Prompting for Video
Using AI to write video scripts, YouTube content, and short-form video prompts.
AI can be a powerful co-creator for video content. Whether you're making YouTube long-form videos, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or professional explainer videos, AI can help with scripting, structuring, titling, and even generating visual directions for each scene.
Video Content Prompt Templates
YouTube Script: Write a 5-minute YouTube script about [topic] for [audience]. Hook the viewer in the first 15 seconds. Include a hook, 3 key points, and a strong CTA at the end. Conversational, energetic tone.
YouTube Shorts: Write a 60-second YouTube Shorts script about [topic] that starts with a shocking statement, explains briefly, and ends with a question to drive comments.
Video Title & Thumbnails: Generate 10 YouTube video title ideas for a video about [topic]. Make them curiosity-driven and include power words. Also suggest a thumbnail concept for the best title.
Explainer Video: Write a clean, simple explainer video script (90 seconds) about [concept] for beginners. Use the PAS format: Problem, Agitate, Solution.
Example: Viral YouTube Shorts Prompt
A proven template for prompting a viral short-form video script:
You are an expert YouTube Shorts scriptwriter with 1M+ subscriber experience.
Write a 45-60 second script for a YouTube Short about:
Topic: 'The one AI prompt that saves 2 hours every day'
Target audience: Working professionals aged 25-40
Requirements:
- First line must be a bold, surprising Hook (no 'Hi I'm...' intros)
- Keep sentences short (max 10 words each)
- End with a question that encourages comments
- Add [VISUAL] directions for each scene change
- Total word count: 120-150 wordsAI for Video Thumbnails
Use image prompting AI (Midjourney, DALL-E) alongside video scripts. After generating your script, prompt: 'Based on this script, suggest a thumbnail concept with a bold text overlay, expressive face, and a bright background.' Then use that concept in Canva or Photoshop.