3 Rules to Write Better Scripts for Shorts (for Vloggers and Podcasters)

If you’re creating short-form content from longer videos like vlogs or podcasts, you know the struggle: how do you turn a 60-minute conversation or a 20-minute vlog into a 15-90 second clip that actually grabs attention? It’s not easy, but with the right vision, you can clip those long shows into concise, engaging shorts that will lure new fans to your channel.  

Now, many video editing platforms say they can cut these shorts for you with the magic of AI. But the fact is that they’re just not that good yet. The hooks aren’t great, the main idea is unclear & more often than not they’ll just grab a clip that’s simply not wow at all.

Here are three key rules to selecting cool clips for shorts and reels, tailored specifically for creators working with longer footage:  

1. One Clear, Complete Short Idea  

When you’re pulling clips from a longer video, it’s tempting to try to cram in too much. But here’s the thing: short-form content thrives on simplicity. Your short or reel script should focus on one clear, complete idea that can stand on its own.

As a podcast host, this is tough. Ideas are complex, conversations have a lot of context & people just say a lot of words to get to the point. 

While those things all add depth, humanity and value to the full show, they make it hard to cut into fun quick videos.  

For example, if you’re editing a podcast interview, don’t try to summarize the entire conversation — or even one whole topic. Instead, pick one unique takeaway, one funny moment, or one impactful quote. If you’re cutting a vlog, focus on one specific moment — a surprising revelation, a quick tip, or an emotional highlight.  

Why this works:  

1. It keeps your content focused and easy to digest.  

2. Viewers are more likely to engage with a single, impactful idea than a jumble of thoughts.  

3. It makes your editing process faster and more efficient.

One exception — quick lists

Just like blog posts with lists, a short with a tight 4-5 item list can really take off. But all the advice above still applies. Don’t try to cram in too much info, make sure all the points on the list clearly support the whole idea of the short & keep the transitions snappy. 

Don’t try to make it comprehensive, that’s what your long-form videos are for.

In fact, if people watch to the end of your listicle short and expecting to see something make the list and then leave a rant comment about how you could leave out XYZ — congratulations you’ve got your engagement 👏

2. A Strong Hook  

The first 2-3 seconds of your short are make-or-break. If you don’t grab attention immediately, your clip will get lost in the sea of content. When working with longer footage, your hook needs to be sharp and compelling. 

The thing is, unless you’re a comedian or very seasoned public speaker — hooks aren’t really a part of everyday speech. So in your podcast or vlog, you might have a hard time finding good hooks. If you’re a host, you can think about hook-worthy ways to structure questions.  

Here’s how to dig out a stellar hook from your videos:  

1. Start with a bold statement or question: Pull a surprising or controversial line from your podcast or vlog. For example: “You’ve been networking all wrong—here’s why.”  

2. Use a visually engaging moment: If you’re editing a vlog, start with a dramatic or funny visual—like a reaction shot or an unexpected action.  

3. Tease the payoff: “Wait until you hear what happened next…” These are cringey IMO but they work, you can record a few of these after you record the podcast if you want to use them. 

Why this works:  

• Hooks stop the scroll and make viewers curious.  

• Algorithms favor videos with high retention rates, so a strong hook can boost your reach.  

3. Storytelling  

Even in a 15-second clip, storytelling is key. When you’re working with longer footage, your challenge is to condense a story into its most essential elements. Your script should have a beginning, middle & end — even if it’s super short.  

Here’s how to incorporate storytelling into your shorts:  

• Start with a problem or conflict: Pull a moment from your podcast or vlog where someone is discussing a challenge or sharing a personal story.  

• Show the journey or solution: Highlight the resolution or key insight from that moment.  

• End with a resolution or call to action: Wrap it up with a punchy conclusion or a question to engage viewers.  

For example, if you’re editing a podcast interview, you could structure your short like this:  

1. Hook: “I almost quit my business last year — here’s why.”  

2. Idea: Share the turning point or lesson learned.  

3. Storytelling: End with a call to action: “What would you have done in my situation? Let me know in the comments.”  

Why this works:  

• Stories create emotional connections, making your content more engaging.  

• A clear narrative structure keeps viewers watching until the end.  

Here's one example I really like from the guys at Mostly Technical Podcast. It has all 3 elements while keeping the fun back-and-forth nature of the show.

Putting It All Together  

Let’s say you’re editing a vlog where you tried a new productivity hack. Here’s how your script might look:  

1. Hook: “I tried waking up at 5 AM for a week—here’s what happened.”  

2. Idea: Show the most dramatic or interesting moment from your experiment (e.g., you overslept one day or had a breakthrough).  

3. Storytelling: Wrap it up with a quick takeaway or call to action: “Turns out, it’s not for everyone. Would you try it?”  

 Turning longer videos into engaging shorts doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on one clear idea, crafting a strong hook, and weaving in storytelling, you can create clips that grab attention and keep viewers engaged.  

Remember, the best shorts often come from the most authentic moments. So, dive into your footage, find those golden nuggets, and start crafting your best short stories!  

Have a 4th rule to add to this list? Share it with us on X!