How to Write YouTube Scripts with ChatGPT (Prompts & Templates)

ChatGPT can write YouTube scripts in seconds, but most creators use it wrong. Here are the exact prompts and techniques that produce scripts viewers actually watch.

The Problem with Generic Prompts

"Write me a YouTube script about X" produces garbage. The output is generic, boring, and sounds robotic. You need structure.

The Perfect Script Framework

Every viral YouTube script follows this structure:

1. Hook (0-5 seconds): Stop the scroll
2. Setup (5-30 seconds): Why should they care?
3. Content (bulk): Deliver value
4. CTA (end): What should they do next?

Prompt Templates That Work

1. The Master Script Prompt

You are a YouTube scriptwriter for faceless channels. Write a [X minute] script about [TOPIC].

Structure:
- Hook: Start with a surprising fact, question, or bold statement. NO greetings.
- Problem/Setup: Why this matters to the viewer
- Main Content: [3-5] key points with examples
- Conclusion: Summarize + call to action

Style:
- Conversational, like talking to a friend
- Use contractions (don't, won't, can't)
- Short sentences. Punchy paragraphs.
- Add [PAUSE] where I should take a breath
- Include [B-ROLL: description] for visual cues

Target audience: [describe your audience]
Tone: [casual/professional/dramatic/educational]

2. The Hook Generator

Generate 10 YouTube hooks for a video about [TOPIC].

Each hook should:
- Be under 10 words
- Create curiosity or urgency
- NOT start with "Hey guys" or "In this video"
- Use one of these formulas:
  * Surprising statistic
  * Bold contrarian claim
  * Direct question
  * "Most people don't know..."
  * Warning/consequence

Output format:
1. [Hook] - [Why it works]

3. The Title & Description Combo

Create 5 YouTube titles and a description for a video about [TOPIC].

Title requirements:
- Under 60 characters
- Include main keyword naturally
- Use power words (Secret, Ultimate, Actually, etc.)
- Create curiosity gap

Description structure:
- Line 1: Hook (what they'll learn)
- Line 2: Blank
- Line 3-5: Key points with timestamps
- Line 6: Blank
- Line 7: Links/resources
- Line 8: Hashtags (3-5 relevant)

Keywords to include: [your keywords]

4. The Reddit Story Cleaner

Clean up this Reddit post for YouTube narration:

Rules:
- Fix grammar and spelling
- Remove "throwaway account" and Reddit jargon
- Add dramatic pauses with "..."
- Break into short paragraphs
- Keep the original voice and emotion
- Add a hook before the story starts

Story:
[paste Reddit post]

5. The Comparison Script

Write a [X minute] comparison video script: [Tool A] vs [Tool B]

Structure:
1. Hook: The verdict upfront (which is better and why)
2. Quick overview of both tools
3. Compare on these factors:
   - [Factor 1]
   - [Factor 2]
   - [Factor 3]
   - Pricing
4. Who should use which
5. My recommendation

Style: Fair, balanced, but give a clear winner. Include specific examples.

Advanced Techniques

Chain Prompting for Better Scripts

Don't ask for the whole script at once. Break it down:

1. First prompt: Generate 10 hooks
2. Pick the best hook, then: "Expand this hook into a 30-second intro"
3. Then: "Now write the main content section about [specific point]"
4. Finally: "Write a CTA that flows naturally from [last paragraph]"

Training ChatGPT on Your Style

Here's a script from my channel that performed well:

[paste your best script]

Analyze:
- What makes the hook effective?
- How do I transition between sections?
- What's my tone and voice?
- How do I use humor/drama?

Now write a new script about [TOPIC] in the same style.

Adding Personality

Rewrite this script to sound more [casual/professional/dramatic]:

Add:
- Rhetorical questions
- Pop culture references (if appropriate)
- Analogies that simplify complex ideas
- Moments of humor or surprise

Keep the same information but make it more engaging.

[paste script]

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Complete Workflow

1. Research: Find trending topics with vidIQ
2. Outline: Use ChatGPT to structure your points
3. Hooks: Generate 10, pick 1
4. Script: Write in sections, not all at once
5. Edit: Add your personality, fix robot-speak
6. Voice: Send to ElevenLabs

Bonus: Custom GPT for Your Channel

If you have ChatGPT Plus, create a Custom GPT with:

• Your brand voice guidelines
• 3-5 of your best performing scripts
• Your target audience description
• Topics you cover

This gives you a scriptwriter that already knows your style.