# Video Scripting & Production Strategy Guide

Comprehensive video scripting reference for LinkedIn thought leadership. This guide focuses on **scripting, pacing, and production workflow** — for general video format specs, algorithm data, technical requirements, editing tools, and thumbnail strategy, see `linkedin-formats.md` (Video Content Deep Dive section).

---

## Length-Specific Script Templates

### 30-Second Script (75 words)

**Use case:** Single punchy insight, reaction to news, quick tip.

```
[0:00-0:03] HOOK (8 words)
  Bold claim or pattern interrupt. No warm-up.
  Energy: HIGH — lean into camera.

[0:03-0:08] CONTEXT (15 words)
  One sentence: why this matters right now.

[0:08-0:25] INSIGHT (40 words)
  The one thing they need to know.
  Deliver with conviction. No hedging.

[0:25-0:30] CTA (12 words)
  Direct question or follow prompt.
```

**Pacing:** 2.5 words/second = 75 words total.
**Energy curve:** Start at 8/10, sustain at 7/10, end at 8/10.
**Visual cues:** 1 text overlay (hook keyword), 1 CTA overlay.

---

### 60-Second Script (150 words)

**Use case:** Framework intro, single lesson, "here's what I learned."

```
[0:00-0:03] HOOK (8 words)
  Pattern interrupt or bold claim.
  Energy: HIGH.

[0:03-0:10] CONTEXT (18 words)
  Brief setup: what happened or why this matters.
  Transition: "And here's the thing..."

[0:10-0:45] MAIN CONTENT (88 words)
  2 key points, ~44 words each.

  Point 1 [0:10-0:27]:
    State it. Explain why. Quick example.
    Transition: "But that's only half of it..."

  Point 2 [0:27-0:45]:
    State it. Explain why. Connect to point 1.
    Pause for emphasis before CTA.

[0:45-0:55] TAKEAWAY (24 words)
  "Here's what this means for you:"
  One clear actionable sentence.

[0:55-1:00] CTA (12 words)
  Engagement question or follow prompt.
```

**Pacing:** 2.5 words/second = 150 words total.
**Energy curve:** 8/10 → 6/10 → 7/10 → 8/10 (wave pattern).
**Visual cues:** Hook keyword, point numbers, takeaway highlight, CTA.

---

### 90-Second Script (225 words)

**Use case:** Complete framework, story with lesson, detailed insight. **This is the optimal LinkedIn video length.**

```
[0:00-0:03] HOOK (8 words)
  Pattern interrupt, bold claim, or stat shock.
  Energy: HIGH — this determines 70% of retention.

[0:03-0:12] CONTEXT (23 words)
  Why this matters. Brief personal connection.
  "I discovered this when..." / "After analyzing X..."

[0:12-0:65] MAIN CONTENT (133 words)
  3 key points, ~44 words each.

  Point 1 [0:12-0:30]:
    State the principle. Explain briefly.
    Real example or data point.
    Transition: "Second..."

  Point 2 [0:30-0:48]:
    State the principle. Why it matters.
    Counter-intuitive angle if possible.
    Transition: "And the most important one..."

  Point 3 [0:48-1:05]:
    The strongest point saved for last.
    Deliver with increased energy.
    Pause after for emphasis.

[1:05-1:20] TAKEAWAY (38 words)
  Synthesize all 3 points into one insight.
  "So here's what I want you to remember..."
  Add personal reflection: "This changed how I think about..."

[1:20-1:30] CTA (23 words)
  "Which of these resonates most with you?"
  Or: "Follow for more [topic] breakdowns."
```

**Pacing:** 2.5 words/second = 225 words total.
**Energy curve:** 8/10 → 6/10 → 7/10 → 6/10 → 8/10 → 7/10 (double wave).
**Visual cues:** Hook keyword, 3 point numbers, takeaway highlight, CTA.

---

### 2-Minute Script (300 words)

**Use case:** Detailed story, multi-step process, deep contrarian take. **Use sparingly — retention drops after 90s.**

```
[0:00-0:03] HOOK (8 words)
  Must be your strongest possible hook.
  At 2 minutes, you need extra retention power.

[0:03-0:15] STORY SETUP (30 words)
  Set the scene with specific details.
  Create tension or curiosity.
  "6 months ago, I was facing a problem..."

[0:15-1:30] MAIN CONTENT (188 words)
  3-4 key points, ~47 words each.

  Point 1 [0:15-0:35]:
    The foundation. Set the baseline.
    Use a concrete example.
    Transition naturally.

  Point 2 [0:35-0:55]:
    Build on point 1. Add complexity.
    "But here's where most people get it wrong..."

  Point 3 [0:55-1:15]:
    The revelation. The unexpected insight.
    This is your strongest moment.

  Point 4 (optional) [1:15-1:30]:
    Only if essential. Otherwise extend point 3.
    "And one more thing..."

[1:30-1:50] TRANSFORMATION (50 words)
  The "so what" — what changed because of these insights.
  Before/after contrast.
  Specific outcome or result.
  "Since implementing this, we've seen..."

[1:50-2:00] CTA (24 words)
  Strong engagement hook.
  "I'm curious — have you experienced this too?"
  "Save this if you want to try it."
```

