Script Builder (Alternative Workflow)
Recommended Approach
For most users, we recommend the Canvas - our chat-based, flexible approach that gives you more control over your scripts. However, if you prefer a more structured, step-by-step process, the Script Builder is still available and fully supported. Learn about the Canvas.
The Script Builder provides a structured, step-by-step workflow for creating scripts. Each step guides you through a specific part of the process, from research to final export.
The Script Builder Workflow
The Script Builder walks you through these steps in order:
1. Research
Start by adding research materials. You can upload PDFs, Word docs, or paste text; include YouTube video transcripts; pull content from web articles; or include items from your channel's starred research library. Research provides the factual foundation for your script. The more relevant context you provide, the better your script will be.
2. Frame
Select your video's framework - the angle and approach for your content. Choose a narrative framework that fits your topic, define your specific angle on the subject, and set goals for what viewers should learn or feel. The framework guides how your content will be structured and presented.
3. Title
Choose your video title by reviewing AI-generated suggestions based on your research and framing. Select the title that best captures your video's value, or write your own custom title. A strong title should promise clear value and create curiosity.
4. Thumbnail
Select your thumbnail concept by reviewing suggested approaches. Choose elements that complement your title and consider what will stand out in search results. Thumbnail and title work together - they should tell a cohesive story about what viewers will get.
5. Hook
Craft your opening hook by reviewing suggested approaches. Choose or customize the hook that grabs attention, and ensure it delivers on your title's promise quickly. Your hook must immediately engage viewers and give them a reason to keep watching.
6. Payoffs
Select the key information payoffs by choosing the main points your video will deliver. Prioritize the information viewers care about most, and ensure payoffs match what your title and hook promised. Payoffs are the value you're delivering - the reasons viewers clicked in the first place.
7. Draft
Generate your full script. The AI writes each section based on your research, framing, and payoffs. Review each section's plan and generated content, and regenerate individual sections if needed. The script uses your channel's voice profile throughout.
Section-by-Section Control
You can regenerate individual sections without affecting the rest of your script. If one section doesn't feel right, just regenerate that part.
8. Edit
Review and refine your script by using AI-suggested edits to improve flow and engagement. Make manual adjustments as needed, and ensure the script sounds like you when read aloud.
9. Export
Prepare your script for production by copying to clipboard, downloading as a document, or exporting research notes separately if needed.
10. Publish
Generate publishing materials including tags for YouTube, video descriptions, and finalized metadata for upload.
Navigating the Builder
Moving Between Steps
Use the Continue button to move to the next step, or click any completed step in the sidebar to return to it. You can go back and change earlier decisions, but later steps may need regeneration.
Saving Progress
Your progress is automatically saved. You can leave and return at any time, work on multiple scripts simultaneously, and access incomplete scripts from your channel's scripts list.
Research in Script Builder
Adding Research
Click the Research tab to access your research panel:
- Add Document - Upload files (PDF, Word, text, images up to 10MB)
- Add Link - Extract content from URLs
- Add Video - Include YouTube transcripts
- Add Starred - Pull from your channel's saved research
Research Word Limits
Your research capacity depends on the level selected:
| Level | Word Limit |
|---|---|
| Basic | 5,000 words |
| Intermediate | 15,000 words |
| Comprehensive | 45,000 words |
| Exhaustive | 90,000 words |
Starring Research
Star important items to save them to your channel's collection. Starred research persists across all scripts, automatically appears in new script research panels, and builds a knowledge base over time.
Tips for Script Builder Success
Take Each Step Seriously
Don't rush through early steps. Your research, framing, and title decisions shape everything that follows.
Review Before Moving On
Check each step's output before continuing. It's easier to adjust early than to fix problems in the final script.
Use Section-Level Regeneration
If part of your draft doesn't work, regenerate just that section. You don't need to start over.
Read Your Script Aloud
Before exporting, read the script out loud. This catches awkward phrasing and pacing issues.
Next Steps
Prefer a more flexible approach? See how the Canvas works. Or learn about Writing & Editing Tools for refining your content, and explore Research & Sources to build your knowledge base.