Video Ad Script Writer

Skill Purpose

Generate complete, production-ready video ad scripts for three standard ad lengths: 15-second (TikTok/Reels/Bumper), 30-second (Pre-roll/Stories), and 60-second (YouTube/Facebook). Each script includes a shot-by-shot breakdown with exact timing, voiceover transcript, on-screen text overlays, B-roll suggestions, music/mood direction, and CTA placement. Scripts are written using three proven video ad frameworks and include a storyboard outline that a video editor or motion designer can follow without additional briefing.

When to Use

User runs /ads video <product>
User asks for video ad scripts, video creative, or video content for ads
Called as a subagent from /ads strategy (the main orchestrator)
User needs scripts for TikTok ads, YouTube pre-roll, Instagram Reels, Facebook video ads, or Stories
User wants to brief a video editor or freelancer on ad creative

Input Requirements

Required: Product or service to advertise (name, description, or URL)
Optional: Target audience persona, brand guidelines, existing footage/assets, desired tone, specific platform focus, offer details

How to Execute

Step 1: Gather Product & Brand Context

If a URL is provided, fetch it using WebFetch and extract:

Product/service name and description
Key features and benefits
Price point and offer structure
Target audience indicators
Brand tone and visual style
Existing video content (YouTube channel, social media)
Testimonials or case studies
Competitor positioning

Run supplementary research:

WebSearch: "[Product/Brand]" video ad
WebSearch: "[Industry]" best video ad examples
WebSearch: "[Industry]" TikTok ad examples viral
WebSearch: "[Product category]" YouTube ad examples

Establish the video brief:

## Video Brief

**Product/Service:** [Name]
**Business:** [Company name]
**What it does:** [1-sentence description]
**Who it's for:** [Target persona in 1 sentence]
**Core benefit:** [The #1 reason someone buys this]
**Key differentiator:** [What makes it different from alternatives]
**Price/Offer:** [Current pricing, discount, free trial]
**Desired action:** [What should the viewer DO after watching]
**Tone:** [Professional / Casual / Energetic / Bold / Warm / Edgy / Playful]
**Brand colors:** [Primary and secondary if known]
**Existing assets:** [Footage, product photos, testimonials available]
**Competitors to reference:** [Who they're competing against for attention]

Step 2: Apply Three Video Ad Frameworks

Every script set uses all three frameworks. Each framework produces one version per ad length (15s, 30s, 60s) for a total of 9 scripts.

Framework 1: Hook-Demo-CTA

Structure:

Hook (first 20-30% of runtime): Bold opening statement, shocking stat, or provocative question that stops the scroll
Demo (middle 50-60%): Show the product in action. Prove the claim made in the hook. Use screen recordings, product shots, or demonstrations.
CTA (final 10-20%): Clear call to action with urgency or incentive. On-screen text + verbal CTA.

Best for: SaaS demos, product showcases, tool walkthroughs, e-commerce product reveals Psychology: The hook creates attention, the demo creates desire through proof, the CTA creates action through urgency.

Framework 2: Problem-Solution-Proof

Structure:

Problem (first 25-30%): Show or describe the painful problem the audience faces. Make them feel the frustration.
Solution (middle 40-50%): Introduce the product as the answer. Show how it specifically solves the problem stated.
Proof (final 20-30%): Back it up. Testimonial clip, results screenshot, before/after, or stat. End with CTA.

Best for: Pain-driven products, service businesses, health/wellness, financial services, any product that solves a clear problem Psychology: Pain activation (amygdala), then relief (dopamine release when solution is shown), then social validation (proof reduces risk).

Framework 3: UGC-Style Testimonial

Structure:

Personal hook (first 15-25%): Person speaking directly to camera with a relatable statement: "I tried everything for [problem] and nothing worked until..."
Story/experience (middle 50-60%): Tell the story of discovering and using the product. Show authentic, unpolished moments. Include specific details and results.
Recommendation + CTA (final 15-25%): Genuine endorsement with specific reasons why. End with "Link in bio" or "Check it out" style CTA.

Best for: DTC brands, courses/coaching, beauty/wellness, apps, any product where social proof drives purchase Psychology: Mirror neurons fire when watching someone like us share an experience. UGC-style content bypasses ad skepticism because it looks like organic content.

