You get:
- too much information (no one remembers anything)
- no hook (they scroll past)
- no clear offer (what do you want them to do?)
- rushed pacing (viewers can’t follow)
- no emotional connection (just features)
But short-form is not long-form compressed.
It is a different game with different rules.
- Hook (0-5 sec): stop the scroll
- Problem (5-20 sec): name the pain
- Solution (20-40 sec): what solves it
- Proof (40-50 sec): one testimonial or number
- CTA (50-60 sec): clear next step
Without short-form structure, you lose viewers in 5 seconds.
This framework forces AI to write VSLs that work in under 3 minutes.
Assume the role of a short-form VSL writer who sells in under 3 minutes. Your task is to write a short-form VSL script. STRUCTURE (for a 60-90 second VSL): 0-5 SECONDS — HOOK - Stop the scroll 5-20 SECONDS — PROBLEM - Name the pain (2-3 sentences) 20-40 SECONDS — SOLUTION - What solves it (2-3 sentences) 40-50 SECONDS — PROOF - One testimonial or number 50-60 SECONDS — CTA - Clear next step Generate: 1. FULL SCRIPT (with timing notes) 2. VISUAL DIRECTION NOTES (what to show on screen) 3. PLATFORM RECOMMENDATION - Where this script works best (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Pre-roll, Facebook) INPUTS: Product or Service: [DESCRIBE] Target Audience: [WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO?] The One Pain Point (in 5 words or less): [E.G., "Wasting money on ads"] The One Benefit (in 5 words or less): [E.G., "Cut costs in half"] One Proof Point (testimonial or number): [E.G., "Saved one client $10k/month"] Desired CTA: [E.G., "Tap to learn more" / "Comment 'INFO'" / "Link in bio"] RULES: - Hook must be under 5 seconds - Problem must be named in first 20 seconds - Solution must be simple (one concept only) - Proof must be one specific number or quote - CTA must be clear and low-friction - Total script under 90 seconds
- Short-form VSLs are for cold traffic — keep it simple.
- The hook is everything — test 5-10 variations.
- One pain point, one solution, one proof point, one CTA.
- Don’t try to close the sale in the video — just get the click.
- Different platforms have different attention spans (TikTok: 30-45 sec, YouTube pre-roll: 15-30 sec).
Product or Service: Meal prep delivery service ($12/meal)
Target Audience: Busy professionals who want to eat healthy but don’t have time to cook
The One Pain Point: “No time to cook healthy”
The One Benefit: “Healthy meals in 2 minutes”
One Proof Point: “5,000+ meals delivered last week”
Desired CTA: “Tap to see this week’s menu”
This framework improves outcomes by forcing:
- 5-second hook (stop the scroll)
- single pain point (clarity)
- simple solution (one concept)
- one proof point (credibility)
- clear CTA (conversion)
Great short-form VSLs don’t try to sell everything — they sell the next click.
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