Social media video scriptwriting: what it costs

Key takeaways

Social media video scriptwriting typically costs an indicative £40–£100 a script for a 30 to 60-second video (30 minutes to an hour at £75–£100 an hour), or £300–£800 for a monthly batch of 8. A good script sets the hook, the key point and the call to action, and usually saves more in filming and editing time than it costs.

• About £40–£100 a short script, indicative.
• £300–£800 for a batch of 8 scripts.
• The first two seconds decide most views.
• Scripts cut filming and editing time.

What does a social video script include?

A social video script is a short written plan for a 15 to 90-second video: the opening hook, the main points in order, any on-screen text, a simple shot list and the call to action. It is written for speaking aloud, not reading, so sentences are short and conversational.

• Social media agency pricing in the UK
• Social media hooks that stop the right people scrolling

How much does scriptwriting cost?

A short script takes 30 minutes to an hour, about £40–£100 at agency rates. A monthly batch of 8 scripts is 4 to 8 hours, an indicative £300–£800, and is cheaper per script because research is shared. Advert scripts with several versions for testing cost more.

• Single short script: £40–£100.
• Batch of 8: £300–£800.
• Advert scripts with variants: more per script.
• Filming and editing: priced separately.

• Social media copywriting costs in the UK

Why does a script save money?

Unscripted filming produces long footage that takes hours to edit into something usable. A script tells the person on camera what to say, keeps takes short and gives the editor a plan. On a half-day shoot, that can mean twice as many usable videos.

• Social media video production costs in the UK

When is a script unnecessary?

For relaxed behind-the-scenes clips and quick replies to comments, a few bullet points are enough; a full script can make them feel stiff. Scripts matter most for adverts, explainers and anything with claims or regulated wording.

What does this look like in practice?

A pattern we see: an owner films long, unplanned videos that lose viewers in the first seconds. Starting each video with a one-line hook taken from a real customer question usually improves how many people watch past the opening.

• See client work
• Social Media Marketing for UK businesses

Scriptwriting checklist

• Open with the viewer's problem, not your name.
• Keep one main point per video.
• Write for speaking aloud.
• Add a simple shot list.
• End with one clear action.

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Next step

Write down the ten questions customers ask most. Each one is a script waiting to be written.