Step 3: Write Scripts for Each Length

15-Second Scripts (TikTok / Reels / Bumper Ads)

Constraints:

Total runtime: 15 seconds
Word count (voiceover): 30-40 words max
On-screen text: 2-3 text cards max
One single focused message — no room for multiple points
Hook must land in first 1.5 seconds

For each of the 3 frameworks, produce a script in this format:

### 15s Script [Number] — [Framework Name]

**Platform(s):** TikTok In-Feed, Instagram Reels, YouTube Bumper
**Aspect ratio:** 9:16 (vertical)
**Total runtime:** 15 seconds
**Word count:** [count] words

---

| Time | Visual / Shot | On-Screen Text | Voiceover / Audio | Music/SFX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0:00-0:02 | [Shot description — camera angle, subject, action] | [Bold text overlay] | "[Spoken words]" | [Music mood: energetic opener / bass drop / trending sound] |
| 0:02-0:05 | [Shot description] | [Text overlay if any] | "[Spoken words]" | [Music continues / transitions] |
| 0:05-0:10 | [Shot description] | [Text overlay if any] | "[Spoken words]" | [Music mood] |
| 0:10-0:13 | [Shot description] | [Text overlay if any] | "[Spoken words]" | [Music builds] |
| 0:13-0:15 | [CTA shot — product shot, logo, URL] | [CTA text: "Shop Now" / "Link in bio" / "Try free"] | "[CTA spoken]" | [Music resolves / sting] |

**B-Roll suggestions:**
- [Suggestion 1 — specific, filmable scene]
- [Suggestion 2]
- [Suggestion 3]

**Storyboard outline:**
| Frame | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frame 1 | [What the viewer sees — composition, subject, text position] | [Production note] |
| Frame 2 | [description] | [note] |
| Frame 3 | [description] | [note] |
| Frame 4 | [description — CTA frame] | [note] |

**Director's notes:**
- [Pacing note — fast cuts, slow reveal, etc.]
- [Tone note — energy level, facial expressions, urgency]
- [Platform-specific note — TikTok native feel vs. polished for YouTube]

30-Second Scripts (Pre-Roll / Stories / Standard Social)

Constraints:

Total runtime: 30 seconds
Word count (voiceover): 65-80 words
On-screen text: 4-6 text cards
Hook must land in first 3 seconds
For YouTube pre-roll: hook before the 5-second skip button
Can include 1 testimonial quote or stat card

For each of the 3 frameworks, produce a script in this format:

### 30s Script [Number] — [Framework Name]

**Platform(s):** YouTube Pre-Roll, Facebook Feed Video, Instagram Stories (multi-card)
**Aspect ratio:** 16:9 (landscape for YouTube) / 9:16 (vertical for Stories) / 1:1 (square for Feed)
**Total runtime:** 30 seconds
**Word count:** [count] words

---

| Time | Visual / Shot | On-Screen Text | Voiceover / Audio | Music/SFX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0:00-0:03 | [Hook shot — must capture attention before skip] | [Bold hook text] | "[Hook line]" | [Attention-grabbing opener] |
| 0:03-0:07 | [Shot description] | [Text overlay] | "[Spoken words]" | [Music mood] |
| 0:07-0:12 | [Shot description — demo/problem visualization] | [Text overlay] | "[Spoken words]" | [Music transitions] |
| 0:12-0:18 | [Shot description — solution/product in action] | [Key benefit text] | "[Spoken words]" | [Music builds] |
| 0:18-0:24 | [Shot description — proof/testimonial/result] | [Proof text — stat or quote] | "[Spoken words]" | [Music continues] |
| 0:24-0:28 | [CTA shot — product, offer, urgency element] | [Offer/CTA text] | "[CTA spoken]" | [Music resolves] |
| 0:28-0:30 | [End card — logo, URL, CTA button] | [Brand + CTA] | "[Final line]" | [Music sting / outro] |

**B-Roll suggestions:**
- [Suggestion 1 — specific, filmable scene]
- [Suggestion 2]
- [Suggestion 3]
- [Suggestion 4]
- [Suggestion 5]

