Podcast Script Template
This podcast script template gives you a ready-made run of show for a 30-minute episode, with ten timed segments and fill-in prompts. Paste it into Script Timer and you'll know your episode length before you hit record.
30-minute episode, 10 segments
How to use this template
- Copy the template into the Script Timer editor, or download it and fill it in wherever you write.
- Replace every bracketed prompt with your own words, and delete the brackets as you go.
- Write the cold open last. It's easier to pick your best line once the rest of the episode exists.
- Check the timer against each segment's suggested length and trim any section that runs long.
- Read the whole thing out loud once at your natural pace, then record with the script in front of you.
Once it's written, time your script to see if each segment fits.
Solo show version
Solo episodes live or die on structure, because there's nobody else in the room to keep the energy up. Use the template as written with a few tweaks.
- Turn Segment 1 and Segment 2 into two clear teaching points, each with its own story.
- Script your transitions word for word so you never stall between segments.
- Use the listener question slot to bring a second voice into the episode.
Interview show version
In an interview episode, your script is the frame and your guest fills it. Write the open, the questions and the close, and leave room to follow the conversation.
- Swap the Segment 1 and Segment 2 prompts for three to five questions each, ordered from easy to deep.
- Script a 30-second guest intro that tells listeners why this person is worth their time.
- Write the recap after the interview so you can pull out your guest's best lines.
How long should a podcast script be?
At about 150 words per minute spoken, a 30-minute solo episode fully scripted is about 4,500 words. A 15-minute episode is about 2,250 words, and an hour is about 9,000. Many hosts script the open, transitions, ad reads and close and talk from notes in between, which cuts the written script down to a fraction of that.
Podcast script FAQ
How do you write a podcast script?
Start with a run of show that splits the episode into timed segments, then write the open, transitions and close word for word. Fill the middle with your main points and the stories that prove them. Read it aloud with a timer so you know the real length before you record.
Do podcasters use scripts?
Most do, at least in part. Many hosts fully script the cold open, intro, ad reads and outro and work from bullet notes for the conversation. Solo and narrative shows tend to script more because there's no guest to carry the middle.
How long is a podcast script for 30 minutes?
A fully scripted 30-minute episode runs about 4,500 words at a natural 150 words per minute. If you talk fast, around 170 words per minute, you'll need closer to 5,100 words. Paste your draft into Script Timer to see the read time at your own pace.
Is this podcast script template free?
Yes. Copy it, rewrite it and use it for every episode you make. It's yours to keep.
Hear your episode before your listeners do
Paste your script into Script Timer to time it, grade the delivery and hear it in 100+ AI voices.