My first two years writing YouTube scripts for multi-million subscriber creators like Ali Abdaal should have been a dream come true.
But the truth is: I was constantly stressed.
I'd spend hours just... sitting there, staring at a blinking cursor. Every word - every sentence - felt like a massive decision.
I'd write a paragraph, but it wouldn't sound right. I knew what I wanted to say, but couldn't find an interesting way to say it. I'd feel good about a sentence at first, then delete it out of embarassment the next time I read it.
How was I supposed to go through this on every single video?
On the plus side, when we published a video, it would perform well!
Sometimes.
Other times, we'd be down to 50% retention after 20 seconds.
It was frustrating, draining, and made me question if I was even cut out for this.
You've probably felt it too.
You know a well-written script can get your videos get more views, higher retention and drive clicks for your business.
You just don't know how to do it consistently, or without spending hours per script.
But what if I told you that you’re not the problem?
Because writing engaging YouTube scripts isn’t about muscling through creative blocks every time you want to sit down and write. In fact, it’s the opposite.
The fastest-growing YouTubers don't live in a constant state of inspiration - they have systems.
But... no one had a system for scriptwriting. No wonder every script felt like a MASSIVE slog.
So, over the next year, I began to systemize every step of my scriptwriting process, creating simple rules for myself that I could follow.
I studied hundreds of retention graphs from my growing audience and identified common scriptwriting patterns that appeared across 50+ niches.
And, alongside alongside 100 student beta testers, I honed in on the most important scriptwriting principles for any YouTuber to follow to optimise for retention, even if they had very little time to sit down and write.
And, after teaching this system to 500+ students, they got results like this:
I used to worry about the YouTube algorithm, and how I was ever supposed to stay on top of the latest "trends".
But while creating my scriptwriting system, I realised none of that mattered.
Because all a good script really does is connect with your viewers.
Algorithms and trends change. Psychology doesn't.
That's why the secret to getting more views and growing faster through scriptwriting is actually stupidly simple:
Why does this help your channel grow faster? Well...
Of course, this is simple in theory, but creating a system to achieve these two things consistently and without overthinking... was really hard.
Even with my unfair advantage of having worked with several multi-million subscriber YouTubers, I still had to spend years figuring it out.
With enough time and effort, you could probably do the same.
But, to save you the stress, I'd love to share my entire scriptwriting system with you instead :)
Here's what you'll get access to the moment you sign up:
Systemise every step of the writing process so you can write more scripts in less time, get more views, and build a loyal audience faster - without burning out.
Keep track of scripts-in-progress using a simple but powerful scriptwriting workflow.
100+ examples from high-performing videos and the exact formula their scripts used in their hooks, curiosity gaps and sponsored plugs.
Plus, hands-on exercises to hone specific scriptwriting skills and boost your retention.
Speed up the entire process using AI - without making your videos soulless.
These prompts are trained on YTSP's scriptwriting system, making them more powerful than prompting AI from scratch.
*Pro tier only
Share scripts-in-progress with a supportive community of 150+ YouTubers (and me!) to receive fast feedback, get over mental roadblocks, and ultimately write more scripts in less time
More on this below.
*Pro tier only
Including office hours, group scriptwriting, student hotseats and "retention retros".
More on this below.
This was the most common piece of feedback I received on version 1 of YTSP back in 2024.
It's well and good knowing all the scriptwriting tricks in the book, but a lot of YouTubers simply don't have time to implement them all.
That's why I revamped the entire system to create 3 "levels" of scriptwriting.
Now, no matter how much time you have, you can prioritise the most important scriptwriting tasks first, allowing you to write a ready-to-film script in as little as 1 hour.
Think of them like 3 different "paths" through the course - and you can take whichever suits your schedule.
I've repeatedly seen how intentional, structured scriptwriting can deepen connection with viewers and speed up channel growth.
So I want you to be able to leverage the most important scriptwriting principles no matter how much time you have.
But, no matter what "level" you write at, here's an overview of the key modules so you can get an idea of what my system looks like...
