YouTube Script Templates: 8 AI Prompts to Write Video Scripts That Hook Viewers Fast
Get film-ready scripts in under 60 minutes using 8 copy-paste prompts built for the YouTube algorithm
Most creators write scripts like they’re writing essays. YouTube doesn’t reward essays. It rewards attention. Here’s the AI framework that gets both hooks AND retention right →
Hey there!
Your YouTube video has 3 seconds. That’s it.
The algorithm doesn’t care about your production quality or how many hours you spent editing. If viewers bounce in those first moments, you’re done. Your video dies in the algorithm, and all that work goes nowhere.
The problem isn’t your ideas, it’s your script. Most creators write scripts that sound good in their head but fall flat on screen. They bury the hook, ramble through context, and lose viewers before they even get to the good stuff.
Here’s what you’re getting: 8 copy-paste prompts that turn AI into your script factory. These aren’t generic “write me a script” prompts. They’re frameworks that handle hooks, pacing, retention tactics, and platform-specific formats. You’ll have scripts ready to film in 15 minutes instead of staring at a blank doc for 3 hours.
Why These Prompts Work Differently
Generic script prompts give you walls of text that sound like a robot. These prompts are built around YouTube’s attention economy. They force AI to think in 3-second intervals, write for spoken delivery (not reading), and build retention tactics into every section.
I tested these on 40+ video scripts across different niches. The pattern holds: tight hooks, clear structure, natural speech patterns.
Prompt #1: The 3-Second Hook Generator
What it does: Creates 10 different hook variations optimized for the first 3 seconds of your video
When to use it: Before writing your full script, you need the hook locked down first
The Prompt:
You’re a YouTube script expert specializing in attention-grabbing hooks.
My video topic: [YOUR VIDEO TOPIC]
Target audience: [WHO WATCHES YOUR CONTENT]
Video length: [SHORTS/UNDER 8 MIN/OVER 8 MIN]
Generate 10 different hook variations for the first 3 seconds. Each hook must:
- Start with the payoff, problem or shocking statement (NO context setting)
- Use concrete numbers or specific outcomes where possible
- Match natural speech patterns (contractions, sentence fragments are fine)
- Create curiosity gap without being clickbait
Format each hook as:
Hook [#]: [The exact words]
Why it works: [One sentence]
Best for: [Video type/audience]How to use it:
Fill in your video topic and target audience specifics
Run the prompt and review all 10 hooks
Pick your favorite or combine elements from multiple hooks
Example input:
My video topic: How to grow your email list using free tools
Target audience: Solo entrepreneurs and small business owners
Video length: Under 8 min
What you’ll get: 10 hooks ranging from problem-focused (”Your email list is costing you $10K a month”) to outcome-driven (”I grew my list 5,000 subscribers using only free tools”) to curiosity-based (”The email growth hack that big companies don’t want you to know”)
Pro tip: Test your top 3 hooks in your video thumbnail copy. Whichever creates the most title-thumbnail tension usually wins.
Prompt #2: The Script Structure Builder
What it does: Generates a complete script outline with timing markers for any video length
When to use it: After you have your hook and before writing the full script
The Prompt:
Create a YouTube script structure for my video.
Video topic: [YOUR TOPIC]
Target length: [X MINUTES/SECONDS]
Video goal: [EDUCATE/ENTERTAIN/SELL/BUILD AUTHORITY]
Key points I must cover: [BULLET LIST YOUR MAIN POINTS]
Build a script structure that includes:
1. Hook (0:00-0:03) - [Use hook from previous prompt]
2. Promise (0:03-0:15) - What they’ll get by watching
3. Authority line (0:15-0:20) - Why should they listen to you
4. Main content sections with timing markers
5. Retention tactics at minutes [X] and [Y] (pattern interrupts, callbacks, mini-hooks)
6. Call-to-action placement
7. Outro (last 20 seconds)
For each section, specify:
- Exact timestamp range
- Core message in one sentence
- Recommended pacing (fast/medium/slow)
- Visual suggestionHow to use it:
Define your video goal and key points clearly
Generate the structure
Use this as your filming roadmap
Example input:
Video topic: 5 Canva hacks that save 2 hours per week
Target length: 6 minutes
Video goal: Educate and build authority
Key points: Template duplication, brand kit shortcuts, bulk export, magic resize, keyboard shortcuts
What you’ll get: A timestamped outline showing exactly when to introduce each hack, where to place retention hooks (typically at 25% and 60% marks), and how to pace transitions between sections.
