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
| Context |
Status |
| User says "TikTok script", "TikTok video", "Reels script", "Shorts script" |
ACTIVE |
| User says "short-form video" and wants a scripted 15-60 second video |
ACTIVE |
| User wants to create content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts |
ACTIVE |
| User wants a Twitter/X thread |
DORMANT: use Twitter Thread |
| User wants a long-form video (YouTube) |
DORMANT: use YouTube Script |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake |
Why It's Wrong |
| "Slow intro" |
You have 1-2 seconds to hook. The algorithm judges retention in the first 3 seconds. |
| "Read from a teleprompter" |
Stiff delivery kills engagement. Use bullet points, not word-for-word scripts. |
| "Ignore trending audio" |
Trending sounds get algorithmic boost. Use them even if you're talking over them at low volume. |
| "No text on screen" |
80%+ watch without sound. On-screen captions and text hooks are essential. |
| "One take, one angle" |
Visual variety (cuts, zooms, angle changes) every 2-3 seconds keeps retention high. |
Protocol
Step 1: Gather Video Requirements
If the user hasn't provided details, ask:
- Topic: what's the video about?
- Format: talking head, tutorial, storytime, POV, or visual showcase?
- Platform: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or all three?
- Length: 15s, 30s, or 60s?
- Goal: views, followers, website traffic, or product sales?
- Audience: who's watching? (age, interests, awareness level)
Step 2: Choose Video Format
| Format |
Best For |
Hook Style |
| Talking head |
Tips, hot takes, storytelling |
Direct eye contact + bold statement |
| Tutorial/how-to |
Teaching a skill, showing a process |
"Here's how to [outcome] in [X] seconds" |
| Storytime |
Personal experience, relatable content |
"The time I [dramatic event]..." |
| POV |
Relatable situations, humor |
Text overlay: "POV: [situation]" |
| Before/After |
Transformations, results |
Show the "after" first (pattern interrupt) |
| Duet/Stitch |
Reacting to trends, adding commentary |
Response to existing content |
| Visual showcase |
Products, travel, food |
Satisfying visuals + trending audio |
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:
| Formula |
Example |
On-Screen Text |
| Bold claim |
"This one trick doubled my revenue" |
"DOUBLED my revenue" |
| Question |
"Why does nobody talk about this?" |
"WHY??" |
| Challenge |
"I bet you didn't know this" |
"BET you didn't know" |
| Pattern interrupt |
Start mid-action, unexpected visual |
[Eye-catching visual] |
| Controversy |
"Unpopular opinion: [take]" |
"UNPOPULAR OPINION" |
| Result first |
Show the end result immediately |
"Here's the result" |
| Direct address |
"Stop scrolling if you [situation]" |
"STOP SCROLLING" |
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:
| Timestamp |
Shot Type |
Description |
Text Overlay |
| 0:00 |
Close-up |
Face, direct eye contact |
Hook text (bold) |
| 0:02 |
Medium |
Upper body, gesturing |
none |
| 0:05 |
B-roll / screen |
Demo or visual |
Step 1 text |
| 0:10 |
Close-up |
Back to face, different angle |
Step 2 text |
| 0:15 |
B-roll / screen |
Second demo |
Step 3 text |
| 0:20 |
Medium |
Wrap-up, high energy |
CTA text |
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:
| Format |
Audio Strategy |
| Talking head |
Your voice only, OR voice over trending sound at 10% volume |
| Tutorial |
Voiceover narration + trending sound at low volume |
| Storytime |
Your voice with ambient/emotional background music |
| POV |
Trending sound at full volume (lip sync or background) |
| Visual showcase |
Trending sound at full volume |
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):
| Type |
Example |
Purpose |
| Niche-specific |
#saastips #ecommercetips |
Reach your target audience |
| Trending |
#fyp #viral #trending |
Algorithmic boost |
| Content-type |
#learnontiktok #tutorial |
Platform-promoted categories |
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)
