Instruction Video Script Template (Free, Copy and Paste)

A free two-column script template for instruction and how-to videos, with a filled-in example, word counts per step and rules for writing lines people can follow.

Updated · 3 min read · By the HowFilm team

Kit, the flat-pack box mascot, reading a manual

Short answer

A good instruction video script has two columns: what the viewer sees, and what they hear or read. It opens with the result and what is needed, then lists one row per step, each with a single action in the imperative, and ends with a check and where to get help. Copy the template below and fill in one row per step.

Why two columns

In an instruction video the picture does most of the teaching. Writing the visual next to every line forces you to answer "what will they see while I say this?" for every step. If the right column says "tighten the four bolts" and the left column is empty, you have found a gap before you spent any time recording.

Rules for lines people can follow

  • One action per line. "Insert the shelf and tighten the screws" is two steps.
  • Start with the verb. "Slide the tray in until it clicks." Not "Now what you want to do is..."
  • Use the names on the parts list, the same every time. If it is "panel B" once, it is never "the side piece" later.
  • Say how to check. "until it clicks", "until the light turns green", "the gap should be even".
  • Warnings go before the step, never after it.
  • Aim for 8 to 20 spoken words per step. At a normal speaking pace that is roughly 3 to 8 seconds of speech; leave the picture on screen longer so the viewer can do it.

A filled-in example

#Viewer seesViewer hears or reads
0The finished bookshelf, then the parts laid outIn about 20 minutes you will have this shelf standing. You need a screwdriver and the bag of screws marked A.
1Side panel B flat on the floor, holes facing upLay side panel B flat, with the holes facing up.
2Close-up: four dowels pushed into the top holesPush four wooden dowels into the top holes.
3Top panel A lowered onto the dowels, arrow shows directionLower top panel A onto the dowels, smooth edge to the front.
!Warning icon, two people liftingThe next step needs two people.
4Two people standing the frame upStand the frame up together. Check: all corners should be square.

Already have a manual? It is your script

If the product has a written or illustrated manual, most of this template is already filled in: the steps, the order, the parts names and the warnings. Copy each numbered step into a row and add what the viewer should see. That is also exactly the input a PDF-to-video service for manuals works from, if you would rather not produce the film yourself.

Copy this template

INSTRUCTION VIDEO SCRIPT
Title (the task, as people search for it):
Result (one sentence the viewer could say afterwards):
Who it is for:                Time needed:
Tools and parts needed:
Safety notes (said up front AND before the step):

#  | VIEWER SEES                          | VIEWER HEARS / READS (8-20 words)
---|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------
0  | The finished result                  | What you will do and how long it takes
1  |                                      |
2  |                                      |
3  |                                      |
!  | Warning shown before the risky step  |
4  |                                      |
...
✓  | The result, and how to check it      | How to know it worked
?  | Where to get help                    | Support link, QR code, part numbers

Source document and revision:
Reviewed by (not the author):            Date:

Select the text and copy it into your own document.

Questions people ask

How long should an instruction video script be?

As long as the steps require and no longer. A useful guide is 8 to 20 spoken words per step. A 10-step video therefore has around 100 to 200 spoken words, plus an opening and a close.

Should an instruction video have a voice-over?

It helps, but the video should still make sense with the sound off. Use captions or short on-screen text for every step, so viewers in noisy places or other languages can follow.

What is an A/V script?

An A/V (audio/visual) script is the two-column format used here: visuals on one side, audio and text on the other, one row per moment in the video.