How many words are in a 15-second script?
A 15-second script is about 33 words at a typical presentation pace of 130 words per minute.
Plan 28 words for a slow, deliberate delivery and up to 38 for a conversational 150 wpm. A brisk voice-over read at 160 wpm fits about 40 words.
Word budget for a 15-second script
| Pace | Typical use | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow 110 wpm | Ceremonies, eulogies, sermons, dramatic reads, and listeners who are new to the language | 28 |
| Presentation 130 wpm | Keynotes, lectures, wedding toasts, and talks with pauses for slides or laughter | 33 |
| Conversational 150 wpm | Podcasts, YouTube voice-overs, interviews, and everyday speech | 38 |
| Voice-over 160 wpm | Commercial, explainer, and audiobook narration (ACX plans on 9,300 words per finished hour, about 155 wpm) | 40 |
| Fast 180 wpm | High-energy ads, sports-style reads, and quick read-alouds | 45 |
What a 15-second script is good for
- A 15-second radio or pre-roll ad
- A TikTok, Reels, or Shorts hook with voice-over
- A voicemail greeting or IVR prompt
- A one-line audition slate plus a short read
Planning tips
- Every word has to earn its place: one idea, one call to action.
- Voice-over copywriters usually write 15-second spots short of the maximum so the read never sounds rushed.
- Read it aloud with a stopwatch. If you are breathing mid-sentence to finish, cut a phrase.
How to divide 33 words
A simple structure for a 15-second script at 130 wpm. Adjust the proportions to suit your material.
Opening
~5 words
2 sec · Hook, who you are, and why it matters
Body
~23 words
11 sec · One benefit or idea and one proof point
Close
~5 words
2 sec · Recap and one clear next step or call to action
Time your own script
Paste your text for an exact word count, choose a pace, or measure how fast you actually read.
Words for 15 sec at 130 wpm
33 words
under a quarter page double-spaced · under a quarter page single-spaced
| Pace | Words |
|---|---|
| Slow 110 wpm | 28 |
| Presentation 130 wpm | 33 |
| Conversational 150 wpm | 38 |
| Voice-over 160 wpm | 40 |
| Fast 180 wpm | 45 |
Measure your own pace
Paste a script above (Words → time), press Start, read it aloud at your normal delivery, then press Stop. Nothing is recorded; this only times you.
Rehearse it
Open your script in the free teleprompter. It scrolls at the words-per-minute pace you choose and can record an audio take.
Practise a script of a similar length
Free, original scripts with direction and a built-in teleprompter.
Know your word count instead?
Frequently asked questions
How many words are in a 15-second script?
A 15-second script is about 33 words at a typical presentation pace of 130 words per minute. Plan 28 words for a slow, deliberate delivery and up to 38 for a conversational 150 wpm. A brisk voice-over read at 160 wpm fits about 40 words.
How many pages is a 15-second script?
At 130 wpm (33 words), a 15-second script is under a quarter page double-spaced or under a quarter page single-spaced.
How fast should I speak for a 15-second script?
Aim for a pace you can sustain while staying clear, usually 120 to 150 words per minute for live speeches and around 150 to 170 for voice-over. Time a full read-through and adjust the script rather than rushing.
How many words are in a 15-second commercial?
Most 15-second commercial scripts land between 33 and 40 words, leaving room for the brand name, a call to action, and a beat of silence at the end.
Estimates by the SceneDub Editorial Team, updated November 7, 2026. Rates: Brysbaert (2019) for reading; ACX for audiobook runtime; other paces are common planning ranges. Open the full calculator and chart.