Digital Marketing & Social Media Management · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 4: Short-Form Video for TikTok and Reels · Lesson 1 of 3

Scripting Videos That Hold Attention

Write short scripts with a hook in the first seconds and a clear point.

In this lesson you will

  • Write a hook–value–call-to-action script
  • Plan shots on a simple storyboard

Key concepts

hookretentionstoryboardtrend vs evergreen

The lesson

Short videos on TikTok, Reels and YouTube Shorts are where many young customers discover businesses. People decide within the first two seconds whether to keep watching, so start with a hook: a question, a surprising result or the product in action.

A simple script structure is hook, value, call to action. For a tailoring business: 'Turn one piece of chitenge into three outfits' (hook), show the steps (value), 'Order yours on WhatsApp' (call to action).

A storyboard plans each shot on paper — a few boxes with a sketch and a note — so filming takes minutes instead of hours.

Step by step

  1. Write three possible hooks and choose the strongest.
  2. Outline the value section in three to five shots.
  3. Write the call to action.
  4. Sketch a simple storyboard.

Practice activity

Write two 30-second scripts for your business: one tip video and one behind-the-scenes video.

Expected result: Two scripts with simple storyboards, reviewed and approved.

Check your understanding

  1. Where should the hook appear in a short video?

    Show answer

    In the first two or three seconds.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.