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Script Timer: How Long Is Your Script?

Paste your script to see how long it runs at any pace, then hear it read by a pro AI voice. Free, no sign-up.

Speaking pace
150 wpm
Target length (optional)
0:00estimated length
0words
0pauses
150words / min
Hear your script read by a pro AI voice
Free, no sign-up. Up to 200 words, 2 previews a day. Takes about 10–15 seconds.

Your script fits. Now make it sell.

A timer tells you how long it runs. Gisteo makes it sell, with 3,000+ explainer videos since 2011.

  • Free scriptSend a few details and we’ll write a 60–90 second script for you, then walk you through it on a 30-minute call. No strings attached.
  • Custom animated explainersFrom $3,500 with your script (Just Animate!) or $4,000 with our scriptwriting (Full-Service). Unlimited revisions within each stage.
  • AI videos60–90 second cinematic AI videos from $3,500, voiced with cutting-edge AI. Volume discounts on shorter videos and social media campaigns.
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How many words per minute? Quick answer

At a natural conversational pace of about 150 words per minute, a 30-second script is about 75 words, 60 seconds is about 150 words, 90 seconds is about 225 words, 2 minutes is about 300 words, and a 5-minute speech is about 750 words.

LengthSlow (130 wpm)Conversational (150 wpm)Fast (180 wpm)
15 seconds33 words38 words45 words
30 seconds65 words75 words90 words
45 seconds98 words113 words135 words
60 seconds (1 minute)130 words150 words180 words
90 seconds195 words225 words270 words
2 minutes260 words300 words360 words
3 minutes390 words450 words540 words
5 minutes650 words750 words900 words
10 minutes1,300 words1,500 words1,800 words
20 minutes2,600 words3,000 words3,600 words

Estimates only: real voices vary about 5%, so a 60-second script may read in 57–63 seconds. Play it with the AI voice to hear the exact time.

Typical speaking rates

Typical ranges in words per minute (wpm). Use the slider above to match your speaker.

  • Explainer and commercial voiceover140–170 wpmWe write most explainers at about 150 so the visuals have room to land.
  • Presentations and speeches120–150 wpmSlower, with pauses for slides and emphasis.
  • Podcasts and conversation140–170 wpmNatural, relaxed pace with short pauses.
  • Audiobooks150–160 wpmSteady and even, built for long listening.
  • Technical or non-native audiences120–135 wpmSlow down so complex ideas and terms land.
  • Fast social ads170–180 wpmShort, punchy reads for 15–30 second spots.

Going the DIY route? Get our free guide.

9 Ways To Write Your Story

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8 script tips from 3,000+ video projects

  1. 1Budget your words firstPick the length first: 60 seconds is about 150 words, 90 seconds about 225.
  2. 2Hook in five secondsLead with your viewer’s problem, not your company name.
  3. 3One idea per sentenceWrite for the ear: short sentences, everyday words, no jargon.
  4. 4Leave room for visualsCut about 10% so key moments (a product shot, your logo, a pause) can breathe.
  5. 5Count numbers as spoken“$3,500” is one word on the page but five out loud.
  6. 6Mark your pausesUsing an AI voice like ElevenLabs? Type [pause] where you want a beat; the timer adds a second for each.
  7. 7One call to actionEnd with one clear next step, not three.
  8. 8Read it, then hear itRead it out loud at a steady pace with a stopwatch, or use our tool above. If it feels rushed, it is.

More help: explainer video script guide · scriptwriting 101 · how to write a video script · AI explainer video scripts · how to review a script

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Script timer FAQs

About 225 words at a conversational 150 words per minute, or roughly 195–270 words depending on pace. Ninety seconds is a classic explainer video length.

About 150 words at 150 words per minute (roughly 130–180).

About 75 words at 150 words per minute (roughly 65–90).

About 750 words at 150 words per minute (roughly 650–900).

Most people speak about 130–160 words per minute in normal conversation, so 150 is a good number to plan with. Voiceover artists often read a little faster, and speeches are often a little slower.

It’s an estimate based on your word count and speaking pace. Real timing also depends on the voice, pauses, numbers and music, so play your script with the AI voice to hear a real read and see the actual time.

Most explainer videos work best at 60–90 seconds, which is about 150–225 words. Longer videos work for training and demos, where viewers already want the detail.

Yes. You can hear up to 200 words read aloud, two previews a day, with no sign-up.

Yes. We’ll write a 60–90 second script for free and walk you through it on a 30-minute call, or our Full-Service package ($4,000 for 60 seconds) includes scriptwriting, storyboards and animation.