1---2name: memstack-content-tiktok-script3description: Use this skill when the user says 'TikTok script', 'TikTok video', 'Reels script', 'Shorts script', 'short-form video', or needs timestamped scripts with hooks, visual cues, and captions for 15-60 second videos. Do NOT use for Twitter threads or webinar scripts.4license: Proprietary, MemStack™ Pro by CW Affiliate Investments LLC. See 5---67# TikTok Script: Writing short-form video script...8*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.*910## Activation1112When this skill activates, output:1314`TikTok Script, Writing short-form video script...`1516Then execute the protocol below.1718## Context Guard1920| Context | Status |21|---------|--------|22| User says "TikTok script", "TikTok video", "Reels script", "Shorts script" | ACTIVE |23| User says "short-form video" and wants a scripted 15-60 second video | ACTIVE |24| User wants to create content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts | ACTIVE |25| User wants a Twitter/X thread | DORMANT: use Twitter Thread |26| User wants a long-form video (YouTube) | DORMANT: use YouTube Script |2728## Common Mistakes2930| Mistake | Why It's Wrong |31|---------|---------------|32| "Slow intro" | You have 1-2 seconds to hook. The algorithm judges retention in the first 3 seconds. |33| "Read from a teleprompter" | Stiff delivery kills engagement. Use bullet points, not word-for-word scripts. |34| "Ignore trending audio" | Trending sounds get algorithmic boost. Use them even if you're talking over them at low volume. |35| "No text on screen" | 80%+ watch without sound. On-screen captions and text hooks are essential. |36| "One take, one angle" | Visual variety (cuts, zooms, angle changes) every 2-3 seconds keeps retention high. |3738## Protocol3940### Step 1: Gather Video Requirements4142If the user hasn't provided details, ask:4344> 1. **Topic**: what's the video about?45> 2. **Format**: talking head, tutorial, storytime, POV, or visual showcase?46> 3. **Platform**: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or all three?47> 4. **Length**: 15s, 30s, or 60s?48> 5. **Goal**: views, followers, website traffic, or product sales?49> 6. **Audience**: who's watching? (age, interests, awareness level)5051### Step 2: Choose Video Format5253| Format | Best For | Hook Style |54|--------|---------|-----------|55| **Talking head** | Tips, hot takes, storytelling | Direct eye contact + bold statement |56| **Tutorial/how-to** | Teaching a skill, showing a process | "Here's how to [outcome] in [X] seconds" |57| **Storytime** | Personal experience, relatable content | "The time I [dramatic event]..." |58| **POV** | Relatable situations, humor | Text overlay: "POV: [situation]" |59| **Before/After** | Transformations, results | Show the "after" first (pattern interrupt) |60| **Duet/Stitch** | Reacting to trends, adding commentary | Response to existing content |61| **Visual showcase** | Products, travel, food | Satisfying visuals + trending audio |6263### Step 3: Write the Hook (First 2 Seconds)6465**The 2-second rule:** If they don't stop scrolling in 2 seconds, the video fails.6667**Hook formulas:**6869| Formula | Example | On-Screen Text |70|---------|---------|---------------|71| **Bold claim** | "This one trick doubled my revenue" | "DOUBLED my revenue" |72| **Question** | "Why does nobody talk about this?" | "WHY??" |73| **Challenge** | "I bet you didn't know this" | "BET you didn't know" |74| **Pattern interrupt** | Start mid-action, unexpected visual | [Eye-catching visual] |75| **Controversy** | "Unpopular opinion: [take]" | "UNPOPULAR OPINION" |76| **Result first** | Show the end result immediately | "Here's the result" |77| **Direct address** | "Stop scrolling if you [situation]" | "STOP SCROLLING" |7879**Hook delivery tips:**80- Start talking IMMEDIATELY (no "hey guys" or "so today")81- Movement in frame from second 0 (lean in, gesture, reveal)82- On-screen text appears in first 0.5 seconds83- Confident energy, uncertainty is a scroll trigger8485### Step 4: Write the Script8687**15-second script template:**8889```90[0:00-0:02] HOOK91Visual: [What's on screen]92Audio: "[Hook line, bold, concise]"93Text overlay: "[Key phrase in large text]"9495[0:02-0:10] BODY96Visual: [Action / demonstration / explanation]97Audio: "[Core content, 2-3 key sentences]"98Text overlay: "[Supporting text or steps]"99100[0:10-0:15] CTA101Visual: [Face to camera / point at text]102Audio: "[CTA: follow for more / link in bio / comment below]"103Text overlay: "[CTA text]"104```105106**30-second script template:**107108```109[0:00-0:02] HOOK110Visual: [Pattern interrupt or result]111Audio: "[Hook line]"112Text overlay: "[Hook text: large, bold]"113114[0:02-0:08] CONTEXT115Visual: [Set up the problem or situation]116Audio: "[Why this matters, 2 sentences]"117Text overlay: "[Key