---
template_type: video_script
category: youtube_educational
use_case: In-depth topic explanation for YouTube
time_to_complete: 3-4 hours
difficulty: intermediate
engagement_potential: high
best_for:
  - Authority building
  - YouTube growth
  - Educational content
  - SEO traffic
tags:
  - youtube
  - educational
  - long-form
  - seo
  - explainer
---

# YouTube Explainer Video Script Template

**Video Title**: [How to/Why/What Is] [Topic]: [Specific Benefit] ([Year])  
**Target Length**: 8-15 minutes  
**Thumbnail Text**: [3-5 words max]

---

## Pre-Production Checklist

- [ ] Keyword research completed
- [ ] Title optimized for search
- [ ] Thumbnail concept designed
- [ ] Script written and timed
- [ ] B-roll list created
- [ ] Graphics/animations planned
- [ ] Music selected
- [ ] Equipment tested

---

## Video Structure

### HOOK (0:00-0:15) - 15 seconds

**[ON SCREEN]**: [Eye-catching visual or text]

**YOU**: [Compelling opening line that creates curiosity or states a bold claim]

**Example**:  
"I spent $10,000 testing this so you don't have to. Here's what actually works."

**[SHOW]**: [Quick preview of results/transformation]

---

### INTRO (0:15-0:45) - 30 seconds

**YOU**: Hey, I'm [Name], and in this video, I'm going to show you [specific promise].

**[ON SCREEN]**: [Your name/channel name]

**YOU**: By the end of this video, you'll know:
- [Benefit 1]
- [Benefit 2]
- [Benefit 3]

**[PATTERN INTERRUPT]**: [Quick visual or sound effect]

**YOU**: But first, if you're new here, I [your unique value proposition]. So if that sounds interesting, make sure to subscribe.

**[ON SCREEN]**: [Subscribe animation]

**YOU**: Alright, let's dive in.

---

### CONTEXT (0:45-2:00) - 75 seconds

**YOU**: So before we get into [main topic], let me give you some context.

**[EXPLAIN]**: Why this topic matters, the problem it solves, or why you're qualified to teach it

**[B-ROLL]**: [Relevant footage or graphics]

**YOU**: [Share a brief personal story or statistic that establishes relevance]

**[TRANSITION]**: Okay, so now that you understand why this matters, let's talk about [main topic].

---

### MAIN CONTENT - PART 1 (2:00-5:00) - 3 minutes

**[CHAPTER MARKER]**: Part 1: [Section Title]

**YOU**: The first thing you need to understand is [key concept].

**[ON SCREEN]**: [Key concept as text or graphic]

**[EXPLAIN]**: Break down the concept with examples

**[B-ROLL]**: [Demonstrations, examples, or relevant footage]

**YOU**: Here's a real example of this in action...

**[SHOW]**: [Specific example with visuals]

**YOU**: Now, here's where most people mess this up...

**[EXPLAIN]**: Common mistake and how to avoid it

**[TRANSITION]**: Which brings us to the next part...

---

### MAIN CONTENT - PART 2 (5:00-8:00) - 3 minutes

**[CHAPTER MARKER]**: Part 2: [Section Title]

**YOU**: Now that you understand [Part 1], let's talk about [Part 2].

**[REPEAT STRUCTURE]**:
- Introduce concept
- Explain with examples
- Show demonstrations
- Address common mistakes
- Provide actionable tips

**[ENGAGEMENT PROMPT]**: 
**YOU**: Quick question: Have you tried this before? Let me know in the comments.

---

### MAIN CONTENT - PART 3 (8:00-11:00) - 3 minutes

**[CHAPTER MARKER]**: Part 3: [Section Title]

**YOU**: Okay, this is the part everyone asks about...

**[CONTINUE PATTERN]**:
- Advanced technique or final piece
- Step-by-step walkthrough
- Pro tips
- What to avoid

---

### BONUS TIP (11:00-12:00) - 60 seconds

**YOU**: Before we wrap up, here's a bonus tip that most people don't know...

**[SHARE]**: One extra valuable insight

**[ON SCREEN]**: [Bonus tip highlighted]

---

### RECAP (12:00-13:00) - 60 seconds

**YOU**: Alright, let's quickly recap what we covered:

**[ON SCREEN]**: [Bullet points appear as you speak]

**YOU**:
- First, we talked about [Part 1 summary]
- Then, we covered [Part 2 summary]
- And finally, [Part 3 summary]

---

### CALL TO ACTION (13:00-13:30) - 30 seconds

**YOU**: If you want to learn more about [related topic], check out this video right here.

**[ON SCREEN]**: [End screen with video recommendation]

**YOU**: And if you found this helpful, make sure to like this video and subscribe for more [type of content].

**[ON SCREEN]**: [Like and subscribe animations]

---

### OUTRO (13:30-14:00) - 30 seconds

**YOU**: Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next one!

**[ON SCREEN]**: [End screen with:
- Subscribe button
- Recommended video
- Playlist
- Social media links]

**[MUSIC]**: [Outro music fades in]

---

## YouTube SEO Optimization

### Title Formula
[Keyword] + [Benefit/Outcome] + [Year/Timeframe]

**Examples**:
- "How to [Skill]: Complete Guide for Beginners (2026)"
- "[Topic] Explained: Everything You Need to Know"
- "I Tried [X] for [Timeframe] - Here's What Happened"

