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Reels script template: a storyboard that sells

A Reels script that sells has four blocks: a hook in the first 3 seconds, the customer's problem or desire, the product solving it on screen, and a call to action. In 15 to 30 seconds, with one short line per scene, a whole offer fits.

By Felipe Santos, founder of Fabapp
Written on November 5, 2026

Below are the blank template, a 15 and a 30 second storyboard, three filled-in examples, and the on-screen text rules that sink the most small business videos.

The four-block template

Block Question it answers Example
1. Hook why do I stop scrolling? "Sold out of cupcakes by 3 pm again?"
2. Problem or desire is this about me? "Saturdays the line doubles and they're gone"
3. Solution on screen what are you offering? the product, the price, how to order
4. Call to action what do I do now? "Pre-order on WhatsApp by Friday"

The hook is the block that decides everything. Three formats that work:

  • a question the customer silently answers "yes" to;
  • a concrete number, like the price or the deadline;
  • a contrast, like before and after, or "no line, no phone call".

15 second storyboard

For promotions, the weekly offer and reminders. Four scenes:

Scene Time On screen Text Sound
1 0 to 3 s the product in close-up, coming in fast the hook, in big type impact on the cut
2 3 to 7 s the problem or the desire one line music comes in
3 7 to 12 s the product with the price name and price cash register on the price
4 12 to 15 s logo and contact the call to action, one action only ends on the beat

30 second storyboard

For a launch, a new service or an app. Six scenes:

Scene Time On screen Text
1 0 to 3 s an image that stops the thumb the hook
2 3 to 8 s the problem one line
3 8 to 14 s the product or the app in use the main benefit
4 14 to 20 s a second benefit or detail one line
5 20 to 25 s proof: a real review, a real number, a before and after the proof
6 25 to 30 s logo, offer and contact the call to action

Use only true proof. A made-up review or number in an ad can be treated as false advertising, and customers who know the business notice.

Three ready examples

Bakery, 15 s.

  1. "Sold out of cupcakes again?"
  2. "On Saturdays they're gone by 3 pm."
  3. "Pre-order yours: 3 for $12."
  4. "Order on WhatsApp by Friday."

Hair salon, 30 s.

  1. "Book without calling? Now you can."
  2. "No more waiting for a reply."
  3. "Pick the service, the stylist and the time."
  4. "Instant confirmation, a reminder on the day."
  5. "Over 200 appointments booked in the first month." (only if it's your real number)
  6. "Book from the link in bio."

Delivery app, 20 s. See the app promo video guide, which uses this same structure with the timing for each part.

On-screen text rules

  • one line per scene, up to seven words;
  • time to read: if you can't read the line aloud twice before the scene ends, cut words;
  • big type with contrast: light text on a dark background, or the other way round;
  • away from the edges: the top and bottom of a Reel are covered by the interface. The guide to social media video sizes shows where the safe area is;
  • the video works without sound: the message is in the text; the sound sets the pace.

From script to video with AI

The script is also the best request you can give an AI tool, because it states the goal, the offer and the order. The logic is the same as in how to write an app prompt: the clearer you are about what you want, the fewer rounds of changes.

In Fabapp Motion, Fabapp's video tool, you write the request in one sentence, such as "Saturday cupcake deal, 3 for $12, order on WhatsApp by Friday", and it builds the scenes with animated text, a background, music and a sound effect at each moment that calls for attention. Names and prices come from your records or your site, checked by you. Then you compare the result with the storyboard above and ask for changes in the chat: "the hook needs to be bigger", "keep the price scene on screen longer". Each request changes only what you asked for. See what Fabapp Motion makes and plans and pricing.

For the step by step inside the Studio, see the guide Your first video in Motion.

If the video's call to action is "order on WhatsApp", the order has to arrive organized on your side. The WhatsApp order catalog guide shows how to set that up.

The short version

  • four blocks: hook, problem, solution on screen and call to action;
  • 15 seconds for an offer, 30 for a launch or a new service;
  • one short line per scene, with time to read it;
  • proof only if it's true;
  • the script is also the best request for an AI tool.

Frequently asked questions

How do I write a Reels script?
Split the video into four blocks. A hook in the first 3 seconds, the problem or desire, the solution shown on screen, and a call to action. Write one short line per scene and note how long each one stays on screen.
How long should a sales Reel be?
15 to 30 seconds is enough for an offer. Anything longer needs a story, like a before and after or a behind the scenes.
How many words fit in each scene?
Not many. One line of up to seven words per scene is a good rule. If you can't read it aloud twice before the scene ends, cut words or give the scene more time.
What is a Reels storyboard?
It's the script laid out as a table, scene by scene. Each row says what's on screen, the on-screen text, the sound and how long it lasts. It's for whoever builds the video, whether that's a person or an AI tool.
Can AI write the script for me?
Yes. In Fabapp Motion, you write the request in one sentence and it builds the scenes, the text, the sound on each cut and the music. The template below helps you write that request and check what comes out.
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