youtube-ad-script

name	youtube-ad-script
description	Writes YouTube ad scripts for pre-roll, mid-roll, and bumper formats with hooks, messaging, and CTA variations. Use when creating video ad scripts for YouTube advertising campaigns.
allowed-tools	Read Write Glob
metadata	{"author":"matthewhitcham","version":"1.0"}

YouTube Ad Script

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• Write scripts for YouTube pre-roll (skippable/non-skippable), mid-roll, or bumper ads
• Create hook variations to test in YouTube ad campaigns
• Develop scripts that follow YouTube's ad format requirements
• Produce multiple script versions for A/B testing

DO NOT use this skill for YouTube organic video scripts, YouTube Shorts content, or non-video ad copy. This is specifically for paid YouTube advertising scripts.

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Core Principle

YOU HAVE 5 SECONDS BEFORE THE SKIP BUTTON APPEARS — THE HOOK MUST STOP THE SCROLL AND THE FIRST LINE MUST EARN THE NEXT LINE.

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Phase 1: Brief

Gather the inputs that determine ad format, messaging, and tone.

Required Inputs

Input	What to Ask	Default
Product/service	"What are you advertising?"	No default — must be provided
Ad format	"Which format? (15s skippable, 30s skippable, 6s bumper, 15s non-skippable)"	15-second skippable
Target audience	"Who is watching? Demographics, interests, pain points."	Business owners 25-45
Primary CTA	"What should viewers do? (visit site, sign up, buy, download)"	Visit website
Key benefit	"What is the single biggest benefit to lead with?"	No default — must be provided
Tone	"What tone? (urgent, conversational, authoritative, humorous)"	Conversational and direct

GATE: Do not proceed until the user confirms the product, format, and key benefit.

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Phase 2: Script Structure

Build the script framework based on the chosen format.

Format Frameworks

15-Second Skippable (most common)

• Seconds 0-3: Hook (pattern interrupt — must work before skip button)
• Seconds 3-10: Problem + Solution bridge
• Seconds 10-15: CTA with urgency

30-Second Skippable

• Seconds 0-5: Hook with bold claim or question
• Seconds 5-15: Problem agitation + solution intro
• Seconds 15-25: Proof (testimonial, stat, demo)
• Seconds 25-30: CTA with clear next step

6-Second Bumper (non-skippable)

• Seconds 0-2: One visual/verbal punch
• Seconds 2-4: Brand + benefit
• Seconds 4-6: CTA (URL or action)

15-Second Non-Skippable

• Seconds 0-3: Hook with immediate relevance
• Seconds 3-10: Single benefit with proof point
• Seconds 10-15: Brand + CTA

Present the framework to the user before writing scripts.

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Phase 3: Write Scripts

Deliver 3 script variations per format, each with a different hook style.

Hook Styles (Rotate Across Variations)

1. Question hook: "Are you still [painful thing]?"
2. Bold claim: "[Specific result] in [specific timeframe]."
3. Pattern interrupt: Unexpected visual or statement that breaks expectations
4. Social proof lead: "[Number] people already [desired outcome]."
5. Negative hook: "Stop doing [common mistake] — here's why."

Script Format

## Script [A/B/C]: [Hook Style]

**Format:** [15s skippable / 30s / 6s bumper]
**Duration:** [X seconds]

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[SECOND 0-3]
(Visual: [describe what's on screen])
"[Spoken line — the hook]"

[SECOND 3-10]
(Visual: [describe what's on screen])
"[Spoken lines — problem/solution]"

[SECOND 10-15]
(Visual: [CTA on screen with URL])
"[Spoken CTA line]"

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**On-screen text:** [Any supers or text overlays]
**End card:** [CTA button text + URL]

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Phase 4: Polish

After delivering scripts, provide production guidance.

Production Notes

• Pacing guide: Word count per second (aim for 2-2.5 words/second for natural delivery)
• Thumbnail recommendation: First frame should work as a static image in case of autoplay-off
• Caption reminder: 85% of mobile video is watched without sound — include text overlays for key messages
• CTA card specs: YouTube end screen requirements and companion banner dimensions

Testing Plan

Recommend which script to test first and what metrics to track:

• Hook rate (% who watch past 5 seconds)
• View-through rate (% who watch to completion)
• Click-through rate
• Cost per conversion

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Example: Online Course Ad (15s Skippable)

Script A — Question Hook:

[SECOND 0-3]
(Visual: Founder speaking directly to camera)
"Spending 20 hours a week on tasks AI could do in minutes?"

[SECOND 3-10]
(Visual: Screen recording of the product in action)
"This toolkit automates your entire content workflow — writing, scheduling, repurposing — all from one command."

[SECOND 10-15]
(Visual: CTA card with URL)
"Try it free — link below."

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Anti-Patterns

• Burying the hook — if your value proposition does not land in the first 3 seconds, the ad fails
• Feature dumps — list one benefit, not five features. YouTube ads are not product pages.
• Weak CTAs — "learn more" is vague. Use "Start your free trial" or "Get the toolkit."
• Ignoring sound-off viewing — always plan for text overlays since most mobile viewers watch muted
• Writing radio scripts — YouTube is visual. Every second needs a visual direction, not just dialogue.

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Recovery

• User unsure of format: Default to 15-second skippable — it is the most versatile and widely used format. Recommend bumper ads for retargeting.
• No clear key benefit: Ask what their best customers say about the product. Use the most specific customer quote as the benefit angle.
• Multiple products to advertise: Write scripts for one product at a time. Start with the highest-margin or best-converting offer.
• No video production capability: Adapt scripts for static/slideshow format with text overlays and voiceover — still effective on YouTube.