Script Word Counter
Paste your YouTube script to get word count, estimated video duration, and speaking pace, instantly.
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Script Length Reference
| Video Length | Word Count | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| < 1 min (Shorts) | 100-150 | YouTube Shorts, TikTok reposts |
| 3-5 min | 450-750 | Quick tips, news, reactions |
| 8-12 min | 1,200-1,800 | Standard videos, tutorials, reviews |
| 15-20 min | 2,250-3,000 | Deep dives, guides, essays |
| 30+ min | 4,500+ | Documentaries, courses, podcasts |
Need an exact number for a specific length? The words-to-minutes table lists every length from 1 to 60 minutes at three speaking paces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words is a 10-minute YouTube script?
About 1,400 to 1,500 words at an average speaking pace of 140 to 150 words per minute. Slow narrators (110 wpm) need about 1,100 words; fast talkers (170 wpm) need about 1,700.
How many words per minute does a YouTuber speak?
The average YouTuber speaks at 150-160 words per minute. Fast-paced creators (tech, commentary) hit 170-180 wpm. Slower, deliberate creators (education, storytelling) are around 130-140 wpm. This tool uses 150 wpm as default but lets you adjust.
How long should a YouTube script be?
It depends on your niche. For most topics, 8-12 minutes (1,200-1,800 words) is the sweet spot for ad revenue and retention. Shorts scripts should be under 150 words. Tutorials can go longer (15-20 min) if the content demands it.
Does script length affect YouTube retention?
Yes. Scripts that are too long for their content cause viewer drop-off. Scripts that are too short leave ad revenue on the table. The key is matching your word count to the depth of your topic, not padding or cutting for an arbitrary length.
How do I estimate video duration from word count?
Divide your word count by your speaking pace (words per minute). A 1,500-word script at 150 wpm = ~10 minutes of speaking. Add 10-20% for pauses, B-roll, and intros to get your final video duration.
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