If you are preparing a voice-over script, the first question is usually about length. The answer is straightforward: for a 30-second spot, plan on about 65 to 75 words. For a 60-second spot, aim for 130 to 150 words. These ranges come from the typical speaking pace of 130 to 150 words per minute in conversation, presentations, and podcasts. When you read carefully to a microphone, you naturally slow down a bit, so these numbers work well as a starting point.

Why Speaking Rate Matters

Your speaking rate directly affects how your audience receives your message. If you talk too fast, listeners struggle to keep up. If you talk too slowly, they may lose interest. The conversational pace of 130 to 150 words per minute is a comfortable zone for most ears. It gives you enough room to articulate clearly and lets your listener absorb each idea without effort.

When you read a script aloud, you are not just reciting words. You are performing a small piece of audio. Your natural rhythm, pauses, and emphasis all change the timing. That is why the word counts above are not rigid rules but practical guides. They give you a target to aim for before you start editing.

The 30-Second Script: 65 to 75 Words

For a 30-second voice-over, you have a very short window. You need to get in, deliver your point, and get out. At the standard pace, that means 65 to 75 words. This is roughly the length of a short paragraph or a few sentences. You do not have time for long introductions or extra adjectives. Every word has to earn its place.

Here is a quick example of what that feels like. Read this sentence aloud: "Our new service saves you time every morning." That is about eight words. In a 30-second spot, you could fit about eight to nine such sentences. That is enough for a clear message, but not for a detailed explanation.

The 60-Second Script: 130 to 150 Words

Doubling the time gives you more room, but not as much as you might think. A 60-second voice-over runs from 130 to 150 words. That is roughly half a page of double-spaced text. You can now include a short story, a problem-solution structure, or a few key benefits. But you still need to be economical.

To visualize, think of a typical news report. A broadcast journalist reads about 150 words in a minute. That is your benchmark. If you write a script that is longer, you will have to cut words or speed up. If it is shorter, you will have awkward silence to fill.

How to Check Your Own Script Length

The most reliable method is simple: read your script aloud with a timer. Do not just read it in your head. Your inner voice is faster than your actual voice. Set a timer on your phone or watch, start reading at your normal pace, and stop when you finish. Then compare the time to your target.

If you are over, look for long sentences to split. If you are under, add a brief example or a clarifying phrase. Here is a step-by-step approach:

  • Write your first draft without worrying about length.
  • Read it aloud once to get a baseline time.
  • Mark any sections where you stumble or rush.
  • Edit those sections for shorter sentences.
  • Time yourself again. Repeat until you land in the right range.

This method works because it forces you to hear the words, not just see them on the page.

Why Short Sentences Work Better for the Ear

Listeners cannot rewind your audio. They hear each word once, in real time. That is why short sentences are easier to say and to follow by ear. A long, winding sentence might look fine on paper, but when spoken, it loses the listener in the middle. Your brain has to hold onto the beginning while processing the end.

Short sentences create natural pauses. Those pauses give your listener a moment to absorb what you just said. They also give you a chance to breathe. In a 30-second spot, you might have only three or four sentences. Each one needs to stand on its own.

A Practical Editing Trick

After you write a draft, read it out loud and mark every comma or period as a full stop. If a sentence has more than one comma, consider breaking it into two. If you have a long clause, move it to a new sentence. This forces clarity. You will often find that cutting words improves the message.

Using a Word Counter to Stay on Track

Before you time yourself, you can quickly check your word count. A simple way is to paste your script into a free word counter like wordcounttool.com. It shows you the total words instantly, so you know if you are in the 65 to 75 range for 30 seconds or the 130 to 150 range for 60 seconds. This saves you from reading a script that is obviously too long or too short.

Wordcounttool.com also shows reading time and speech time estimates, which align with the same 130 to 150 words per minute pace. That gives you a second opinion before you even open your mouth. Use it as a pre-check, then do the timer test for the final confirmation.

Remember, the word count is a guide, not a prison. Your actual timing will vary based on your natural speed, the emotional tone, and the number of pauses you take. But if you start with the right number of words, you are much closer to a finished product.