Short-form ad timing

Video Ad Script Timer

Time short-form ad scripts so the hook, benefit, proof, and call to action all fit the slot.

Video Ad Script Timer

Estimate 6, 15, 30, and 60 second ad scripts with section timing.

Optional section script
Speaking speed
Target duration

Optional. Set minutes and seconds to 0 to ignore target comparison.

Your script is processed locally in your browser. It is not uploaded to a server.

6/15/30/60 sec targetsHook and CTA sectionsWords to cut/add

Video ad word count table

Short ads have little tolerance for slow openings. Protect time for the hook, core benefit, and call to action.

Ad lengthRecommended wordsStructure
6 seconds10-15 wordsBrand cue plus one promise
15 seconds30-38 wordsHook, benefit, short CTA
30 seconds65-75 wordsHook, problem, offer, proof, CTA
60 seconds130-150 wordsStory, proof, offer, CTA, brand recall

How to use this video ad script timer

Paste the ad script or fill the optional hook, problem, offer, proof, and CTA fields. Choose the ad format, select a voice-over speed, and add a pause buffer. The timer compares the script to 6-second, 15-second, 30-second, 60-second, or custom targets and shows words to cut or add.

Ad scripts need tighter timing than normal narration because every second has a job. The first seconds must create attention, the middle must make the benefit clear, and the end must give the viewer a simple action or brand memory. A script that feels concise on the page can still be too dense once music, product shots, captions, and end cards are added.

Recommended ad voice-over settings

130 WPM clear brand read

Use for premium, trust-building, or awareness ads where the brand needs room to land.

150 WPM standard ad voice-over

A useful default for most 15, 30, and 60 second ads with a clear CTA.

170 WPM fast retail or promo read

Works for offer-heavy retail spots, but only when the sentences are short and familiar.

Structure short ad scripts

For a 15-second ad, one core message is usually enough: hook, benefit, CTA. A 30-second ad can add proof or a short problem setup. A 60-second ad can use a small story, but it still needs a disciplined CTA and brand mention. The section fields help you see if the CTA is missing or if the hook is taking too much time.

To cut words without weakening the offer, remove throat-clearing, stacked adjectives, and repeated brand claims. Keep the product promise concrete. Replace long CTAs with one action. If the script is far under target, add proof, a use case, or brand recall rather than padding the opening.

Common video ad timing mistakes

  • Spending the first five seconds on context instead of the hook.
  • Trying to include multiple offers in a 15-second ad.
  • Writing a CTA that is longer than the benefit statement.
  • Ignoring pauses needed for product shots, captions, or supers.
  • Using a fast read to save a script that should be simplified.

Privacy note

Your script is processed locally in your browser. It is not uploaded to a server.

FAQ

How many words fit in a 15-second video ad?

A practical 15-second ad usually has about 30 to 38 words, depending on voice-over speed and pauses.

How many words fit in a 30-second ad?

At a standard ad read, 30 seconds often fits about 65 to 75 words with a little pause time.

What WPM should I use for ad voice-over?

Use 150 WPM as a standard ad read, 130 WPM for clearer brand reads, and 170 WPM only for fast retail or promo copy.

How do I keep a short ad script focused?

Use one core message, cut slow setup, make the CTA brief, and avoid stacking multiple offers.