Script Word Counter
Paste your YouTube script to get word count, estimated video duration, and speaking pace — instantly.
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Word count is just the start
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