Creating videos for TikTok has become a key skill for those looking to stand out on social media. In 2025, artificial intelligence simplifies this process, making it possible to write scripts in minutes. However, the quality of the content depends directly on the instructions, or “prompts,” given to the AI.
A prompt is a clear and detailed instruction used to guide artificial intelligence in generating text, such as a TikTok script. The more specific and concrete the prompt, the more aligned the result will be with what is intended.
On TikTok, where content is short and direct, precision in prompts is essential. Structure, tone, and viral elements heavily influence how a video is received.
An effective TikTok prompt starts with four basic elements: audience and objective, tone and style, script structure, and the use of hashtags and trends. Each serves a specific purpose in generating the script.
Define Audience and Objective
The audience is the group of people the video is aimed at, and the objective is the main purpose of the content. Identifying these aspects gives the AI context to tailor the script to the audience and specific goal.
Common audiences: teens, young adults, parents, professionals, hobbyists
Frequent objectives: educate, entertain, inform, sell, inspire
Choose Tone and Style
The tone determines how the video’s message is perceived. The style may vary depending on the brand or creator’s personality.
Casual: friendly language, short sentences, everyday expressions
Professional: formal language, technical vocabulary, logical structure
Humorous: jokes, wordplay, light-hearted tone
Include Script Structure
Every TikTok script can be divided into three parts that maintain interest and guide the viewer:
Hook: the first line or scene that grabs attention within the first few seconds
Body: the explanation, story, or demonstration of the main message
Call to Action: a clear invitation for the viewer to comment, share, follow, or take another action
TikTok holds users’ attention with videos that start with a hook in the first three seconds. An effective hook uses a clear question, intriguing statement, or striking visual.
3-Second Hook
Examples of opening lines include “Did you know you can edit your videos in seconds?”, “Here’s what no one tells you about studying at home,” or “Watch what happens when you mix these ingredients.”
20-Second Main Message
The main message takes about twenty seconds and is the space to develop the topic of the video. Information is presented directly, without detours, using short sentences and a logical order. The pace is steady, with no long pauses, and every sentence delivers a fact, step, or story that keeps the viewer’s attention.
5-Second Call to Action
The call to action, or CTA, usually takes up the last five seconds of the script. A CTA can be a direct question like “What do you think?” or a short instruction like “Follow for more ideas.” Common techniques include showing text on screen or using gestures pointing to the interaction button.
Express Tutorial
The express tutorial format is used to teach something step by step in a few seconds.
Prompt Template: “You are a content creator expert in [TOPIC]. Write a script for a TikTok video no longer than 30 seconds aimed at [AUDIENCE]. Clearly and concisely explain how to [ACTION/PROCESS], using [TONE] language and end with a simple call to action.”
Variables you can customize: topic, audience, action or process, tone.
Storytime with a Twist
The storytime with a twist format is based on telling a real or fictional story with an unexpected ending.
Prompt Structure: “Act as a TikTok narrator and write a 30-second script for [AUDIENCE] about a story that starts with [INITIAL SITUATION], develops a conflict related to [TOPIC], and ends with a surprising twist. Keep the language [TONE] and end with a question that invites the audience to react.”
Product Review
The product review format focuses on giving a clear opinion about a specific product.
Prompt Template: “Act as an impartial content creator. Write a 30-second TikTok script aimed at [AUDIENCE] about the product [PRODUCT]. Briefly explain what it’s for, highlight one positive aspect and one area for improvement, using [TONE] language. Finish by recommending whether it’s worth trying or not and invite users to share their experiences in the comments.”
Quick Trend Research
Trend research involves identifying popular topics, challenges, and sounds on TikTok at a given moment. Trends can be found in the “For You” section, TikTok’s search bar, and the trending tabs on other social media platforms.
The most used hashtags and recurring sounds are signs of what’s working. By incorporating trends, you can reference a viral challenge, use a trending hashtag, or adapt the format of a popular video to your niche’s context.
Lexicon and Emoji Adjustment
Lexicon adjustment means selecting words and expressions that align with the audience’s age, interests, and level of knowledge. On TikTok, the language is typically simple, direct, and friendly. Emojis help emphasize ideas and create visual communication, following patterns seen in viral videos or specific communities.
The process of writing a TikTok script with AI starts with a well-structured prompt that outlines the topic, audience, objective, tone, and video structure.
Example of Initial Prompt:
“You are a content creator specialized in digital education. Write a script for a 30-second TikTok video aimed at high school students. The goal is to explain how to organize time to study better. Use a friendly and clear tone. Include a hook in the first 3 seconds, development in 20 seconds, and finish with a call to action inviting viewers to share their own tips in the comments.”
AI-Generated Script:
Hook (0–3 seconds): Struggle to stay organized and always end up studying at the last minute?
Development (4–24 seconds): Here are three simple steps to stay on track:
One, make a short to-do list for the day.
Two, break your time into 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks.
Three, use a reminder app or planner so you don’t forget anything important.
Call to Action (25–30 seconds): Got your own study hack? Drop it in the comments and share this video with #StudyWithMe.
The final result is a ready-to-film script. The content is tailored to the audience and TikTok format, includes a clear hook, concrete steps, and an ending that encourages interaction.
Prompt Too Generic
A prompt that’s too generic gives vague or minimal instructions to the AI. When the message lacks detail, the AI produces results that are unfocused, lack personality, and don’t offer specific value to the audience.
For example, a prompt like “Make a script about food” generates content that is too broad and lacks relevance. In contrast, a clear prompt such as “Create a 30-second TikTok script about quick vegan recipes for teens, using a fun tone” guides the AI to produce precise, targeted output.
Lack of Audience Context
When a prompt doesn’t include information about the audience, the AI can’t tailor the message, tone, or approach. This often leads to content that feels irrelevant or unappealing to viewers. Including details like age, interests, and knowledge level helps the AI craft scripts aligned with the intended audience.
Transparency in AI Use
Platforms like TikTok have introduced policies that require disclosure when AI is involved in content creation. In some cases, it’s recommended to add a note in the video description or a hashtag like #AIGeneratedContent to clearly indicate that a tool was used.
Copyright and Music
Using music, images, and other visual assets in TikTok videos requires respecting copyright laws. While AI can suggest songs or visuals, the responsibility to ensure all material is royalty-free or properly licensed falls on the creator. TikTok offers a music and effects library that complies with these rules.
The first step is to identify which part of the result is off. Then, adjust one variable at a time—such as tone, audience description, or level of detail—until the output aligns with your intended vision.
Prompt templates for TikTok are often updated weekly to reflect current hashtags and trending formats. You can keep the core structure while refreshing cultural references and popular phrases.
The structure of a short-form video prompt can be used across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. However, it’s important to adjust the timing of each script section and tailor the call to action’s language to fit each platform’s specific audience behavior.