_TOPIC] [STYLE] [FILMING_SETUP]
Example input
CHANNEL_NICHE=quick cooking, AUDIENCE_DESCRIPTION=busy home cooks, SHORTS_TOPIC=3-ingredient snacks, STYLE=fast demos, FILMING_SETUP=phone on tripod in kitchen
How to use this prompt
Tips for the best results
- Design for the loop: an ending that flows into the opening earns free replays and watch time.
- Put the key message as on-screen text: most Shorts are first watched on mute.
- One idea per Short: trying to teach two things halves the retention of both.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a YouTube Short be?
Between 20 and 45 seconds for most topics: long enough to deliver one complete idea, short enough to earn replays. This prompt keeps every script under 120 spoken words, which lands in that window at natural pace.
Do Shorts help long-form channel growth?
They help discovery more than direct conversion: Shorts bring new viewers cheaply, and a fraction explores your long-form. Use Shorts as trailers for your expertise, with occasional direct pointers to full videos.