Writing
How to Write a Voiceover Script That Hits Hard: Method and Examples
By the ManyMotion team · · 10 min read
A good voiceover script isn't read. It's heard. That's what makes it different from website copy or a brochure. You need short sentences, rhythm, and words people get the first time, all timed to what's happening on screen. This guide gives you a 6-step method, the rules for writing for the ear, a formula for timing your script, and complete script examples you can adapt to your business.
Why your voiceover script makes (or breaks) your video
The voiceover carries your video's message, emotion and rhythm. A beautiful animation with a confusing script is still a confusing video. On the flip side, a clear script often saves simple visuals.
The number one trap is writing for the page. People paste in the text from their "About" page, full of long sentences and fancy words, and the video turns into a flat reading. Your voiceover script has to be written for the ear and work as a team with the visuals. The voice says one thing, and the screen shows it or adds to it.
The 6-step method for writing a voiceover script
- Set your goal and your audience. Put it in one sentence: "Get young professionals in Accra to try our delivery app."
- Choose the length and format. 15 seconds for a WhatsApp status or a TikTok ad, 30 seconds for a standard ad, 60 to 90 seconds for an explainer video.
- Work out your word budget. Length in seconds × 2 to 2.5 words (see the table below).
- Write the skeleton: hook, problem, solution, proof, call to action. One line per block.
- Write for the ear: short sentences, a casual or formal tone depending on your audience, simple words.
- Read it out loud with a timer, then cut. Every time. A first draft is almost always too long.
This method works for every type of video. For the strategy behind the ad itself, read our guide on how to create an effective ad video.
The structure of a voiceover script that works
Most effective scripts follow a five-part structure. It adapts to the length. In a 15-second video, some blocks take just three words.
| Block | Purpose | Length (30-second ad) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hook | Grab attention | 1 sentence, 5 to 10 words | "What if paying rent took three taps?" |
| Problem | Make viewers relate | 1 to 2 sentences | "The lines, the lost receipts, the late fees…" |
| Solution | Present the offer | 2 to 3 sentences | "With our app, you pay from your phone, wherever you are." |
| Proof | Build trust | 1 sentence | "Secure payments and instant receipts." |
| Call to action | Get people to act | 1 short sentence | "Download the app. It's free." |
For the hook, you'll find dozens of formulas in our article on video hooks.
How to time your voiceover script
A measured voiceover runs at around 130 to 150 words per minute, or 2 to 2.5 words per second. An upbeat ad voice can go a bit faster, and a cinematic or corporate voice a bit slower. Also leave room for breaths, the visual hook and the closing logo.
| Video length | Recommended word count | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 s | 20 to 25 words | Promo reminder, story |
| 15 s | 30 to 35 words | WhatsApp status, short TikTok ad |
| 30 s | 60 to 70 words | Standard social media ad |
| 60 s | 120 to 140 words | Short explainer video, presentation |
| 90 s | 180 to 210 words | Detailed explainer video, launch |
10 rules for writing for the ear
- One idea per sentence. 8 to 15 words on average.
- Use action verbs instead of nouns: "we deliver in 30 minutes" rather than "30-minute delivery."
- Talk to one person: say "you," never "customers."
- Use everyday words. "Cheaper" rather than "competitive pricing."
- Write numbers the way they're spoken. "Seven thousand five hundred naira" is easier to read aloud when it's spelled out clearly. Avoid acronyms nobody can pronounce.
- Avoid words that trip the tongue: awkward sound combinations, accidental tongue twisters, unfamiliar foreign words.
- Repeat what matters. In speech, you can say the brand name or the offer twice. It helps people remember.
- Use punctuation for rhythm. Periods for pauses, ellipses for suspense, and exclamation points sparingly.
- Tailor your references to your audience: neighborhoods, holidays (Eid, Ramadan, Christmas, Diwali), and local expressions if that's how your brand talks.
- End strong. People remember the last sentence, so make it your call to action.
