TikTok script template: three beat structure
Speed matters on TikTok. This TikTok script template maps Hook–Value–CTA timing, suggests shot types, and adds on-screen text guidelines to clarify each beat. You’ll adapt it for niches without losing pace. For integrated prompts and editing tips that unify the process, our comprehensive AI script generator guide rounds out your toolkit.
why the three beats work
Short videos win on focus. One outcome per clip reduces cognitive load. The brain gets a clean path to follow. Hook sets the win. Value beats show the path. Close repeats the win and bridges to action. That rhythm feels calm yet decisive. It also teaches your audience what to expect which raises saves and shares over time.
timing maps you can reuse
9–15s quick hit
- 0–2s hook
- 2–9s value beat one
- 9–13s value beat two
- 13–15s close + micro cta
20–30s deeper pass
- 0–3s hook
- 3–12s value beat one
- 12–22s value beat two
- 22–27s close
- 27–30s cta
Pick one length. Do not cram both into one cut.
the template sheet
Copy these lines into a note and fill them before you record.
hook
get [benefit] without [common pain]
value beat one
say [simple action]
show [short visual or screen]
proof [micro number or before → after]
value beat two
say [second action]
show [short visual]
proof [mini result]
close
repeat [benefit] in eight words or less
cta
ask [one step] with a clear path
Keep each sentence short. Read it out loud. If you run out of breath, cut words.
write hooks that buy the pause
Hooks that work are concrete and calm. Aim for seven to ten words. Pair the line with a visual cue so the point lands even on mute.
- cut edit time today with two moves
- send invoices that get paid on time
- three shots for clean product demos
- book better calls with one outline
On screen text should echo the win in under seven words. Place it high to avoid the app ui.
build tight value beats
Each beat delivers one action and one result. No tours. No feature lists. Teach the move then show the effect.
- say the action in plain words
- cut to the cursor or hands to guide the eye
- add a metric card or a quick side by side
- keep overlays short so faces and screens breathe
Examples
- step 1 set due dates on invoices. late fees drop.
- step 1 trim silence. the timeline is shorter by half.
- step 1 write the win first. the hook lands faster.
close and cta that feel natural
The close repeats the promise so memory sticks. The cta asks for one step that matches real intent. Use a soft tone. Keep the path clear.
- close now you draft faster with two moves
- cta save this template for your next clip
- cta grab the one page sheet in the bio
Avoid double asks like follow and download in one breath.
shot list for solo creators
Two or three angles are enough for pace.
- a roll face to camera for hook and close
- screen capture for steps with a cursor highlight
- cutaway hands on keyboard or product in hand
Mark shots in your script. Your edit will move faster and your beats will stay even.
captions and layout
Use large type. Six words max per overlay. Keep captions high so they do not collide with buttons. Reserve the bottom third for hands or product. When you flash a number, let it sit for a full second so the eye can read it.
voice and pacing
Speak like you coach a friend. One idea per sentence. Leave a small pause after the hook and before the cta. Keep music low under the voice. Silence for a beat can help a key visual land.
examples by niche
for a freelance video editor
- hook halve edit time with two trims
- value beat one cut dead air with ripple delete. timeline shrinks.
- value beat two map beats on a note. fewer recuts.
- close faster edits, cleaner flow
- cta save this for your next cut
for a copywriter
- hook double replies with one subject tweak
- value beat one lead with the outcome. inbox opens.
- value beat two use seven word limits. scan speed rises.
- close fewer dead threads this week
- cta grab the subject sheet in bio
for ecommerce
- hook lift checkout rate with one fix
- value beat one show shipping at cart. fewer surprises.
- value beat two auto fill address. less tap time.
- close smoother checkout, more orders
- cta save this and update your store
checklist before you post
- one promise only
- hook in the first second
- two steps not three
- clear proof frame
- close repeats the win
- single action cta
- text readable on a small screen
- audio under the voice
Small tweaks add up. Track saves, shares, and the first three second hold. Adjust the hook first, then beat one.
common mistakes and quick fixes
- stacked benefits pick one and keep the rest for new clips
- busy overlays use fewer words in larger type
- no proof add a number or a side by side
- music too loud lower it and leave a breath before the cta
- wandering camera lock framing or use simple crops
You now have a repeatable three beat template that fits short clips and scales to deeper passes when needed. If you want more angles to test for your opening line, pull ideas from a bank of viral TikTok ideas and pair them with this template for faster wins.
