JL Recording Studios: Word Count | Commercial Script Timing

How to calculate word count for timing a 15, 30 and 60-second TV or Radio Commercial.

Use this guide to help convert word count to the time it will take to read the length of your script when recording a 15, 30 and 60-second TV or Radio Commercial.

Knowing how to Time The Script before the studio's voice-over recording session will save you time and your advertising budget money. It's discouraging to find out your well written ad copy is far too long to fit within the recording time and you're forced to edit your script on the spot.

Time out your commercial scripts so the words read 2 to 3 seconds shy of your final recording time.

For example, if you are recording a 30 second spot, it's a good idea to aim your scripts length to read in the 25-29 second range. This will give your voice acting talent plenty of room if they need to emphasize words.

An acceptable pace for Video script writing is approximately 3 Words per second.