How to Time Your Video Script
Timing your script is crucial for creating professional videos and podcasts. Our free script timer helps you calculate exactly how long it will take to read your content at different speaking speeds. Simply paste your script into the text box above, select your preferred speaking speed (Slow, Normal, Fast, or Custom), and instantly see the estimated reading time.
The tool automatically counts your words and calculates the duration based on industry-standard Words Per Minute (WPM) rates. This is perfect for YouTubers planning video length, podcasters managing episode duration, or voice actors preparing for recording sessions.
Understanding Speaking Speeds
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Slow (130 WPM): Ideal for educational content, tutorials, or when explaining complex topics. Gives viewers time to absorb information.
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Normal (150 WPM): The standard conversational pace. Perfect for most YouTube videos, vlogs, and general content.
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Fast (180 WPM): Energetic and dynamic. Great for entertainment content, news, or when you want to maintain high energy.
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Custom: Set your own WPM if you know your natural speaking pace. Professional voice actors often have specific rates.
Tips for Writing Timed Scripts
- Plan Your Target Duration: Decide how long you want your video to be before writing. YouTube videos perform best between 7-15 minutes for most niches.
- Account for Pauses: The timer shows pure reading time. Add 10-20% extra for natural pauses, breaths, and emphasis.
- Test Your Natural Pace: Record yourself reading a sample script and count your actual WPM. Use this as your custom speed for accurate timing.
- Consider B-Roll Time: If your video includes visual demonstrations or B-roll footage, your actual video will be longer than the script reading time.
- Adjust for Your Audience: Educational content benefits from slower pacing, while entertainment can be faster. Know your audience's preferences.
Start Timing Your Scripts Now
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