phrase]"118119[0:08-0:22] BODY (3 points)120Visual: [Demonstration, steps, or story beats]121Audio: "[Point 1] → [Point 2] → [Point 3]"122Text overlay: "[Step 1] [Step 2] [Step 3]" (change with each point)123Cut/zoom every 3-4 seconds124125[0:22-0:30] CTA126Visual: [Face to camera, energy up]127Audio: "[Wrap-up + CTA]"128Text overlay: "[CTA: Follow + Save]"129```130131**60-second script template:**132133```134[0:00-0:03] HOOK135[0:03-0:10] CONTEXT (why this matters)136[0:10-0:45] BODY (5-7 points with visual cuts every 3-5 seconds)137[0:45-0:55] SUMMARY (key takeaway)138[0:55-1:00] CTA139```140141### Step 5: Visual Direction142143**Shot list template:**144145| Timestamp | Shot Type | Description | Text Overlay |146|-----------|----------|-------------|-------------|147| 0:00 | Close-up | Face, direct eye contact | Hook text (bold) |148| 0:02 | Medium | Upper body, gesturing | none |149| 0:05 | B-roll / screen | Demo or visual | Step 1 text |150| 0:10 | Close-up | Back to face, different angle | Step 2 text |151| 0:15 | B-roll / screen | Second demo | Step 3 text |152| 0:20 | Medium | Wrap-up, high energy | CTA text |153154**Visual retention techniques:**155- Cut or zoom every 2-4 seconds (never hold one shot >5 seconds)156- Use jump cuts to remove dead air and "um"s157- Text on screen should appear 0.5s before the speaker says it158- Use pointing gestures to direct attention to on-screen text159- Match visual transitions to beat drops in the audio160161### Step 6: Audio & Trending Sound Strategy162163**Audio approach by format:**164165| Format | Audio Strategy |166|--------|---------------|167| Talking head | Your voice only, OR voice over trending sound at 10% volume |168| Tutorial | Voiceover narration + trending sound at low volume |169| Storytime | Your voice with ambient/emotional background music |170| POV | Trending sound at full volume (lip sync or background) |171| Visual showcase | Trending sound at full volume |172173**Finding trending sounds:**174- Check TikTok's Discover page for trending sounds175- Use sounds with an upward arrow (↑) indicating growth176- Filter by sounds used in 10K-500K videos (sweet spot for riding the trend)177- Save sounds to a "favorites" library for quick access178179### Step 7: Hashtag & Caption Strategy180181**Caption formula:**182183```184[Hook/question that drives comments] + [1-2 sentences of context]185186Example:187"This changed how I work forever. Save this for later. #[niche] #[topic]"188```189190**Hashtag strategy (3-5 per post):**191192| Type | Example | Purpose |193|------|---------|---------|194| Niche-specific | #saastips #ecommercetips | Reach your target audience |195| Trending | #fyp #viral #trending | Algorithmic boost |196| Content-type | #learnontiktok #tutorial | Platform-promoted categories |197198**Caption rules:**199- Keep under 150 characters (most users don't expand)200- Front-load the hook, first line must create curiosity201- Ask a question to drive comments (comments boost distribution)202- Use 3-5 hashtags (more than 5 looks spammy)203204## Output Format205206```markdown207# Short-Form Video Script: [Topic]208209## Overview210- **Platform:** [TikTok / Reels / Shorts]211- **Length:** [15s / 30s / 60s]212- **Format:** [Talking head / Tutorial / etc.]213- **Audio:** [Original voice / Trending sound]214215## Script216217### [0:00-0:02] Hook218**Visual:** [Shot description]219**Audio:** "[Spoken text]"220**Text overlay:** "[On-screen text]"221222### [0:02-0:XX] Body223[Timestamped sections with visual/audio/text]224225### [0:XX-End] CTA226**Visual:** [Shot description]227**Audio:** "[CTA text]"228**Text overlay:** "[CTA text]"229230## Production Notes231- **Trending sound:** [Sound name / link]232- **Hashtags:** [3-5 hashtags]233- **Caption:** "[Caption text]"234- **Best posting time:** [Day, Time]235```236237## Completion238239```240TikTok Script: Complete!241242Topic: [Topic]243Length: [X] seconds244Format: [Type]245Visual cuts: [Count]246Audio: [Strategy]247248Next steps:2491. Practice the script 2-3 times (aim for natural, not memorized)2502. Film in good lighting (natural light or ring light)2513. Record 3-5 takes and pick the best energy2524. Edit with cuts every 2-4 seconds2535. Add text overlays and captions2546. Post at peak time with trending sound255```256257## Level History258259- **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)
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