### Description Template

```
[First 2-3 sentences with keyword and value proposition]

In this video, you'll learn:
⏱️ 0:00 - Intro
⏱️ 0:45 - [Chapter 1]
⏱️ 2:00 - [Chapter 2]
⏱️ 5:00 - [Chapter 3]
⏱️ 8:00 - [Chapter 4]
⏱️ 11:00 - Bonus Tip
⏱️ 12:00 - Recap

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- [Resource 1]: [Link]
- [Resource 2]: [Link]
- [Resource 3]: [Link]

📚 RELATED VIDEOS:
- [Video 1]: [Link]
- [Video 2]: [Link]

👋 ABOUT ME:
[Brief bio with credibility markers]

📱 CONNECT WITH ME:
- Instagram: [Handle]
- Twitter: [Handle]
- Website: [URL]

#[Keyword] #[RelatedKeyword] #[Category]

[Longer description with keyword variations and related terms]
```

### Tags (15-20)
- [Primary keyword]
- [Primary keyword variation]
- [Secondary keyword]
- [Related topic 1]
- [Related topic 2]
- [Your channel name]
- [Category tags]
- [Broad category]

---

## Thumbnail Checklist

- [ ] High contrast colors
- [ ] Large, readable text (3-5 words max)
- [ ] Your face (if applicable) with expressive emotion
- [ ] Bright, eye-catching design
- [ ] Consistent with channel branding
- [ ] Looks good at small size
- [ ] Different from competitors
- [ ] No clickbait (delivers on promise)

---

## Engagement Optimization

### Pattern Interrupts (Every 30-60 seconds)
- Visual effects
- Sound effects
- Camera angle changes
- B-roll footage
- Graphics/text overlays
- Zoom ins/outs
- Music changes

### Retention Hooks
- **0:00-0:15**: Strong hook
- **2:00**: First retention dip - add engagement
- **5:00**: Mid-video hook or tease
- **8:00**: Bonus content tease
- **End**: Strong CTA and end screen

### Engagement Prompts
- Ask questions in comments
- Polls in community tab
- "Comment [X] if you agree"
- "Let me know your experience"
- "What should I cover next?"

---

## Production Notes

### Camera Setup
- **Framing**: Rule of thirds
- **Lighting**: Three-point lighting
- **Background**: Clean, branded, or relevant
- **Audio**: Lapel mic or shotgun mic

### B-Roll Needs
- [List specific B-roll shots needed]
- [Screen recordings]
- [Product shots]
- [Demonstration footage]
- [Stock footage]

### Graphics/Animations
- [Lower thirds with key points]
- [Animated bullet points]
- [Comparison charts]
- [Step-by-step graphics]
- [Subscribe animations]

### Music
- **Intro**: [Upbeat, energetic]
- **Main content**: [Subtle background]
- **Outro**: [Upbeat, memorable]

---

## Post-Production Checklist

- [ ] Color correction applied
- [ ] Audio levels balanced
- [ ] Background music mixed
- [ ] Captions/subtitles added
- [ ] Graphics/text overlays added
- [ ] Transitions smooth
- [ ] End screen elements added
- [ ] Chapter markers set
- [ ] Thumbnail created
- [ ] Title optimized
- [ ] Description written
- [ ] Tags added
- [ ] Cards added (2-3 per video)

---

## Publishing Checklist

- [ ] Video uploaded
- [ ] Title optimized (under 60 characters)
- [ ] Description complete with timestamps
- [ ] Tags added
- [ ] Thumbnail uploaded
- [ ] End screen configured
- [ ] Cards added
- [ ] Playlist added to
- [ ] Visibility set (public/unlisted/scheduled)
- [ ] Premiere scheduled (if applicable)
- [ ] Community post created
- [ ] Social media posts scheduled
- [ ] Email list notified

---

## Performance Metrics

### Track These
- **CTR (Click-Through Rate)**: Target 4-10%
- **Average View Duration**: Target 50%+
- **Watch Time**: Total minutes watched
- **Engagement Rate**: Likes, comments, shares
- **Subscriber Conversion**: New subs per view

### Optimization
- A/B test thumbnails
- Analyze retention graph
- Improve weak points
- Study top-performing videos
- Iterate on format

---

**Template Version**: 1.0  
**Last Updated**: January 2026  
**Platform**: YouTube
