Clocking The Words In Time

People are going to talk. The thing is, you have a finite amount of time. This is a quick way to figure out if you have enough time to say what you need to say in your video.

If you are doing talking head videos or training/demonstration videos you really need to do the numbers.

The Formula

For a rough estimate take the number of words divided by the time available = how many words you can say per second.

Doing the Math So You Won't Have To

• Vine Videos 10 words/6 seconds = 2 words per second.
• Instagram 36 words/12 seconds = 3 words per second.
• 1 Minute Demonstration Video 180 words/60 seconds = 3 words per second.
• 5 Minute Tutorial Video  900 words/5 minutes = 3 words per second or 180 words per minute.

Humans can speed up talking to squeeze more words in so it isn't an exact formula. You will have to balance going for speed versus being understood.

Before you start to ramble do the numbers. You audience will thank you.


Other Posts of Interest

• Reminders of 5-Shot Checklist
• Text Storyboarding or Editing on Paper
• Home Page for Mobile Users