YTSP guides you through a step-by-step, systemised approach to scriptwriting:
Choose your scriptwriting format from the updated templates I’ve created (now available in Notion, Docs and Sheets).
Then, create an audience avatar, and I’ll show you why this is the secret weapon that’s going to make every single script 10x easier to write.
Lesson list:
Learn how to come up with hundreds of video ideas in under an hour, before taking one of these concepts forward for the rest of the course.
You’ll learn how to frame, package and brainstorm the video using simple frameworks and checklists.
Lesson list:
You’ll create the structure for your script using the information in your brainstorm and everything you’ve learned about your audience as guidance.
Lesson list:
You’ll craft a killer hook using tried and tested frameworks.Then, with your overall structure already built, join the dots to create a retention-optimised script.
Lesson list:
Through a series of simple “trim tests”, learn how to cut your script down like a fine diamond (yeah, I said it) until you’re left with only the best bits.Then, you’re ready to film.
Lesson list:
Once you’re done with the course, you’ll find a series of additional lessons to help you improve all the skills I use as a scriptwriter for multi-million subscriber YouTubers.
Lesson list:
The YouTube Scriptwriting Playbook is your roadmap from overwhelming confusion to confident, systemised scriptwriting.
Ready to make that leap?
Hey! 👋 I'm George Blackman, and my journey to becoming a YouTube scriptwriting expert took a bunch of commitment, study and analysis - and a bit of serendipity. Here's a little about me and how I became a go-to person for YouTube scriptwriting:
I went from working in a call centre three years ago to writing scripts for Ali Abdaal, who at the time had 3m subscribers.
From over 100+ candidates, I got one of four writer positions.
The videos I wrote averaged over 1m views each.
I went on to write for creators like Mike Shake, Noah Kagan and Creator Booth, and to work with the team of writers behind creators like Thomas Frank.
I’ve worked with real estate agents, laser eye surgeons and even child prodigy violinists to kickstart/optimise how they write their videos, and to create a sales funnel for their businesses.
I’ve been featured in Business Insider and interviewed on Creator Science.
I’ve spent months studying dozens of retention graphs across 40+ niches and shared all my findings for free.
And while I’m still learning, I do feel confident saying that I’ve spent more time thinking about scriptwriting on YouTube than almost anyone else.
Not sure how many cool points that gets me, though.
And when I started sharing what I’d learned, I got responses like this:
Hey! 👋 I'm George :)
I went from working in a call centre in 2021 to writing scripts for Ali Abdaal, who at the time had 3m subscribers.
From over 100+ candidates, I got one of four writer positions.
The videos I wrote averaged over 1m views each.
I went on to write for creators like Mike Shake and Ed Lawrence, and I've since collaborated with industry heavyweights like Colin and Samir.
I’ve worked with real estate agents, laser eye surgeons and even child prodigy violinists to kickstart/optimise how they write their videos.
I’ve been featured in Business Insider and interviewed on Creator Science.
I spent months studying dozens of retention graphs across 50+ niches and shared all my findings for free.
And while I’m always learning, I feel confident saying that I’ve spent more time thinking about scriptwriting on YouTube than almost anyone else.
Not sure how many cool points that gets me, though.
And when I started sharing what I’d learned, I got responses like this:
Introducing: The YTSP Community
Imagine drafting the hook for your next video, and immediately being able to throw it over to a group of scriptwriting nerds who'll help you improve it.
Maybe you're not sure whether your payoffs are compelling enough, or if your packaging fits the tone of your script.
No more overthinking - Pro tier students can simply ask our amazing community.
I aim to reply to every single post, plus I'm constantly amazed by the feedback I see from other students.
It's like having a small team to help you make better decisions on every script, faster, so you don't grind to an overthink-y standstill.
We're here to make your scriptwriting journey easier than ever 🤗
Join 150+ YouTubers helping each other write better scripts 👇
Adventures Gone Wrong
55k+ Subscribers
Share any script you’re working on and we’ll help make it even better. Whether you’re struggling to nail the hook, the payoffs, or even to come up with a super clickable title, we’ll be your second pair of eyes. Here's how it feels when a bunch of YouTubers give you constructive feedback on a script…
Every month, I take the 5 most active contributors and personally review their retention graphs. I’ve reviewed hundreds of these across 40+ niches in the last 3 years, and this is an opportunity to get my perspective on your latest video.