**Pacing:** 2.5 words/second = 300 words total.
**Energy curve:** 8 → 7 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 7 → 6 → 8 (sustained wave).
**Visual cues:** Hook keyword, story context, point numbers, transformation stat, CTA.
**Warning:** Only use 2-minute format when the content genuinely requires the extra time. Most ideas fit better in 60-90 seconds.

---

## Format-Specific Production Guidance

### Talking Head

**Best for:** Personal stories, opinions, lessons learned, authenticity-building.

**Script style:**
- Conversational — write for the ear, not the eye
- Contractions: "I've found" not "I have found"
- Short sentences: max 15 words when spoken
- Direct address: "you" not "people"
- Personal pronouns: "I", "we", "my team"

**Visual cues to include in script:**
```
[CAM: direct]         — Look at camera (default)
[CAM: slight left]    — Break eye contact for storytelling
[CAM: lean in]        — Emphasize key point
[GESTURE: count]      — Use fingers for numbered points
[GESTURE: open hands] — Openness, invitation
[PAUSE: 1s]           — Let a point land
[ENERGY: up]          — Increase enthusiasm
[ENERGY: down]        — Slow for emphasis
```

**Production tips:**
- Film in natural light facing a window
- Eye-level camera on tripod
- Clean, non-distracting background
- Lavalier mic for consistent audio
- Film in one take if possible (authenticity > perfection)

---

### Screen Recording

**Best for:** Tool walkthroughs, demos, data analysis, process tutorials.

**Script style:**
- Instructional — clear, step-by-step narration
- Announce what you're about to do before doing it
- Narrate mouse movements: "I'll click on..." / "Notice how..."
- Pause between steps for viewer processing

**Visual cues to include in script:**
```
[SCREEN: show app]       — Full screen capture of application
[SCREEN: zoom to X]      — Zoom into specific UI element
[SCREEN: highlight X]    — Circle or arrow pointing to element
[CAM: picture-in-picture] — Small webcam overlay (corner)
[CAM: full]              — Switch to full webcam (for intro/outro)
[CURSOR: circle]         — Draw attention to cursor location
[TEXT: step N]            — On-screen step number
```

**Production tips:**
- Clean desktop, close notifications
- 1080p minimum, 1440p preferred
- Pre-load all tabs/apps before recording
- Use mouse highlights (pointer circle)
- Record voiceover separately if needed (cleaner audio)

---

### Slideshow / Visual Sequence

**Best for:** Frameworks, data visualization, step-by-step processes, lists.

**Script style:**
- Concise narration per slide — voiceover guiding the visual
- Each slide has a clear purpose statement
- Transitions are verbal: "Now let's look at..." / "Next..."
- Build suspense between slides

**Visual cues to include in script:**
```
[SLIDE: title]         — Title slide with hook text
[SLIDE: point N]       — Content slide with numbered point
[SLIDE: data]          — Chart, graph, or statistic
[SLIDE: comparison]    — Before/after or A vs B
[SLIDE: summary]       — Key takeaway recap
[SLIDE: CTA]           — Call-to-action slide
[TRANSITION: fade]     — Smooth transition between slides
[TRANSITION: cut]      — Hard cut for emphasis
[BUILD: animate]       — Reveal elements progressively
```

**Production tips:**
- 4:5 aspect ratio slides (1080x1350)
- Large text: 28pt+ body, 36pt+ headings
- Max 3 bullet points per slide
- Use brand-consistent colors
- Record narration after designing slides
- 3-5 seconds per slide minimum

**Programmatic video with Remotion:**
Slideshow/visual sequence videos can be generated directly from Claude Code using [Remotion](https://www.remotion.dev/) — a React framework for programmatic video creation. This is especially powerful for:
- Data-driven slides with dynamic content (stats, charts)
- Branded templates with consistent styling across videos
- Batch-generating multiple video variations from scripts
- Animated text overlays, transitions, and build sequences

When a script uses `[SLIDE:]`, `[BUILD: animate]`, or `[TRANSITION:]` cues, these map directly to Remotion components. The video-scripter agent's output can serve as a blueprint for a Remotion composition.

