Most short videos lose people in the first few seconds or halfway through. The 8-block structure below is a simple way to keep viewers watching: grab attention, give value in small pieces, and use one-line "open loops" so they stay to the end. You get a fill-in-the-blanks template, a worked example and a Claude prompt that writes full scripts in this format.
What you need
Claude at claude.ai (the free plan works) or any AI chat tool you prefer.
One topic you know well, and one clear thing you want viewers to do at the end (follow, comment, visit a link).
Step by step
Understand the 8 blocks.
Hook (0-3 sec): a line that breaks the scroll. A surprising claim, a sharp question or a clear promise.
Lead (3-10 sec): tells viewers what they will get if they stay. This carries them to around the 10-second mark.
Body 1: your first piece of real value.
Open loop 1: one line that creates curiosity about what comes next, like "But that's not the biggest mistake."
Body 2: the second piece of value, which also closes loop 1.
Open loop 2: another one-line teaser.
Body 3: the last and best point, which closes loop 2.
CTA: one clear next step for viewers who stayed to the end.
Use the fill-in template. Copy it into your notes app:
HOOK (0-3s): [surprising claim / question / promise, under 12 words]
LEAD (3-10s): [what they will get by watching till the end]
BODY 1: [point 1 + one example]
OPEN LOOP 1: [one line teasing point 2]
BODY 2: [point 2 + one example]
OPEN LOOP 2: [one line teasing point 3]
BODY 3: [point 3, the strongest one]
CTA: [one action: follow / comment a word / save / link in bio]See a worked example (topic: saving money on food delivery, about 40 seconds):
HOOK: Your biryani might cost more on the app than at the counter.
LEAD: Here are three habits that can shrink your delivery bill. The last one is the easiest.
BODY 1: First, compare the app price with the restaurant's own menu. Some restaurants charge more on apps.
OPEN LOOP 1: But the bigger leak isn't the menu price.
BODY 2: It's the small fees. Platform fee, packing fee, small-order fee. Order once for two people instead of twice.
OPEN LOOP 2: And the easiest fix takes ten seconds.
BODY 3: If the restaurant is close, check for a pickup option. No delivery fee at all.
CTA: Save this for your next order, and follow for one money tip a day.Let Claude write scripts for you. Paste this prompt and fill in the brackets:
You are a short-form video scriptwriter. Write a script for an Instagram Reel / YouTube Short using this exact 8-block structure:
1. HOOK (0-3 sec): under 12 words. Breaks the scroll with a surprising claim, a sharp question or a clear promise. No "Hey guys" or greetings.
2. LEAD (3-10 sec): one or two lines telling the viewer what they will get if they keep watching.
3. BODY 1: first useful point with a concrete example.
4. OPEN LOOP 1: one line that teases what's coming next without giving it away.
5. BODY 2: second point. It must deliver what open loop 1 promised.
6. OPEN LOOP 2: one teaser line for the final point.
7. BODY 3: the strongest point. It must deliver what open loop 2 promised.
8. CTA: one clear action: [follow / comment a keyword / save / link in bio].
Details:
- Topic: [your topic]
- Audience: [who is watching]
- Language and tone: [e.g. simple spoken English, friendly, short sentences]
- Length: [30 / 45 / 60] seconds (about 2.5 words per second)
- Facts I want included: [paste any numbers or facts, or write "none"]
Rules:
- Every open loop must be closed later in the script. No clickbait that the video does not pay off.
- Do not invent statistics, prices or quotes. If a fact is needed and I did not give it, write [CHECK: what to verify].
- Label each block. After the script, give the total word count, 3 alternative hooks and a suggested on-screen text for the hook.Polish it. Read it out loud with a timer. Cut any line that does not move the viewer forward. Change the wording so it sounds like you.
Batch a week of scripts. Follow up with:
Now write 5 more scripts on different subtopics of [niche] using the same 8-block structure and rules. Give each a different hook style: question, bold claim, mistake, number list, story.Good to know
It is a structure, not magic. No template guarantees views. It helps people stay, but the value in the body still has to be good.
Pay off every open loop. A teaser that is never closed feels like clickbait, and viewers notice.
Shares and watch time matter. Instagram has named watch time and sends per reach as key Reels signals, so end with something worth sending to a friend.
About auto-posting tools. Some reels pitch apps that write, post and reply to comments for you. If you use one, review every script and every reply before it goes out. Automated replies that pretend to be you can mislead your audience, and posting copied content can lower your reach on Instagram.
Check facts. AI can make up numbers. That is why the prompt asks Claude to flag anything you need to verify.
Sources
SocialPilot: Instagram Reels algorithm, what changed in 2026
Social Media Today: Instagram updates algorithm to benefit original creators
Found this useful? Follow @kevinsingh.me on Instagram for a new AI tool every day, and subscribe so you don't miss the next one.