Pro tip: The structure works backwards from your goal. If you’re selling, your CTA setup starts at the 70% mark, not the end.
Prompt #3: The Natural Speech Converter
What it does: Transforms your bullet points into a conversational script that sounds like you actually talk
When to use it: When you have your structure but need the actual words to say on camera
The Prompt:
Convert my video outline into a natural, conversational script.
Topic: [YOUR TOPIC]
Tone: [CASUAL/PROFESSIONAL/ENERGETIC/EDUCATIONAL]
My speaking style: [Describe how you naturally talk—do you use contractions? Short sentences? Specific phrases you say often?]
Outline to convert:
[PASTE YOUR STRUCTURE HERE]
Rules for the script:
- Write for speaking, not reading (use contractions, fragments, casual transitions)
- Vary sentence length—mix short punchy lines with longer explanatory ones
- Include natural fillers that create authenticity (”look”, “here’s the thing”, “now”)
- Mark places for [PAUSE] or [SHOW SCREEN] or [VISUAL]
- Bold words I should emphasize when speaking
- Keep paragraphs to 2-3 sentences max (easier to read on teleprompter)
- No jargon unless I define it immediately
Give me the full script ready to read/film.How to use it:
Paste your structure from Prompt #2
Describe your actual speaking style honestly
Edit the output to match your voice even more
Example input:
Topic: 5 Canva hacks that save 2 hours per week
Tone: Casual and energetic
My speaking style: I use lots of contractions, say “okay” and “so” to transition, talk fast, and sometimes interrupt my own sentences to add clarifications
What you’ll get: A script that reads like you’re talking to a friend, complete with natural transitions, varied pacing, and visual cues marked throughout.
Pro tip: Read your script out loud before filming. Anywhere you stumble is a place to simplify the language.
Prompt #4: The Retention Hook Injector
What it does: Adds strategic hooks throughout your script to prevent drop-off at critical moments
When to use it: After you have your base script, but before finalizing
The Prompt:
Analyze my script and inject retention hooks at critical drop-off points.
Here’s my full script:
[PASTE YOUR SCRIPT]
Video length: [X MINUTES]
Average audience retention: [YOUR TYPICAL RETENTION % IF YOU KNOW IT]
Add retention tactics at these timestamps:
- 25% mark (where casual viewers drop)
- 50% mark (the midpoint slump)
- 75% mark (almost-done syndrome)
For each retention hook, use one of these tactics:
1. Pattern interrupt (unexpected visual, sound or statement)
2. Mini-hook/tease (preview something coming later)
3. Direct challenge (”You’re probably thinking X, but here’s why...”)
4. Social proof drop (”This hack got 50K likes when I shared it”)
5. Stakes reminder (what they’ll miss if they leave now)
Show me:
- Exact placement in the script
- Which tactic you’re using
- The specific words to add
- Why this placement makes senseHow to use it:
Paste your script from Prompt #3
Let AI identify your vulnerable moments
Insert the retention hooks where suggested
Example input: [Full 6-minute Canva hacks script] Video length: 6 minutes Average audience retention: 45%
What you’ll get:
Your script with 3-4 strategic hooks added, like at the 1:30 mark: “Okay before I show you hack #3... if you’re still doing [COMMON MISTAKE], this next one’s going to blow your mind. Stay with me” plus explanations of why each hook is placed where it is.
Pro tip: YouTube Studio shows you exactly where viewers drop off. Use that data to place retention hooks in your next script.
You just got 4 prompts that handle your hook, structure, conversational flow, and retention tactics.
But you’re still missing the platform-specific stuff that separates amateurs from pros.
The next 4 prompts handle YouTube’s actual algorithm game:
Thumbnail-title-hook alignment (the trinity that gets clicks AND watch time)
Shorts vs long-form optimization (completely different rules)
Plus: A call-to-action framework that converts without sounding desperate