Voiceover script examples ready to adapt
15-second WhatsApp status ad (shoe store, Lagos)
"New collection just landed! Sneakers, sandals, loafers… starting at fifteen thousand naira. Delivery anywhere in Lagos, from tomorrow. Message us on WhatsApp now, stock is going fast!" (about 30 words)
30-second ad (restaurant, London)
"Lunchtime's coming, and still no idea? At Mama's Kitchen, we cook fresh homemade dishes every morning, generous and full of flavor. Jollof, chicken yassa, or a veggie plate: you choose, we serve it in ten minutes. Full lunch for twelve pounds, dessert included. Just steps from Covent Garden. Order online and pick up with no wait." (about 55 words)
60-second explainer video (inventory app for shop owners, Nairobi)
"Still running your shop with a notebook and a calculator? Every night, you redo your accounts… and something's always missing. With our app, you record every sale in two seconds, right from your phone. Your stock updates itself. You see what's selling, what's sitting, and what you're really earning. Customers buying on credit? The app reminds you who owes what, and when. And it all works even on a weak connection. No more notebooks, no more late nights recounting. Join the shop owners who run their business with total peace of mind. Download the app for free and get started today." (about 110 words)
Choosing the right voice and tone for your script
The same script can sound premium, down-to-earth, reassuring or urgent depending on the voice. Pick your tone before you write, not after.
| Video type | Recommended tone | Emotion to convey |
|---|---|---|
| Promo, sale, launch | Upbeat, energetic | Excitement |
| Restaurant, local business | Warm, friendly | Appetite, togetherness |
| Real estate, banking, insurance | Calm, reassuring | Trust |
| Teaser, product reveal | Cinematic | Suspense, whispering |
| Tutorial, explainer | Clear, instructive | Warmth, patience |
In ManyMotion, every video includes a natural voiceover, with voices ranging from warm to cinematic that can convey emotions (excitement, whispering, suspense…). The voiceover follows the language of your request. Learn more on the video with voiceover page.
From script to finished video in one minute
Once your script is ready, paste it into the ManyMotion chat with a few notes on format, tone and visuals. The ManyMotion AI creates the complete animated video, with your voiceover, original music and sound effects synced to the visuals automatically. Don't have a script yet? Just describe your idea, the ManyMotion AI writes it for you, and you fine-tune it by chatting.
Create a 30-second vertical video with this voiceover script, in a warm, mouthwatering tone: "Lunchtime's coming, and still no idea? …" Show the price "£12" big on screen when it's spoken, use photos of my dishes, and end with my logo and address.
Then make edits just by asking: "more excited voice," "add a pause before the price," "cut it down to 15 seconds." You can try it free in the studio, with 60 free credits when you sign up.
Your voiceover script checklist
- Your goal and audience fit in one sentence.
- Your word count matches the length (about 2 to 2.5 words per second).
- Your hook is one sentence of under 10 words.
- Each sentence carries a single idea.
- You've read the script out loud, timed it and trimmed it.
- The voice adds to the visuals instead of repeating them.
- Tone and emotion are noted.
- The last sentence is a clear call to action.
To match your script to the right format, check out our guide to social media video formats.
Frequently asked questions
How many words do you need for a 30-second voiceover?
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Plan for about 60 to 70 words for 30 seconds, based on 2 to 2.5 words per second. Stay toward the low end so the voice has room to breathe and there's space for the closing logo.
How should you format a voiceover script?
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The easiest way is a two-column table: what's on screen on the left, what the voice says on the right, line by line. Add the expected tone or emotion in parentheses, and note the target length at the top of the document.
Should a voiceover sound casual or formal?
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It depends on your audience and your brand. A casual, conversational tone feels close and personal, and works well on TikTok, Instagram and for young brands. A more formal tone suits real estate, finance or a professional clientele. What matters is staying consistent from start to finish.
Can AI write my voiceover script?
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Yes. With ManyMotion, you describe your idea in English and the ManyMotion AI writes the script, then creates the video with a voiceover, music and synced sound effects. You can then change the text or tone by chatting, or paste in your own script.