Use this free script timer to estimate how long it will take to deliver your video script, podcast episode or speech at different speaking speeds. Paste your script, choose a speed preset and instantly see whether your content fits your target duration.
One of the most common problems in video creation is filming a 10-minute script and ending up with a 6-minute video — or the other way around. The disconnect happens because most people default to reading speed when they estimate script length, but speaking on camera is slower. This tool converts your word count to an accurate estimated video run time based on typical speaking pace.
Paste your script and see the estimated on-camera length. It's particularly useful before you start filming, to check whether the script matches your target video length, and before editing, to estimate how much time you'll spend in the edit.
Step 1 — Paste your full script. Include everything — intro, main content, outro, sponsor reads if you have them. The more complete the script, the more accurate the time estimate.
Step 2 — Check the estimated run time. The tool estimates based on a natural speaking pace of around 130 words per minute. If you speak faster or slower than average, adjust accordingly — some versions of the tool let you set a custom words-per-minute rate.
Step 3 — Trim or expand before filming. If you're targeting a 10-minute video and the script is running at 7 minutes, expand a section that deserves more depth. If it's running at 14 minutes, cut anything that isn't essential to the main point of the video.
Assuming reading speed equals speaking speed. Reading is typically 200-250 words per minute. Natural on-camera speaking is closer to 120-150 words per minute. A script that reads in 3 minutes will take 4-5 minutes to deliver on camera. Always use a speaking-pace calculator for video scripts, not a general read time tool.
Not accounting for pauses and B-roll. A script timer estimates how long the scripted words take. It doesn't account for pauses, reaction moments, visual B-roll sequences, graphics, or titles. If your video includes significant non-scripted visual segments, your final video will be longer than the script timer indicates.
Scripting too tightly to a time target. If you've scripted exactly to 10:00 and then your intro runs longer than planned, you're over your target. Script to 85-90% of your target time and let the delivery and edit fill the rest naturally.
At a natural speaking pace of around 130 words per minute, a 10-minute video requires roughly 1,200-1,400 words of script. At 150 wpm (slightly faster delivery), that rises to 1,500 words. The 130 wpm figure is a safe middle-ground estimate for most creators.
130-150 words per minute is the range most creators find natural and engaging on camera. Below 100 wpm sounds slow and loses viewer attention. Above 200 wpm is hard to follow without a lot of visual energy to compensate.
Either approach works, but they have different trade-offs. Word-for-word scripts give you precise timing control but can sound stiff on camera. Bullet-point outlines feel more natural but make timing harder to predict.
Podcast speaking pace is often slightly faster than on-camera video because there are no visuals to pace against. Use 140-160 words per minute as your estimate for podcast scripts. A 30-minute podcast needs roughly 4,200-4,800 words of scripted content.
Knowing how long your script will take to deliver prevents two common problems: running significantly short (leaving dead air or rushed ad-libbing) and running long (requiring heavy cuts in edit or overshooting a content slot). Timing your script before filming saves time in both recording and post-production.