---

## 2026 Video Algorithm Nuances

### Completion Rate: The #1 Video Metric

LinkedIn's algorithm weights **completion rate** above all other video metrics. A 60-second video watched to the end outperforms a 2-minute video watched 50%.

**Completion rate targets:**
| Length | Target Rate | Signal |
|--------|------------|--------|
| 30s | 70%+ | Strong — short enough for most viewers |
| 60s | 55%+ | Good — 2026 sweet spot for depth vs completion |
| 90s | 45%+ | Risky — retention drops, only for complex frameworks |
| 2min | 35%+ | Dangerous — most viewers won't hit 30% completion gate |

**Critical (2026):** LinkedIn requires **30% minimum completion rate** or the video gets **zero distribution**. This makes shorter videos significantly safer. 60 seconds is the new recommended default.

**How to optimize:**
- Front-load the most interesting content (not chronological order)
- Use "open loops" — tease what's coming ("and the third one surprised me...")
- Vary pacing to prevent monotony
- Place visual changes every 5-7 seconds
- Strong hook → the 3-second test determines 70% of retention

### Vertical Video Preference

LinkedIn now strongly prefers vertical (4:5 at 1080x1350) video on mobile feeds. Vertical videos get approximately 20-30% more feed real estate than landscape.

### Native Upload Signals

- **Native upload** (direct to LinkedIn) vs link from YouTube/Vimeo: native gets 2-3x the distribution
- LinkedIn cannot index or optimize external video players
- Always upload the .mp4 file directly

### Caption Detection

LinkedIn's 2026 system can detect whether captions are present:
- Videos with burned-in or SRT captions get a distribution boost
- Auto-generated captions are now better but still imperfect
- Professional captions signal quality and effort
- Recommendation: Always add custom captions (not just auto-generated)

### Video + Text Caption Synergy

The text accompanying the video matters for algorithm classification:
- Write 200-400 character captions (not just a title)
- Include keywords matching your topical authority
- The caption should add context, not repeat the script
- Include a question or CTA in the caption for comment engagement

---

## Pacing Reference

### Words Per Second Targets

| Speaking Style | WPS | When to Use |
|---------------|-----|-------------|
| Slow/Deliberate | 2.0 | Key insights, emotional moments |
| Normal/Conversational | 2.5 | Default for most content |
| Energized/Excited | 3.0 | Enthusiasm moments, lists |
| Rapid (briefly) | 3.5 | Quick asides, building energy |

**Default:** Script at 2.5 wps. Most people speak slightly faster than they think.

### Length-to-Word-Count Mapping

| Duration | Words at 2.5 wps |
|----------|------------------|
| 30 seconds | 75 words |
| 45 seconds | 113 words |
| 60 seconds | 150 words |
| 90 seconds | 225 words |
| 2 minutes | 300 words |

### Pause Placement

Strategic pauses increase perceived authority and improve comprehension:

- **After the hook** — 0.5s pause lets it land
- **Before each key point** — 0.5s signals "pay attention"
- **After a surprising statement** — 1.0s pause for impact
- **Before the CTA** — 0.5s shift in energy
- **After numbers/data** — 0.5s for processing

### Energy Curve Patterns

**Single Wave (30-60s):**
```
Energy: 8 → 6 → 7 → 8
         hook  body  take  CTA
```

**Double Wave (90s):**
```
Energy: 8 → 6 → 7 → 6 → 8 → 7
         hook p1   p2  p3  take CTA
```

**Sustained Wave (2min):**
```
Energy: 8 → 7 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 7 → 6 → 8
         hook story p1  p2  p3  transform CTA
```

Never maintain flat energy — monotone kills retention faster than anything.

---

## Video-Specific Hook Techniques

### Lean-In Start

Open mid-thought, as if the camera caught you in the middle of an idea:

- "...and that's exactly why this doesn't work."
- "...so I tested it. And the results were not what I expected."
- "...which brings me to the one thing nobody talks about."

**Why it works:** Pattern interrupt. Viewers feel they walked into something already happening — curiosity forces them to keep watching.

### Mid-Sentence Open

Start speaking before the video visually begins (cut the first 0.5s of silence):

- Camera already rolling, you're already talking
- No "settle in" moment — instant engagement
- Signals confidence and energy

### Visual Hook

Use a prop, on-screen text, or unexpected visual in the first frame:

- Hold up a whiteboard with a surprising stat
- On-screen text: "This changed everything" (before you speak)
- Unexpected background or setting
- Something physically happening (writing, drawing, showing)

### Stat Shock

Open with a number that demands attention:

- "87% of AI projects fail before reaching production."
- "I analyzed 200 LinkedIn posts. Only 3 formats actually work."
- "The average LinkedIn user scrolls past 300 posts per day."

