How to Write 15-, 30- and 60-Second Saudi Ad Voiceover Scripts

Quick answer

A short ad script needs one promise, not a compressed product brochure. Use 15 seconds for a hook, one benefit and one action. Use 30 seconds to add the customer problem, proof or offer. Use 60 seconds for a short story, a clearer explanation or one objection.

Do not rely on a fixed words-per-second formula for Arabic. Numbers, English names, pauses and dialect choices change the read. Write the script, time an actual delivery and leave breathing room. When it runs long, cut in this order: ceremonial introductions, adjectives, secondary details, repetition and extra calls to action.

Timing is not just word count

A compact written element such as 25% expands into several spoken Arabic words. A product name, address or date may need a deliberate pause. A calm property read occupies more space than an energetic retail offer.

Use word count only as an early planning signal. Approve timing through:

1. a human read in the intended style;
2. a generated test with the actual settings;
3. playback against the video edit.

Leave a margin. A script that breathes is clearer than one that races through the final seconds.

The core structure

1. Hook

The opening tells the viewer why to continue. It can be a recognisable problem, desired result, contrast or direct observation. It does not have to shout.

Examples translated from natural Saudi Arabic concepts:

• Not sure what to give?
• Lunch does not need a long wait.
• Your everyday fragrance has arrived.
• Your next home may be closer than you think.

2. Benefit

Move from what the product is to what it does for the customer. “Double-wall cup” becomes “coffee that stays warm to the end of the drive,” while the visual can prove the construction.

3. Proof or offer

Proof can be a visible feature, an approved customer claim, preparation time, location or a real offer. Do not invent statistics, certifications or scarcity.

4. One CTA

Choose one action: order, book, visit, swipe or use the code. Asking the viewer to follow, message, visit, save and buy weakens priority.

15-second template

Best use

A clear product, retargeting, a time-sensitive offer or a visual that already explains most of the story.

Structure

• 0–3 seconds: hook.
• 3–10 seconds: one benefit or offer.
• 10–15 seconds: brand and one action.

Template

[Hook tied to the problem or result].
[Product] gives you [one benefit].
[Essential offer or deadline]. [One CTA].

Fragrance example

Your everyday scent does not need to feel heavy. Try Nada for a clean profile that suits the workday. Order from the website.

Cafe example

Your coffee can be ready before you arrive. Order in the app and collect from the branch within minutes. Try quick pickup today.

Code-led version

Save twenty per cent on your first order. Use code “Hala Twenty” at checkout. The offer ends Thursday.

30-second template

Best use

When the customer needs to understand a problem, benefit and proof before acting. It suits product demos, local services, restaurants and ecommerce offers.

Structure

• 0–4 seconds: hook.
• 4–12 seconds: customer context or problem.
• 12–22 seconds: solution, benefit and visible proof.
• 22–30 seconds: offer and CTA.

Template

[Hook].
If you [customer situation], you probably face [problem].
[Product or service] helps through [clear benefit], supported by [visible or practical proof].
[Specific offer]. [One action].

Skincare store example

Your routine does not need ten steps. The Safa set brings cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen into three clear stages. Each item is labelled by time of use, with delivery across Saudi Arabia. Order from the site and use “Safa Ten” this week.

Property example

Need to live close to work without losing space? Riwaq apartments offer two bedrooms, a living room and private parking, minutes from the main road. Book a viewing from the link and see the available unit.

Slow down around location, dimensions and price. Cut adjectives before factual details.

60-second template

Best use

A new service, short customer story, several pieces of proof or one important objection. The extra time is not permission to list everything.

Structure

• 0–6 seconds: hook and promise.
• 6–18 seconds: problem or scene.
• 18–38 seconds: solution and how it works.
• 38–50 seconds: evidence or decisive detail.
• 50–60 seconds: offer and CTA.

Template

[Hook and promise].
[Describe the problem in the customer’s language].
With [product or service], you can [result] through [two or three steps].
[Only the evidence or detail needed for the decision].
[Answer one objection if necessary].
[Offer]. [One CTA].

Corporate workflow example

Every time your team needs a new introduction for an internal presentation, time is lost between copy, recording and revisions. A structured voiceover workflow lets you write a short approved script, lock names and numbers, choose a consistent delivery and save a repeatable direction. The result is clearer training and faster presentation updates. Start with one low-risk module and compare it with your current recording process before expanding.