Share the difficulties you’re facing so that we can devise solutions in real-time. There’s so much to be learned through engaging with the struggles of other creators. (Not to mention, they'll engage with yours.) Being a YouTuber can be lonely, and these calls offer a dose of ultra-positive social interaction with YouTube friends-in-the-making.
The more time you spend offering feedback to other students, the more little extras you’ll unlock as a “thank you” from me! For example, at Level 5, you’ll get a free 1-1 call with me (value: $500). At higher levels, you’ll get a personal script review (value: $695) totally free of charge, and even a 33% discount on your yearly community subscription.
At any time, you can book a free 1-1 session with me. The only caveat - the rest of the community is invited! That way everyone can benefit from our conversation, and you'll benefits from a wide range of feedback.
In previous sessions, we've discussed hook writing, niching down, leveraging expertise within scripts, and so much more.
Co-writing sessions to provide a little extra accountability. We come together for 2 hours, share what we're planning to work on... and WRITE!
At the 1hr and 2hr mark, we check in to see how everyone's getting on. These are probably my favourite regular live sessions.
New YouTubers Learning the ropes: If you're at the start of your YouTube journey, feeling overwhelmed by the idea of scriptwriting, this Playbook is your springboard. I’ll teach you the ropes of crafting engaging scripts without wasting time.
Experienced YouTubers Frustrated by scriptwriting: If you've already made a bunch of videos but you're tired of how long it takes, YTSP will help you systemise the entire process to win back your time. (Or, if you're trying to outsource your scripts, simply give your writer YTSP as a training manual!)
Teams and Businesses Using youTube as a Funnel: If YouTube is top-of-funnel for your products or services and you don't want to spend your life as a "YouTuber", YTSP shows you what to prioritise so you can write scripts faster. Or, if you want to train a writer to do it for you, give them the Playbook to bring them up to speed right away.
All you need to do is decide whether you want my full scriptwriting system, or that plus access to my supportive community of scriptwriting-focused YouTubers:
The principles in YTSP are designed to apply to as many niches as possible. We have students in a ton of niches, e.g. music tuition, health and fitness, entertainment, genealogy, NBA, business, meditation, real estate, documentary, and many more. However, there is no “fix-all” for YouTube, and some lessons may be less applicable than others.
The principles in YTSP are designed to apply to as many niches as possible. I’ve worked with both types of channel, and the course contains plenty of case studies, examples and exercises for both. Having said that, YTSP probably leans slightly towards educational creators on balance.
No. I have spent 1000s of hours writing long-form content, but I don't have the same level of experience writing short-form content (and the two skills are very different). While Pro tier students can access the recording of our guest session with YT Shorts legend Jenny Hoyos, the course itself is 100% focused on long-form content.
Yes, but it is not the focus. Module 2 spends one lesson covering ideation and packaging using the same system I use with clients and students. There’s even a small bonus video on how I edit thumbnails as a non-designer. However, these are not my areas of expertise. Many other YouTube professionals can provide more detailed tuition on ideation and packaging. I suggest not investing in YTSP if this is the area you need the most help with.
No, YTSP has no information about cameras, microphones, or anything to do with physical setup. It is designed to help you improve your scriptwriting.
In a nutshell: no. There is obviously an intersection between writing and editing a YouTube video, and certain aspects of scriptwriting (e.g. choosing which B-Roll or music the editor should use) might feel like we’re discussing editing. But these discussions are ultimately rooted in scriptwriting, not editing.
I want this to be an absolute no-brainer for you - an investment in the future of your channel that you can make without batting an eye.
So if for any reason within the first 30 days of signing up you don’t think that YTSP is for you, you can just send me an email and I’ll give you 100% of your money back, no questions asked.
Are you ready to begin your scriptwriting transformation?
I hope so - I’m super excited to get started!