### Direct Challenge

Challenge a common belief or practice immediately:

- "Stop posting motivational quotes on LinkedIn."
- "Your 'thought leadership' content isn't leading anyone's thoughts."
- "The advice to 'post daily' is destroying your credibility."

---

## Video Content Calendar Integration

### Frequency Guidelines

Optimal mix when incorporating video:
- **1 video per 4-5 text posts** — video as accent, not primary format
- **Maximum 2 videos per week** — quality over quantity
- **Best days:** Tuesday-Thursday (higher professional engagement)
- **Best times:** 8-9 AM or 12-1 PM in your audience's timezone
- **Avoid:** Mondays (low engagement) and Fridays (early drop-off)

### Content Type Rotation

When planning video alongside text posts, alternate types:

```
Week example:
  Mon: Text post (educational)
  Tue: VIDEO — talking head (personal insight)
  Wed: Text post (contrarian take)
  Thu: Text post (framework)
  Fri: (optional) Text post or rest day
```

Never post two videos back-to-back — each needs time to gain traction.

### Seasonal Video Opportunities

- **January:** Goal-setting, prediction videos
- **Q1:** Strategy/planning content
- **Conference season:** Behind-the-scenes, key takeaway summaries
- **Q3:** Mid-year reviews, pivot stories
- **Q4:** Year-in-review, lessons learned
- **Breaking news:** Quick reaction videos (30s format)

---

## Caption/Subtitle Best Practices

### Why Captions Are Non-Negotiable

- **85%+ of LinkedIn users watch video without sound**
- Captions increase watch time by 12-15%
- Algorithm detects caption presence and rewards it
- Accessibility compliance (critical for professional content)

### Caption Scripting Rules

Write captions alongside the script, not after:

1. **Sync points:** Mark where each caption line starts/ends
2. **Line length:** Maximum 2 lines, 42 characters per line
3. **Reading speed:** 150-180 words per minute (slower than speech)
4. **Key words:** Bold or highlight critical terms
5. **Numbers:** Write as digits ("3 steps" not "three steps")
6. **Punctuation:** Use periods and commas for pacing. Never ALL CAPS for entire sentences.

### Caption Formatting

```
Good caption flow:
  "I tested this with 50 companies."     [2s]
  "Only 12 succeeded."                   [1.5s]
  "Here's what separated them."          [1.5s]

Bad caption flow:
  "I tested this with 50 companies and only 12 succeeded here's what separated them" [5s]
```

### Caption Style Options

| Style | When to Use | Example |
|-------|-------------|---------|
| **Minimal** | Talking head, clean aesthetic | White text, no background |
| **Highlighted** | Key words need emphasis | Word-by-word highlight animation |
| **Boxed** | Busy backgrounds | Dark semi-transparent box behind text |
| **Branded** | Series content | Your brand colors, consistent font |

---

## First-Comment Strategy for Video Posts

### Why First Comment Matters More for Video

Video posts get fewer organic comments than text posts. A strong first comment:
- Adds context the video couldn't cover
- Provides a text-searchable summary (SEO)
- Gives algorithm additional engagement signal
- Creates a conversation anchor

### First Comment Templates for Video

**Template 1: Extended Insight**
```
For context on this video:

[1-2 sentences expanding on a point you didn't have time to cover]

The TL;DW (too long, didn't watch):
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]

What would you add to this list?
```

**Template 2: Behind the Scenes**
```
Behind the scenes on this one:

[What prompted you to make this video]
[Something you cut from the script]

Drop a comment if you've experienced this too.
```

**Template 3: Resource Link**
```
I wrote a detailed breakdown of this on my profile.

Key resources mentioned:
- [Resource 1 — described, not linked]
- [Resource 2 — described, not linked]

Full article in my Featured section.
```

### Timing

Post the first comment **immediately** after the video goes live — within 30 seconds. Have it pre-written and ready to paste.

---

## Script Output Format

Every video script should follow this standardized output structure:

```
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
VIDEO SCRIPT: [Title]
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Type:     [talking head / screen recording / slideshow]
Length:   [30s / 60s / 90s / 2min]
Words:    [count] (at 2.5 wps)
Topic:    [content pillar alignment]
Angle:    [from 8 thought leadership angles]

━━━ SCRIPT ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[Full script with timing markers, visual cues,
 energy cues, and transition markers]

━━━ CAPTIONS ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[Line-by-line caption text with timing]

━━━ POST CAPTION ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[200-400 char text to accompany the video post]

━━━ THUMBNAIL ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Expression: [description of ideal facial expression]
Text overlay: [3-5 words for thumbnail text]
Style: [minimal / branded / text-heavy]

━━━ FIRST COMMENT ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[Pre-written first comment — post within 30s of video going live]

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
```
