The difference between a viral hit and a “dead” video often comes down to one second.

If you are a creator on YouTube Shorts, TikTok, or Instagram Reels, you know the Golden Rule: You have 60 seconds.

If your YouTube Short clocks in at 1:01, YouTube automatically categorizes it as a “Long Form” video. It gets removed from the Shorts Shelf, loses its algorithmic boost, and your views plummet from 10,000 to 10.

Creators used to guess their timing. They would read their script out loud to a stopwatch, stumbling over words, hoping their pacing was accurate.

Script60 changes that. It is the first intelligent script timer designed specifically for the vertical video economy.

What is Script60?

Script60 is a pacing calculator that instantly estimates the spoken duration of your video script.

Unlike a standard word counter, Script60 uses “Words Per Minute” (WPM) logic to simulate human speech patterns. It tells you exactly how long your video will be before you even pick up the camera.

Why “Guessing” Doesn’t Work

Most people assume 150 words equals one minute. This is a dangerous average.

• Educational Channels: Often speak slower (130-140 WPM) to ensure clarity.
• News/Drama Channels: Often speak faster (160-170 WPM) to retain retention.

If you guess wrong, you waste hours recording and editing footage that you will eventually have to delete.

How to Use Script60 (Step-by-Step)

Using the tool is effortless. It is designed to be the “final check” in your creative workflow.

Step 1: Paste Your Script

Copy your draft from Google Docs, Notion, or your Notes app and paste it into the Editor on the left.

• Immediate Feedback: As soon as you paste, the Timer on the right will update. You will see a large time display (e.g., 00:58) and a status indicator.

Step 2: Set Your “Speaking Pace”

Locate the Speaking Pace Slider under the progress bar. This is what makes Script60 unique.

• The “Slow” Zone (130-145 WPM): Use this if you are doing a tutorial, a meditation, or telling a serious story.
• The “Fast” Zone (160-180 WPM): Use this if you are doing a “Gen Z” style edit, tech news, or a high-energy vlog.

Pro Tip: Move the slider until it matches your natural energy. Watch how the estimated time changes instantly.

Step 3: Check the “Auto-Chop” Visualizer

Look at the Auto-Chop box at the bottom right. This is your safety net.

• White Text: This content fits within the 60-second limit.
• Red Text (Strikethrough): This content is over the limit.

If the last sentence of your script is red, you know exactly what to cut. You don’t need to guess; the tool shows you exactly where the 60-second mark lands.

The 3 Zones of Script60

When you use the tool, you will encounter three distinct color codes. Here is what they mean for your algorithm chances:

1. The Green Zone (00s – 58s) ✅

Status: Safe. This is the ideal length. It gives you a 1-2 second “buffer” for breathing room or a slightly longer pause than expected. If your script lands here, you are ready to record.

2. The Yellow Zone (59s – 60s) ⚠️

Status: Cutting it Close. You are technically safe, but you are playing with fire. If you stutter, laugh, or add an ad-lib during recording, you will cross the limit.

• Advice: Cut one adjective or shorten your intro.

3. The Red Zone (61s+) ❌

Status: Danger. Do not record this script. YouTube will likely penalize this video.

• Advice: Use the Auto-Chop Visualizer to see exactly how many words you need to delete.

Pro Tips: How to Shorten Your Script

If Script60 tells you your video is 72 seconds, don’t panic. You don’t need to delete your best ideas; you just need to delete the “fluff.”

1. Kill the “Filler Words” Search your script for these words and delete them. They add no value.

• Before: “So, basically, today I am going to show you…” (10 words)
• After: “Today I’m showing you…” (5 words)
• Savings: 2 seconds.

2. The “Hook” Rule In Shorts, your intro needs to be 3 seconds max. If your intro is: “Hey guys, welcome back to the channel, today we are talking about…” you have already lost. Cut straight to the point: “Here is why your iPhone battery is dying.”
3. Trust the Visuals You don’t need to say what you are showing.

• Instead of saying: “I am now going to mix the flour and the eggs into the bowl.”
• Say: “Mix the flour and eggs.” (While showing the video clip).

Why Script60 Matters for SEO

Content Platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) rely on Completion Rate. If your video is tight, fast-paced, and finishes exactly at 59 seconds, viewers are more likely to watch 100% of it. High completion rates trigger the algorithm to show your video to millions of new people.

Script60 ensures you never bore your audience. It forces you to be concise, punchy, and respectful of the viewer’s time.

Ready to go viral? Paste your script above and see if you pass the 60-second test.