How Many Words Should You Include in 60 Seconds Video?

"How many words should I use in my video?"

This is a common question, especially if you're new to video production. Finding the right balance for your video's word count can be tricky.

Using too many words can make it hard for viewers to grasp your message. On the other hand, if your video has too few words, it can become monotonous and unengaging. Neither of these scenarios makes for an enjoyable viewing experience, and you might miss out on the persuasive impact that videos can have.

But when you nail the perfect word count for your video, that's when the magic happens.

How Many Words Can Fit in a 60-Second Video?

People who talk really quickly can say as many as 155 words in a minute. But unless they're rapping toa beat, there will be moments of silence in the conversation, which will eat up a few seconds. So, in the end, the total number of words in a minute will be less than 150. So, how many words do you need for a 1-minute video? On average, most people will speak somewhere between 100 and 140 words in a minute, and it depends on what they're talking about and how fast they speak. So, your one-minute video will likely have that many words in it.

How Many Words Per Minute Can People Understand?

Language experts say that humans can process around 500 spoken words in a minute, which is quite a lot. If you spoke at that speed in your video, it would sound like it's playing at double the usual rate.

However, it's not just about sounding normal in your video. You also don't want to push your audience's language processing abilities to the limit. They might understand the words you're saying, but they won't have any mental energy left to grasp and remember your message.

It's a good idea to speak much slower than the maximum processing speed of your audience. This way, they can actually understand and retain the information you're presenting.

How to Make Sure You Convey the Complete Message in 60 Seconds

Create Video Outline

The script's outline shows you where to begin and end, giving you a clear idea. It helps you arrange your thoughts in a logical order and makes sure your script goes smoothly. You'll refer to this outline when you fine-tune your talking points to make sure they're what you need.

Define the Purpose of the Video

Why are you producing the video? What message do you intend to convey? Who is the video intended for? For instance, if you're making a video about a complex subject for an informed audience, there's no need to spend words on things they already understand. But if the viewers are not well-versed in the topic, you'll want to clarify any specialized words and technical terms used in the script.

Use Engaging Hook

Most viewers have a short attention span, typically around a minute. However, if you don't give them a good reason to keep watching the video, they can quickly lose interest. To grab their attention and get them to watch the whole video, it's important to start with a strong hook.

There are several effective hooks you can use in your script, like jokes, questions, or intriguing information that makes them ponder the topic. Just make sure that the information you include is relevant to the subject and ties into what the viewer will discover in the video.

Also read: How to Extract Subtitle From Videos Quickly (2023 Guide)

Use the Power of Storytelling

Stories stick in our memory better than numbers and solid facts. Although it varies based on the subject. Craft a narrative using an experience, your imagination, or a tangible object for the topic.

End with Clear CTA

Make sure your video includes a clear and direct CTA for the viewer on what to do next. Whether it's visiting your website, subscribing to your channel, or purchasing your product, ensure it's straightforward and simple for them to take the next step.

Edit and Improve Your 60-Second Video

Use Visuals

If you've written your script and find it's filled with too many words, it's a good moment to harness the strength of video. Keep in mind that you can display information visually instead of saying it. Often, it's more effective to demonstrate rather than explain.

If possible, transform some of your dialogue into visuals. This is the simplest way to reduce the number of words without omitting important details.

Split Messages into Multiple Videos

If you're struggling to control your word count, consider splitting your message into multiple videos. This makes it easier for viewers to understand what you're conveying, and it reduces the overwhelming feeling of a large topic.

This is a useful approach whenever you have a substantial topic or a complex message, such as a set of training or how-to videos or a workplace policy guide.

Creating a series of videos on an extensive subject also provides an opportunity to establish a long-term connection with your audience. As people become accustomed to the series, they'll feel more engaged with it. They'll anticipate each new installment and keep returning for more.

Also read: How to Repurpose Your Video Content to Gain Maximum Reach

Polish and Practice

Making excellent60-second videos requires lots of practice and careful refining. After editing your script, practice delivering it multiple times. This process helps improve your delivery and ensures that you can convey the message within the specified time. At times, you might only need to talk a bit quicker, trim some pauses, and eliminate filler words to make the message fit within the allotted time.

Wrapping Up

So, how many words should you use in a one-minute video? The word count for videos of this length can vary considerably, but it's generally acceptable to have between 100 and 150 words. Advertisements and demonstrations may use even fewer words, as they focus on showcasing products or concepts that viewers should explore. You can utilize video word counter to keep track of the number of words you include.

It's crucial to keep the word count in mind whenever you create content for a video of this duration. Ensure that your message is fully conveyed, that your audience remains engaged throughout your presentation, and that they can take action after watching your content.

If you're producing a professional advertisement or video, you might consider seeking assistance from a video production company or a editing service to identify the key points of your script and deliver them effectively.