Video Script Timer
This tool estimates the spoken duration of a video script by analyzing word count against adjustable speaking rate settings, giving video producers, ad creatives, and content creators an accurate length estimate before going into production. It is useful for keeping ad scripts within platform or broadcast time limits, for matching script length to a target video duration, and for identifying scripts that are too long before a voiceover recording session. The tool adjusts for different delivery paces — fast, conversational, and deliberate — so the estimate matches your intended read.
Inputs
Results
How this is calculated
Paste your script text, select your desired speaking pace, and the timer calculates the estimated spoken duration in minutes and seconds along with the word count and reading pace in words per minute.
Every model runs locally in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
How many words fit in a 30-second video script?
A natural conversational speaking pace for voiceover and video is approximately 130 to 150 words per minute. At this pace, a 30-second video script is approximately 65 to 75 words. A faster energetic read at 160 words per minute fits about 80 words in 30 seconds. A slower, deliberate read at 110 words per minute fits about 55 words. Ad scripts for broadcast television typically target 125 to 135 words per minute to allow for natural delivery without sounding rushed.
How long should a YouTube video script be?
YouTube video length should be driven by content requirements rather than a fixed word count, but useful benchmarks help with planning. A 5-minute tutorial video at a natural speaking pace requires approximately 650 to 750 words of scripted content. A 10-minute review or explainer requires approximately 1,300 to 1,500 words. Longer videos need pacing variation — mixing faster and slower delivery, music passages, b-roll sections without voiceover — which this timer accounts for through the adjustable pace setting.
What speaking pace should I use for different video types?
Voiceover for television commercials typically uses 125 to 140 words per minute. Corporate explainer videos and training content are usually recorded at 120 to 135 words per minute to ensure comprehension. YouTube content creators often speak at 140 to 170 words per minute, with natural variation. Podcast-style talking-head videos tend to use a conversational pace of 130 to 150 words per minute. Setting the pace in this tool to match your planned delivery ensures the length estimate is accurate for your production.