**Storyboard outline:**
| Frame | Time | Description | Camera | Text Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame 1 | 0:00-0:03 | [description] | [angle/movement] | [where text appears] |
| Frame 2 | 0:03-0:07 | [description] | [angle] | [text position] |
| Frame 3 | 0:07-0:12 | [description] | [angle] | [text position] |
| Frame 4 | 0:12-0:18 | [description] | [angle] | [text position] |
| Frame 5 | 0:18-0:24 | [description] | [angle] | [text position] |
| Frame 6 | 0:24-0:30 | [CTA card] | [static/zoom] | [centered] |

**Director's notes:**
- [Pacing and energy direction]
- [Transition style between shots — cut, dissolve, swipe, zoom]
- [Color grading / visual mood direction]
- [Audio mixing notes — music vs. voiceover balance]

60-Second Scripts (YouTube / Facebook / Long-Form Social)

Constraints:

Total runtime: 60 seconds
Word count (voiceover): 130-160 words
On-screen text: 6-10 text cards
Full narrative arc — beginning, middle, end
Room for 1-2 testimonial clips, multiple product shots, and a strong CTA sequence
Hook must still land in first 3 seconds

For each of the 3 frameworks, produce a script in this format:

### 60s Script [Number] — [Framework Name]

**Platform(s):** YouTube In-Stream, Facebook Feed Video, LinkedIn Video
**Aspect ratio:** 16:9 (primary), adaptable to 9:16 and 1:1
**Total runtime:** 60 seconds
**Word count:** [count] words

---

| Time | Visual / Shot | On-Screen Text | Voiceover / Audio | Music/SFX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0:00-0:03 | [Hook shot] | [Hook text] | "[Hook line]" | [Attention opener] |
| 0:03-0:08 | [Context/problem setup] | [Supporting text] | "[Lines]" | [Music mood] |
| 0:08-0:15 | [Problem deepens / agitate] | [Pain point text] | "[Lines]" | [Music tension builds] |
| 0:15-0:22 | [Solution introduction] | [Product/brand reveal text] | "[Lines]" | [Music shift — hopeful] |
| 0:22-0:32 | [Demo / how it works / key features] | [Feature/benefit callouts] | "[Lines]" | [Music upbeat] |
| 0:32-0:42 | [Proof — testimonial, results, case study] | [Proof stat or quote] | "[Lines]" | [Music maintains] |
| 0:42-0:50 | [Additional benefit or second proof point] | [Secondary benefit text] | "[Lines]" | [Music builds to climax] |
| 0:50-0:55 | [CTA — offer reveal, urgency] | [Offer text + CTA] | "[CTA spoken]" | [Music peaks] |
| 0:55-0:60 | [End card — logo, URL, tagline] | [Brand + final CTA] | "[Closing line]" | [Music resolves] |

**B-Roll suggestions:**
- [Suggestion 1 — opening establishing shot]
- [Suggestion 2 — problem visualization]
- [Suggestion 3 — product detail shots]
- [Suggestion 4 — customer reaction / testimonial setting]
- [Suggestion 5 — lifestyle / aspirational imagery]
- [Suggestion 6 — CTA / urgency visual]

**Storyboard outline:**
| Frame | Time | Description | Camera | Text Position | Transition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame 1 | 0:00-0:03 | [description] | [angle] | [position] | [cut/dissolve] |
| Frame 2 | 0:03-0:08 | [description] | [angle] | [position] | [transition] |
| Frame 3 | 0:08-0:15 | [description] | [angle] | [position] | [transition] |
| Frame 4 | 0:15-0:22 | [description] | [angle] | [position] | [transition] |
| Frame 5 | 0:22-0:32 | [description] | [angle] | [position] | [transition] |
| Frame 6 | 0:32-0:42 | [description] | [angle] | [position] | [transition] |
| Frame 7 | 0:42-0:50 | [description] | [angle] | [position] | [transition] |
| Frame 8 | 0:50-0:60 | [CTA + end card] | [static] | [centered] | [fade] |

**Director's notes:**
- [Overall narrative arc and emotional journey]
- [Pacing: where to speed up, where to breathe]
- [Talent direction — who's on camera, what energy]
- [Color grading and visual style]
- [Audio: music genre, tempo, voiceover tone]
- [Adaptation notes for vertical (9:16) version]

