Using Templates

Templates define the structure and pacing of your scripts. Choosing the right template - or creating your own - helps ensure your content flows well and matches viewer expectations.

Built-in Templates#

Subscribr includes several templates optimized for different video types. Each template provides a structure that helps your AI scripts match the style and flow appropriate for that content type.

Flexible#

Maximum flexibility with minimal constraints. Prioritizes your feedback and style over structural rules. Ideal for experienced creators or unconventional video structures.

Educational#

WHY-WHAT-HOW framework designed for maximum retention. Use this for tutorials, how-tos, skill-building content, and step-by-step guides.

Documentary#

Three-act narrative structure for true stories, investigations, and transformation narratives. Builds tension through scenes with a cold open, rising complications, and a resolution. Perfect for investigative content, deep dives, and historical stories.

Explainer#

Making complex topics simple and entertaining. Focuses on clear explanations and analogies. Great for breaking down technical subjects or abstract concepts.

Commentary#

Personality-driven analysis and reactions using an OBSERVATION-INSIGHT-EVIDENCE framework. Ideal for opinion pieces, reactions, and analysis videos.

Review#

CONTEXT-FINDING-VERDICT framework for helping viewers make decisions. Use for product reviews, service comparisons, and buying guides.

Compilation#

Curated compilations with value-adding commentary. Perfect for top 10s, themed collections, and pattern revelation content.

Fictional Story#

Three-act structure with character development for fictional narratives. Use when creating stories that hook emotionally and maintain tension.

VSL (Video Sales Letter)#

Direct-response copywriting structure using problem-agitation-solution framework. For video sales letters, webinar scripts, and persuasive promotional content.

Listicle#

Built for numbered list videos. Structures each item with its own mini-arc and handles pacing, transitions, and sequencing for retention. Works for any list length from 3 to 10+ items.

Essay#

Thesis-driven structure for opinion and analysis videos. Builds your argument around a single clear, arguable claim with supporting evidence and a counterargument section. Great for deep takes and editorial content.

News#

Inverted-pyramid reporting for breaking and developing stories. Leads with the most critical facts first, then layers in context, analysis, and what comes next. Use when speed and clarity matter.

Experiment#

Question-first structure for "what happens if..." videos where the outcome is genuinely unknown. Documents the process, parameters, and data reveal. Different from Challenge — the focus is discovery, not a goal.

Challenge#

Goal-first structure for "can I do X in Y?" videos. Opens with a clear goal, explicit rules, and stakes, then builds through obstacles to an outcome reveal. Use when there's a defined success or failure.

Shorts Templates#

Subscribr also includes specialized templates for short-form content:

• Shorts: Educational - Quick tutorials and actionable tips
• Shorts: Review - Concise product evaluations
• Shorts: Story - Emotional hooks and tension building
• Shorts: Viral - Optimized for engagement and sharing
• Shorts: Ad - Promotional content with clear calls-to-action

Creating Custom Templates#

You can create custom templates by cloning successful videos. This captures their structure and pacing so you can apply it to your own topics.

How to Clone a Video as Template#

Find a video with a structure you like (yours or someone else's), then analyze it in Chat or add it to your research. Use the "Clone as Template" feature, which captures the section breakdown, pacing and timing, structural flow, and transition patterns.

Combining Multiple Videos#

You can clone multiple videos to create a template that combines the best elements from each. Select 2-3 videos with elements you want, clone them together, and the AI synthesizes a template from all sources. Fine-tune the result as needed.

Choosing the Right Template#

Consider these factors when selecting a template:

Match Your Content Type#

Different content naturally fits different structures:

Consider Your Audience#

New audiences may need more Educational structure, while engaged audiences can handle Documentary complexity. Commentary and Fictional Story templates work well when building a personal brand.

Think About Length#

Shorter videos often work best with Flexible or Review templates, while longer videos benefit from Documentary or Educational structure. For short-form content under 60 seconds, use one of the dedicated Shorts templates.

Next Steps#

Learn how the Canvas works for the full script creation workflow, or explore writing & editing scripts for refinement tips.