How Many Words Fit in a 60-Second Video Script?
A 60-second voice-over often contains about 130 to 170 spoken words. Around 150 words is a useful starting estimate, but the right length depends on narration speed, pauses, names, and subject complexity.
This guide includes a timing chart, a simple word-count formula, and practical steps for checking a script against the finished voice-over before editing.
Word count chart by video length
These numbers assume a slow pace of 130 words per minute (WPM), a normal pace of 150 WPM, and a fast pace of 170 WPM.
| Video length | Slow (130 WPM) | Normal (150 WPM) | Fast (170 WPM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 seconds | 33 words | 38 words | 43 words |
| 30 seconds | 65 words | 75 words | 85 words |
| 45 seconds | 98 words | 113 words | 128 words |
| 60 seconds | 130 words | 150 words | 170 words |
| 90 seconds | 195 words | 225 words | 255 words |
| 2 minutes | 260 words | 300 words | 340 words |
| 3 minutes | 390 words | 450 words | 510 words |
Platform length limits change from time to time, so check the current maximum in YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram before you plan a longer script.
The formula (so you can work out any length)
You only need one equation:
Word count = (video seconds ÷ 60) × words per minute
Example: you want a 40-second video at 150 WPM.
- 40 ÷ 60 = 0.67
- 0.67 × 150 = about 100 words
Why you should aim lower than the chart
The chart assumes you talk without stopping. Real narration doesn’t work that way. You pause after a big reveal, you slow down on numbers and names, and your video often needs a half-second of silence when the visuals change.
A safe rule: take off about 10% of the words if your script has deliberate pauses. For a 60-second video at a normal pace, that means aiming for around 125 to 140 words instead of 150.
It is easier to fill a few spare seconds with a short sound effect or a final visual than to trim a finished voiceover that runs long.
Speaking pace by video style
There is no official standard, but these are common ranges creators use as a starting point:
- Calm storytelling or history narration: about 130 to 150 WPM
- Explainers and tutorials: about 150 to 165 WPM
- Fast, high-energy shorts: about 165 to 185 WPM
Listen to a few videos in your niche and time them. You will quickly hear which pace your audience is used to.
How many words do you need for the hook?
The opening line is the most important part of a short video. At 150 WPM, three seconds of speech is only about 7 or 8 words. That is why strong hooks are short and direct. If your first sentence is 20 words long, it will not be finished within the first three seconds.
If you want to practice, try our 3-Second Hook Generator to draft a few alternative openings and compare them.
How many words per scene?
Many faceless videos change the image every few seconds to keep the viewer’s attention. If you change visuals every 3.5 seconds at 150 WPM, each scene holds about 9 words. If you change every 5 seconds, each scene holds about 12 words.
Splitting your script into scene-sized chunks like this makes it much easier to match your images and voice.
Common mistakes when counting script words
- Counting your production notes. Cues such as [VISUAL CHANGE] or [SOUND EFFECT] are not spoken. Remove them before you count.
- Forgetting that numbers take longer. “1,200 years” is two written tokens but takes more time to say than two ordinary words.
- Using one speed for every voice. AI voices read at different speeds, and most tools let you change the speed. Always test your real voiceover instead of trusting the formula alone.
- Counting characters instead of words. Some tools limit characters, not words. Do not mix the two up.
How to check your script length in 3 steps
- Count the words in your final spoken text only.
- Estimate the time by pasting your script into our free Script Timing Counter and choosing your speaking pace.
- Test the real audio. Record yourself or generate the AI voiceover and check the actual length. Adjust the script if it is more than a couple of seconds off.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 30-second script?
About 75 words at a normal pace of 150 WPM. The practical range is 65 to 85 words.
How many words is a 90-second script?
About 225 words at 150 WPM, or roughly 195 to 255 words depending on your pace.
Is 150 words per minute too slow for short videos?
Not usually. It is a clear, natural pace. Some creators speak faster for energy, but speeding up too much can make a video harder to follow, especially with AI voices.
Do AI voices read faster than humans?
It depends on the tool and the settings. Many AI voice tools let you adjust speed, so the safest method is to generate a short sample and time it.
Should I count the title or on-screen text in the word count?
No. Count only the words that will be spoken out loud in the voiceover.
Final thoughts
For most short videos, remember this simple rule: about 150 words per minute, and a little less if your script has pauses. Write your script, remove the production notes, estimate the timing, and then test the real voiceover before you publish.
Want more practical guides for faceless creators? Browse our latest posts.