Step 4: Platform-Specific Adaptation Notes

## Platform Adaptation Guide

### TikTok Adaptation
- Film in 9:16 vertical
- Use trending sounds when possible (search TikTok Creative Center for trending audio)
- First frame must have text + movement — static opens get swiped
- UGC-style (iPhone quality) outperforms polished production 3:1
- Add captions — 80% of TikTok is watched with sound off
- End with a question or controversial take to drive comments (algorithm fuel)

### Instagram Reels Adaptation
- 9:16 vertical, keep safe zones in mind (bottom 20% covered by UI)
- Instagram favors original audio over repurposed TikTok audio
- Carousel ads (static) outperform Reels for some B2B — test both
- Stories ads: use native sticker/text styles for authenticity
- Use the "Remind Me" CTA for event/launch campaigns

### YouTube Adaptation
- 16:9 landscape is primary format
- Hook must land before the 5-second skip button on pre-roll
- Bumper ads (6s): distill the 15s script to one single message
- Add end screens and cards pointing to landing page or next video
- Consider running both skippable and non-skippable to compare CPV

### Facebook Adaptation
- Square (1:1) outperforms landscape in Facebook Feed
- Add captions (SRT file) — 85% of Facebook video is watched muted
- Facebook rewards longer watch time — 60s scripts can run well if engaging
- Carousel video ads: cut the 60s into 3-4 cards
- In-stream ads: viewers cannot skip, so lead with value not hype

### LinkedIn Adaptation
- Keep it professional but not stiff — authority + relatability
- Product demos and case study videos outperform lifestyle content
- Optimal length: 15-30 seconds for awareness, 30-60 for consideration
- Native video (uploaded directly) gets 5x more reach than YouTube links
- Include subtitles — autoplay is muted in LinkedIn feed

Step 5: Production Checklist

## Production Checklist

### Pre-Production
- [ ] Script approved by stakeholder
- [ ] Talent/spokesperson confirmed (or self-shot UGC)
- [ ] Product samples/screenshots ready for demo shots
- [ ] B-roll shot list printed and shared with videographer
- [ ] Music tracks selected and licensed (check ad usage rights)
- [ ] On-screen text formatted and ready for editor
- [ ] Brand assets (logo, colors, fonts) packaged for editor

### Production
- [ ] Film in 9:16 AND 16:9 (or film wide and crop)
- [ ] Capture 3x more footage than needed (gives editor options)
- [ ] Film multiple takes of the hook — this is the most important shot
- [ ] Get at least 2 testimonial clips (even if only 1 makes the cut)
- [ ] Capture product close-ups from multiple angles
- [ ] Record clean voiceover audio separately from on-camera audio

### Post-Production
- [ ] Edit to exact timings in the script
- [ ] Add captions/subtitles (SRT or burned-in)
- [ ] Export in all required aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)
- [ ] Color grade to match brand palette
- [ ] Add end card with CTA, logo, and URL
- [ ] Deliver final files in platform-specific specs (resolution, codec, file size)

Output Format

Save the complete output to ADS-VIDEO-SCRIPTS.md in the current working directory.

File structure:

# Video Ad Scripts: [Product/Business Name]
> Generated [date] | Source: [URL/product info]
> Scripts: 9 total (3 frameworks x 3 lengths)
> Frameworks: Hook-Demo-CTA, Problem-Solution-Proof, UGC-Style Testimonial

## Video Brief
[product and brand context]

## 15-Second Scripts
### 15s Script 1 — Hook-Demo-CTA
### 15s Script 2 — Problem-Solution-Proof
### 15s Script 3 — UGC-Style Testimonial

## 30-Second Scripts
### 30s Script 1 — Hook-Demo-CTA
### 30s Script 2 — Problem-Solution-Proof
### 30s Script 3 — UGC-Style Testimonial

## 60-Second Scripts
### 60s Script 1 — Hook-Demo-CTA
### 60s Script 2 — Problem-Solution-Proof
### 60s Script 3 — UGC-Style Testimonial

## Platform Adaptation Guide
[platform-specific notes]

## Production Checklist
[pre/production/post checklists]

## Next Steps
1. Share scripts with video editor / filmmaker
2. Film the top-priority script first: [recommendation]
3. Run `/ads hooks` to generate alternative hook options
4. Run `/ads copy <platform>` for companion text ads
5. Test 15s versions first (cheapest to produce), scale winning framework to 30s and 60s

Quality Checklist

Before delivering the output, verify: