Script Word Counter
Paste your YouTube script to get word count, estimated video duration, and speaking pace, instantly.
Speaking time is word count divided by your selected pace. Add your own allowance for pauses, B-roll, and silence.
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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?
At 140 to 150 words per minute, 10 minutes of spoken words is about 1,400 to 1,500 words. At 110 wpm it is 1,100 words; at 170 wpm it is 1,700. Enter your measured pace for a personal estimate.
How many words per minute does a YouTuber speak?
There is no single pace that fits every creator or format. This tool starts at 150 words per minute as an editable estimate. For a useful result, time a sample of your own delivery and enter that measured pace.
How long should a YouTube script be?
It depends on what the topic needs and on your measured speaking pace. Use the calculator for a runtime estimate, then remove padding rather than targeting a universal duration or retention benchmark.
Does script length affect YouTube retention?
Length can create script-level pacing risk when a topic is padded or rushed, but word count alone cannot predict published retention. Editing, delivery, topic, packaging, and distribution also affect the result.
How do I estimate video duration from word count?
Divide your word count by your measured speaking pace. For example, 1,500 words at 150 wpm is about 10 minutes of speaking. Pauses, B-roll, intros, transitions, and demonstrations are not included; measure those separately for your workflow.
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Paste your script, get your scores and the biggest leak for free. No login.