Seasonal restaurant example

If your group is meeting this weekend, the Jalsa box combines three mains, starters and sauces designed for sharing. Choose chicken or beef and select collection time in the app. Items and price appear before confirmation, and the offer runs from Thursday to Saturday. Order early and choose the time that suits the group.

A one-page planning sheet

Element	Your answer
Audience	who is listening?
Placement	Snapchat, TikTok, Reels, Shorts, in-store screen?
Duration	15, 30 or 60 seconds?
One promise	what is the main result?
Visual proof	what can viewers see?
Offer	price, code, deadline or no offer?
CTA	one action only
Risky words	names, numbers, codes, places
Tone	warm, energetic, confident, formal?
Cut plan	what goes first if timing runs long?

Cut a long script without damaging it

Do not immediately increase voice speed. Cut in this order:

1. Remove “we are pleased to announce” and similar introductions.
2. Remove repeated adjectives such as premium, exceptional and unique.
3. Merge sentences that repeat the same benefit.
4. Keep the single strongest proof.
5. Remove the secondary CTA.
6. Move supporting detail into on-screen text.
7. If two main ideas remain, split the asset or change the duration.

A long formal line about “a special and distinguished limited-time offer across our full range” can become:

Twenty per cent off speciality coffee until Saturday.

The commercial meaning becomes stronger, not weaker.

Time the script with the visual

Plan by shot:

Time	Visual	Voiceover job
0–3	problem or desired result	hook
3–8	product in use	benefit
8–12	price or offer card	spoken offer
12–15	brand and button	CTA

Do not narrate every object on screen. If the visual shows colour, use the voice to explain benefit or action. Image and audio should divide the work.

Pronunciation is part of writing

Before generation, convert symbols into intended speech. Decide:

• whether a price includes halalas;
• whether a code is a word, letters or digits;
• whether the date is Gregorian or Hijri;
• whether an English brand follows global or locally established pronunciation;
• whether a number is a phone number, quantity or model.

Use the guide to Arabic pronunciation for prices and codes. One error consumes a large proportion of a 15-second message.

Test two purposeful versions

Build one controlled difference:

• Version A opens with a problem.
• Version B opens with the result.

Or:

• Version A uses a calm delivery.
• Version B uses an energetic delivery.

Do not change hook, voice, pace, offer and CTA at once. You will not know what caused the result. The voice, tone and speed guide describes a compact 3x2 audition.

Using the templates with Hala Voice

Copy the relevant framework, replace the brackets and convert every number and name into spoken Arabic. Hala Voice is designed to show the visible-character count, estimated duration and exact credit cost before creation, then let the user select available voice settings, listen and download the MP3.

Treat the duration as an estimate. Play the output with the edit and revise copy or pauses. The approved failure flow returns reserved credits automatically if generation does not complete.

Approval checklist

• The opening is understandable without a ceremonial introduction.
• The ad has one main promise.
• Proof and offers are real and approved.
• There is one CTA.
• Names, prices and codes use intended spoken forms.
• Timing was tested with an actual read.
• The voice does not rush the final sentence.
• Important details align with the visual.
• On-screen copy does not contradict the audio.
• A responsible owner verified claim, price and deadline.

Related reading

These guides extend the decision across scripting, pronunciation, dialect and production:

• How to Turn an Arabic Script into a Saudi Voiceover
• Voiceover Scripts for Salla and Zid Product Videos
• Voiceover for Saudi Snapchat, TikTok, Reels and Shorts Ads
• Arabic Voiceover Pronunciation: Brands, Prices, Dates and Codes

Frequently asked questions

How many words fit in a 30-second voiceover?

There is no reliable universal number for Arabic. Use a planning range, then time a real delivery. Expanded numbers, English terms, pauses and tone change duration.

How do you write a 15-second ad?

Use one hook, one benefit and one action. Let the visual carry secondary detail and remove formal introductions.

What is the structure of a commercial script?

Hook, benefit, proof or offer, and CTA. A longer script can add customer context, a short story or one objection.

How do I time a voiceover script?

Read it in the intended style, generate a test with the real settings and play it against the video. Leave a small margin rather than filling every frame.

Should I write the script before filming?

Develop the script and shot plan together. The visual should prove or show what the audio does not need to repeat.

Can faster delivery fix an overlong script?

Usually not. Speed reduces clarity, especially around prices and calls to action. Cut the copy first and use pace as a creative choice, not an emergency repair.

Next step

Choose one duration, complete the planning sheet and write two versions with different hooks. Then review how Hala Voice works and time the generated test with your video before launch.