The biggest scriptwriting mistake creators make with Shorts
A great script = a great Short, right?
WRONG.
This is the single biggest mistake every writer makes when they start scripting Shorts, Reels, or TikToks:
Writing For A “Reader.” Not For A “Viewer.”
When you write a beautiful script and read it word-for-word on camera…
Guess what happens? Nobody watches.
Why?
Because video is not just a LinkedIn post that happens to be filmed. A great video hook grabs attention with words, images, and sound. Video is 3-dimensional.
And when you nail the words but completely ignore:
Visuals (what’s on screen)
Sounds (music, effects, pacing)
The video flops.
Which is why it’s so important learn how to write not only a good hook, but also a good video hook.
Hook Your “Viewer” In The First 3 Seconds With These Dead-Simple Techniques
Think about the last movie you watched.
How did it start? Did the main character sit down and explain the plot? Of course not.
Something happened.
A car chase.
A mysterious phone call.
A giant ship is moving through space.
The same principle applies to short-form video.
And the best way to explain this is to show you.
So, let’s look at 3 very simple, but effective examples.
Example #1: Zoom Cuts
Open with a quick zoom in or out on your face.
This makes your video feel more dynamic, even if nothing else is changing. Most people don’t consciously notice this, but their brain does.
To do this, add a 10-20% zoom-in effect to the first image in your video.
It’s a tiny change—but it instantly makes your video feel more engaging.
Example #2: On Screen Text
People process text 60x FASTER than visuals.
The captions help you reinforce your message.
Italics for intrigue
ALL CAPS for attention
Change the color of different words
When you add intentional formatting, you control how the viewer consumes your video.
Each psychological cue keeps the viewer’s brain engaged.
Just like I did above.
Example #3: A Visual Payoff
Viewers care about one thing: what’s in it for them.
With video, you can tell them and you can physically show them.
In the above Short, I do both.
The book does two things:
It signals that I’m about to recommend a book (the payoff).
I don’t reveal the title right away, which keeps people watching.
When paired with a proven hook, this combo is powerful.
Which is why this is my 2nd most-viewed short.
Want To Make Video Hooks Effortless?
Inside AI Shorts Studio, we give you the AI prompts that transform your text-based ideas into high-retention video hooks.
Join the Write With AI Founding Member Plan (and be the first to get your hands on AI Shorts Studio).
When you do, you get access to:
All 5 modules of AI Shorts Studio (starting March 17th)
The Digital Course Creation Prompt Library bonus (on March 17th)
Plus everything else inside WWAI (250+ AI prompts for ALL your writing needs, 10 products / mini-courses, and plans for more!)
The Founding Member plan is $349 per year, with the option to renew annually.
Right now, AI Shorts Studio is only available inside the Founding Member Plan. We haven’t decided if it will be sold separately later—but if we do, it won’t be any cheaper.
Chat soon,
—Dickie & Cole
Co-Founders of Ship 30 For 30
Co-Founders of Premium Ghostwriting Academy
Co-Founders of Typeshare
Co-Founders of Write With AI
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